1. Problem
The software was languishing in outdated Siverlight technology, so it was time to move to HTML5. Because the software complex and very dense, responsive views weren’t previously considered.
All other HomeAway AA products are HTML5, but the teams kept the underlining backbone UI and instead, and continually added features with a new UI. The end result was a mashup of old and new.
2. Plan
Due to time and priority constraints, the requirements only focused on visual design:
- Move from Silverlight to HTLM5.
- Maintain existing behaviors, and layouts except where a change is required to support HTML5.
- Design a curated responsive mobile view with a real time calendar, ability to easily view and access upcoming reservations, searching for reservations, and one-touch access to contact guests.
3. Audit
After numerous sessions with the RezO sales and support teams, I had a better understanding of the product and the pain points. I did a massive content audit of the current software, mapping all the information architect that showed all dropdown, forms, and the overall site map.
4. Design: before & after
The new visuals included uncluttered layouts, more logical icons, and a modern UI. Since the dev team was offsite in Ukraine, I created an easy style guide for reference. I also designed a vision for a future dashboard that would match the responsive mobile version.
5. Mobile responsive
Due to the complicity the software, it was impossible to have every feature 1:1 on smaller screen sizes. However, accessing it from any mobile device was crucial for innkeepers and their day-to-day task. With the requirements listed above, I wired and designed a curated, but powerful version for the mobile screen.
