• CoTripper

Upgrading CoTripper

CoTripper is a parenting platform for single mothers, founded by Krystin Hargrove, a New York-based single mom. Inspired by her journey, CoTripper seeks to create an authentic and supportive community where single moms can connect, find helpful resources, meet, and travel together. CoTripper tasked me with redesigning its platform to improve its usability and engagement.

View Prototype
Services provided:
  • UX Research
  • UX/UI Design
  • Product Design (Mobile & Desktop)
  • Branding

Pre-redesign

Cotripper's original website primarily consisted of blog-style articles, thematically spread across four of six menu bar tabs. 
The site lacked ways for users to sign up for membership, engage with other users, book a trip or shop on the platform (the shop wasn't operational).


The brief

The client asked me to focus on three main objectives: identifying development opportunities to grow its subscriber base; transforming CoTripper into a vibrant single-mom community, and delivering value to users while driving stronger audience reach.

To achieve these objectives, I employed a user-centered design approach.

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My process began with comprehensive UX research:

  • developing a detailed research plan;
  • running direct and indirect competitor analyses;
  • conducting a screener survey and user interviews of the client's target audience;
  • synthesizing research results through affinity mapping.

 

This research uncovered detailed personas and scenarios; these helped me map out customer journeys and user stories that accurately reflected our target user's experiences and needs.
Informed by my research insights, I moved on to design and testing: I created prototypes and conducted user testing, refining the prototypes based on feedback. 

Presenting UX recommendations and low-fidelity wireframes to the client was a crucial step in aligning the desktop and mobile redesign with CoTripper’s objectives, while rounds of prototyping and testing refined the product UI and UX.

One of the client's primary objectives was to grow CoTripper’s subscriber base from 400 to 10,000. To achieve this, I focused on enhancing the platform’s functionality and user experience. 

I restructured the site’s navigation and information architecture to make it more intuitive, with fewer menu tabs and nested, thematically organized categories, enabling users to find what they need quickly and easily. 

I created a home page that prominently showcases CoTripper’s mission, benefits, and unique offerings, to increase its appeal with potential subscribers. 

I simplified the sign-up process, to make it easier for single moms to join online while ensuring their privacy is protected.

I designed user-friendly travel pages where moms can explore and book exclusive trips.

To turn the platform into a valuable resource for single moms, I expanded the number of article categories to cover a wider array of topics relevant to our target users (based on user research).

Article detail pages

Transforming CoTripper into a vibrant single-mom community was a key client objective. To achieve this, I introduced several enhancements aimed at fostering a strong sense of community. I designed a secure, private community forum where single moms can engage, share experiences, meet up, and support one another. 

Introducing user-profiles and messaging features allows for direct communication between members, fostering deeper connections.

Interactive trip pages are another important addition: they allow users to view past trips, sign up for upcoming ones, and leave comments and reviews, creating a sense of shared adventure and connection.

To ensure CoTripper delivered value to its users and reached a broader audience, I implemented several key features important to users we interviewed: 1) increased online platform security, 2) a seamless online travel booking experience, 3) well-organized and searchable resources pertaining to single motherhood, 4) an online shop featuring a unique selection of curated goods. 

Improved platform security: security is a top priority for single moms, so I crafted secure sign-up and login pages to protect user data and privacy.

Improved travel booking flow: site visitors can browse bespoke upcoming travel offerings, view past trips, and read testimonials, encouraging participation. 

The trip sign-up process was simplified, making it easier for community members to sign up for trips directly on the platform.

Improved shopping experience: The original site lacked e-commerce capabilities. To enhance the user experience, I designed an online shop showcasing a wide selection of curated merchandise with online purchasing capabilities.

Users can search or view shop items based on merchandise type.

 

 

In summary, my work with CoTripper involved a thorough user-centered design process, extensive UX research, and iterative design and testing to create a platform that better serves single moms. I addressed the client’s objectives by focusing on improving functionality, fostering community, and delivering value.

Before and after UX/UI & brand redesign

The CoTripper site is still in the process of implementing updates. Once deployed, it will deliver greater value to its users, help grow subscribers, and nurture a vibrant community.