Redesign focused on better user experience

I conducted an in-depth analysis of competitor websites in both the extended stay and traditional hotel space, focusing on booking flow, information architecture, and visual presentation. Key competitors analyzed included:

• Residence Inn by Marriott
• Home2 Suites by Hilton
• AirBnB (for longer stays)

Key findings revealed opportunities to highlight Extended Stay America’s unique value propositions more effectively, particularly their kitchen amenities, weekly rate discounts, and pet-friendly policies.

User Research

We conducted user interviews with 12 frequent extended-stay guests and analyzed existing user data to understand pain points:

• Business travelers expressed frustration with finding information about workspace amenities
• Families needed clearer information about room configurations
• Returning guests wanted a faster booking experience
• Mobile users experienced significant friction during the checkout process

Information Architecture

I restructured the site information to create a more intuitive flow:

• Simplified main navigation from 8 categories to 5 core sections
• Created a logical hierarchy that prioritized booking and location information
• Developed user flows that reduced steps to reservation by 40%

Wireframing

I created low-fidelity wireframes focusing on:

• Streamlined booking process reducing steps from 7 to 4
• Clear presentation of room options with prominent feature comparisons
• Intuitive property search with map integration
• Enhanced property detail pages highlighting extended-stay benefits

Visual Design

The visual redesign focused on:

• Clean, modern aesthetic with ample white space
• Consistent application of brand colors and typography
• High-quality photography showcasing room features important to extended-stay guests
• Card-based design for easy scanning of property options
• Prominent calls-to-action with visual hierarchy guiding users through the booking process

Prototyping

I developed interactive prototypes for key user flows:

• Property search and filtering
• Room selection and comparison
• Booking and reservation process
• Account management for returning guests

Usability Testing

I conducted moderated usability testing with 8 participants across different user segments, focusing on key tasks:

• Finding a property in a specific location with required amenities
• Comparing room options and understanding differences
• Completing a booking for a 2-week stay
• Modifying an existing reservation

Key Findings & Iterations

Based on testing feedback, I implemented several iterations:

• Redesigned the property filtering system for more intuitive operation
• Enhanced the room comparison feature to better highlight extended-stay amenities
• Simplified the checkout form, reducing fields by 30%
• Added progress indicators to the booking flow
• Implemented clearer error messaging on form validation

Development Collaboration

I worked closely with the development team to ensure design integrity:

• Created detailed UI specifications and component documentation
• Established a design system for consistent implementation
• Participated in regular code reviews to maintain design quality
• Provided responsive design specifications for all breakpoints

Reflection & Learnings

This project reinforced the importance of understanding the unique needs of extended-stay guests versus traditional hotel visitors. The most valuable insights came from:

• Recognizing that extended-stay guests evaluate properties differently, with greater emphasis on amenities like kitchens and workspace
• Understanding that rate structures and discounts are more complex and require clearer presentation for longer stays
• Appreciating that returning guests constitute a higher percentage of users compared to traditional hotels, making account management more important

Next Steps

If I were to continue evolving this design, I would:

• Develop a more personalized experience for returning guests
• Further refine the mobile booking experience
• Explore integration of virtual tours for room viewing
• Enhance location-based content to highlight neighborhood amenities important for extended stays