Sauna Booking Application
Effortless booking and the use of rewards motivate users
Project Overview
Designed a mobile-first, responsive sauna booking app featuring a smooth reservation flow and a gamified rewards system to encourage repeat bookings.
I focused on three key areas:
- Identified and proposed essential features like rescheduling and login to improve usability.
- Recommended moving the rewards system to the home page for greater visibility and user motivation.
- Collaborated closely with the client throughout the design process to ensure responsiveness across devices.
The client gave positive feedback on the improved user flow, and the project received a 5/5 rating for quality, communication, and collaboration on the freelancing platform.
- Timeline
- 1 person-month
- Role
- UX/UI Design, Graphic Design, UX Research
- Tool
- Figma, Illustrator
- Client
- Moncho-KG
- Team
- Engineer 1x, Product designer (myself)
- Impacts
- I designed a responsive sauna booking app, earning a 5/5 rating for quality, communication, and collaboration on the freelancing platform.
The Situation
The Product
The client wanted to create a Russian sauna booking web application that allows users to easily book a sauna via mobile, desktop, or tablet—anytime, anywhere. The app eliminates manual processes like phone calls and payments, enabling users to reserve sessions effortlessly in one place.
Problem
In a typical sauna booking process, users need to call the studio to check availability, have a conversation, and make a manual payment. If they want to reschedule, they must call again, making the process inconvenient and time-consuming.
Goal
- Eliminate the need for phone calls, manual availability checks, and payments by integrating everything into a single app.
- Provide a simple and seamless booking experience.
- Enhance user motivation through a reward system that encourages repeat visits.
Solutions
I developed a solution for the sauna booking application that includes a seamless and straightforward booking system, a reward system to motivate users, and attractive branding that aligns with user needs and enhances the overall experience.
Design Process
I followed a process based on design thinking.
Research
Client Interview
I interviewed the client about the application they want to create. Their requirements are:
- An indoor Russian sauna booking application.
- Users should be able to make group reservations, including for indoor dining rooms or gaming/relaxation areas.
- A reward system that motivates users to visit repeatedly.
Persona
I created a persona based on the application the client wants to make, as well as research on Russian origin and sauna users.
Russian saunas tend to offer a more communal experience, often being livelier and more social than Finnish saunas. It’s common for groups of friends or families to visit the Russian sauna together.
Therefore, I realized that Russian sauna users often go to the sauna with friends and family. I want to incorporate these warm and lively vibes into the design.
Competitive Audit
I researched three sauna booking platforms to understand which UX/UI features make it easier for users to book and motivate them to visit more frequently.
| Service | Feature | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClassPass | It offers a subscription model where users purchase credits to redeem for various fitness and wellness services, including saunas, at participating locations. | Users can explore different activities and make reservations on a single platform. | Users need to buy credits a month in advance, which could lead to unused credits. |
| Airbnb | A platform connecting hosts offering accommodations and experiences with travelers seeking unique lodging and activities worldwide. | Simplifies the booking process, allowing reservations for multiple people. | Inconsistent listing quality can lead to varying guest experiences. |
| Local sauna booking system | A platform providing detailed information on sauna types, locations, and services. | Specialized expertise on saunas, with features like reward systems to encourage repeat visits. | May have a smaller user base compared to larger platforms, which could impact availability and pricing competitiveness. |
Ideation
I create user flows to visualize how users interact with the app and ensure no specifications are missing while consulting with the client.
Through this process, I noticed the specifications lacked details on rescheduling and login. By refining the user flow, I was able to align specifications with the client and fill any gaps.
I also realized that allowing users to view sauna slots without logging in could increase bookings. The client agreed, and I was able to design a more effective flow.
Design
Wireframe Review Presentation
I created a presentation and provided an opportunity to discuss and review it with the client. During this session, I noticed differences in perception between the client and me regarding the onboarding page. It was a valuable session because I was able to identify the points that needed to be changed early on, and ensure that the client and I were on the same page.
Hi-Fidelity Designs
I created a Hi-Fi design based on the digital wireframe.
Onboarding Page
I designed the onboarding page to highlight the application's key features. I also added a skip button for users who want to quickly schedule.
Log In Page
I designed the login page with a progress bar to encourage users to complete the login process.
Booking Page
Users can easily see available slots at a glance. They can also browse for open slots by tapping the arrow or tab.
On the laptop version, I adjusted the slot layout to a two-column format for better readability.
Booking Confirmation Page
Users can confirm the date and time of the slot they want to book and add people who will join them in the sauna.
Home Page
Users can see their upcoming sauna bookings and a rewards graph that motivates them to visit the sauna again.
QR Code Page
When users tap the floating action button on the homepage, a QR code will appear for entry into the sauna facility.
Dark Mode
I created pages for both light and dark modes. Regardless of whether users choose light mode or dark mode, I designed the color scheme to provide a consistent experience.
Hi-Fidelity Prototype
I created a Hi-Fi design based on the digital wireframe.
Branding
Creating Visual Identity
I developed visual identity ideas for the sauna application, including the logo, typography, and color scheme. I created two concepts and consulted with the client. The client preferred a mix of Concept 1 and Concept 2, as the app needed the warmth of Concept 1 and the modern feel of Concept 2 for a Russian sauna application. As a result, I created a new Concept 3 and finalized the design.
I confirmed the client's vision for the logo, including whether they preferred a symbol or letter-based design. Since the client liked a symbol logo, I chose that direction and incorporated elements of steam, a human figure, and a sauna bucket into the design.
Creating a UI Kit
I created a UI kit for the sauna booking application. Since the app is planned to be implemented using the shadCN UI component library, I researched the library and designed the UI kit to match its standards while aligning with the brand identity of the sauna booking application.
Going Forward
Takeaways
Impact
I completed the design of a responsive sauna booking app through three consultations to align the system with the client's needs, earning a 5/5 performance rating for quality, communication, and cooperation on the freelancing platform.
What I learned
- I learned how to create a brand identity and present it effectively to clients. By creating two pattern brand identities, I was able to smoothly reach a consensus with my client.
- I learned that aligning our goals is important. By making opportunities to communicate with the client, we were able to stay on the same page.