Locate Cyclades - Redesign

01

Overview (Problem Statement)

Client Objective

Locate Cyclades is a villa booking platform based in Paros, Greece, targeting travelers seeking luxury stays on the island. The original website had several usability issues that blocked users from successfully finding and booking villas. My challenge was to redesign the experience in a way that reflects the brand’s premium island identity while fixing critical UX flaws that caused drop-offs in the booking journey.

Key Findings

• The search form lacked essential filters, making it difficult for users to refine their search.
• The calendar was incompatible with villa availability, leading to incorrect search results.
• The booking form was not easily accessible on villa pages, forcing users to scroll back up to complete their booking.
• Users missed multiple CTAs

My Role

As the UX researcher, UX designer, and project manager, I was responsible for:

• Conducting user and client research.
• Building the sitemap and defining the structure of each page.
• Designing an intuitive and visually appealing user experience.

02

Empathize (Research Phase)

Stakeholder Insights

• Concerned about conversion rates and ensuring users complete bookings.
• Wanted better filtering options to help users find villas more efficiently.
• Provided insights on frequent user complaints, e.g., frustration with the calendar and unavailable dates.

User Behavior Analysis (Heatmaps & Patterns)

Desktop - Villa page

• User clicks are concentrated up to the "Services" section.
• Only 8% scroll past the "Similar Interest Villas" section, with no interaction.
• Most clicks occur on "Description," "Facilities," "Services," and "Distances" below the hero banner.
• Users do not interact with "Villa Policy" and "Map."
• Viewing villa photos is a priority, evident from high clicks on the main image and "View Gallery" button.
• The villa description is crucial, with many users clicking "Show More."
• Users expect detailed information on services, especially "Wellness," "Private Chef," and "Special Events."
• The top-right search in the menu gets significant clicks, despite not working.

Desktop - Homepage

• Users struggled with filtering options, often abandoning the search.
• Many clicked on unavailable dates, leading to frustration.
• The booking form was often missed due to its placement.
• Multiple CTAs were not clicked, as they were not perceived as Call to actions

04

Ideate (Sitemap and Page Structures)

Problem-Solution Mapping

Based on the research findings, I developed targeted solutions to enhance the user experience and improve conversion rates.

1. Improved Search & Filtering Experience

Problem: The search form lacked essential filters, making it difficult for users to refine their search.

Solution:

• Introduced key filters such as number of bedrooms, amenities, and availability.
• Redesigned the layout for better visibility and usability.
• Added a dynamic filtering system that updates search results in real-time.

2. Solving Visibility Issues in the Booking Flow

Problem:

Users browsing the villa rental detail page were experiencing friction when trying to initiate a booking. There was no booking form available on the page, which forced users to leave the site or navigate elsewhere to proceed with a reservation. This lack of a clear call-to-action created confusion, interrupted the user journey, and resulted in missed booking opportunities.

Solution:

To streamline the booking process and reduce user effort, I introduced a sticky booking form that remains visible as users scroll through the villa’s details. This ensured that the booking CTA was always accessible, provided a clear next step, and significantly increased user engagement — resulting in a smoother experience and improved conversion potential.

3.Solving the Lack of Visual Content on the Villa Page

Problem:

Users visiting the villa detail page expected to see a gallery with multiple images but were limited to a single photo. This created hesitation, as they couldn’t fully explore the property. At the same time, the client wanted key information to be immediately visible without requiring users to scroll.

Solution:

To meet both user and client needs, I implemented a layout featuring an image slider that showcases multiple photos of the villa. Around the slider, I placed the most essential information (e.g. title, location, price, capacity) to ensure everything important is accessible at a glance — enhancing both usability and visual engagement.

05

UI Guidelines

Design Approach

The design follows a light, minimal aesthetic with Mediterranean-inspired colors that reflect the essence of Paros. The palette and layout aim to convey a sense of calm, warmth, and effortless island elegance.

06

Prototypes

07

Testing & Next Steps (Feedback and Iterations)

Client Feedback

The client expressed satisfaction with the redesigned structure and visual direction, already noticing smoother user flows and an increase in bookings. They also requested a few visual enhancements, such as additional spa imagery and greater emphasis on local experiences.

User Testing

We tested the high-fidelity prototype with a small group of users to ensure they could easily navigate the new layout, find relevant villas, and complete bookings without friction.

Live user Feedback

The website launched shortly before the summer season, and early indicators are promising — with improved engagement and more booking requests. However, we plan to conduct a full analysis of heatmaps and analytics after the peak season ends, to evaluate long-term performance and identify further optimization opportunities.