Ai-hotel

Introduction

For my spring 2024 semester project, I conceptualized Dolce Terentino, a fictive AI-powered pod hotel in the breathtaking northern Alps of Italy.

Designed as a romantic getaway, this modern oasis combines glass and traditional wooden materials to create an immersive nature experience for couples. Through this project, I applied a range of UX/UI methodologies, including responsive design principles, color theory, typography selection, and branding development.

Using AI-tools, I designed both desktop and mobile prototypes for a seamless and engaging user experience.Additionally,

I extended the concept with Vista Ristorante, an exclusive on-site restaurant, creating cohesive branding and a logo to enhance the full-service experience. This project not only strengthened my technical skills but also allowed me to merge creativity with my marketing background.

The process

When tackling a project, I typically follow a structured design thinking process based on these eight steps: Define, Research, Analysis & Planning, Design, Prototyping, Testing, Launch, and Iteration. This framework helps me approach challenges methodically while leaving room for creativity and flexibility.

Step 2: Research

I jumped straight into Step 2: Research, exploring innovative hotel concepts worldwide. I discovered inspiring examples like pod hotels in Japan, igloo hotels in Finland, and glass hotels in Austria.

This exploration gave me the inspiration to create a romantic escape in the Alps, where glass and wood could harmonize with nature to provide an unforgettable experience.

These helped me shape my vision for Dolce Terentino, a modern pod hotel nestled in the romantic Alps of northern Italy.

Analysis & Planning

After gathering ideas, I analyzed the key elements that would define Dolce Terentino. I prioritized features such as:

- Seamless integration of modern and traditional materials like glass and wood.
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- Romantic, nature-inspired themes for couples.
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- A user-friendly design with clear navigation for both desktop and mobile.

I mapped out these ideas in my notebook, sketching possible layouts and structures. This step ensured that the concept was both visually appealing and functional.

Design & AI-tools

Using tools like ChatGPT, DALL·E, and Adobe Firefly, I generated images to visually represent the hotel concept and build a mood board. I refined the visual identity with:
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- Coolors and ColorHexa for selecting earthy, romantic tones.
- FontJoy to pair fonts that balanced elegance and modernity.
- Canva for creating the branding and logos for Dolce Terentino and its restaurant, Vista Ristorante.

The design phase was where the vision truly came to life, blending aesthetics with functionality.

Prototyping

I translated my designs into a high-fidelity prototype using Figma.
‍The prototype showcased the homepage, room details, location highlights, and a user-friendly booking page. This stage helped me visualize the flow and interaction of the website for both desktop and mobile users.

Testing

Launch

I conducted usability testing by gathering feedback from classmates and instructors. They evaluated the prototype’s design, navigation, and overall user experience. Their insights were invaluable for identifying areas that needed refinement, such as optimizing the mobile version’s layout. Due to time and resource constraints, I was only able to conduct internal user testing.

However, if this had been a larger project, I would have expanded the testing phase to include external users to gather a broader range of perspectives and ensure the design met real-world needs.

Although the project didn’t involve launching a live website, I presented my final prototype as a polished, near-realistic design. This included a detailed walkthrough of the concept, branding, and user journey, which received positive feedback during the class presentation.

Ai-Hotel