Sifnos House - Redesign

01

Overview (Problem Statement)

Client Objective

The client wanted to modernize their website to:

• Showcase the hotel’s aesthetic appeal and unique location in Sifnos.
• Enable users to book rooms and spa services via external links.
• Highlight the distinctiveness of the rooms, suites, and the hotel’s spa services.

Problem

The existing website had significant shortcomings:

• Outdated design that did not reflect the beauty of the hotel or the island.
• Key features like the spa and hotel details were missing from the homepage.
• Room pages lacked sufficient photos, clear descriptions of facilities, and proper categorization (rooms vs. suites).
• The location page did not inspire users with experiences on the island.
• No dedicated “About Hotel” page to convey its story and charm.

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

Through discussions with the hotel owner, I uncovered key priorities:

• A clean and modern design that reflects the Cycladic aesthetic.
• A seamless user journey to find room and spa booking options.
• Inspiring visitors by showcasing the unique island experiences.

User Pain Points

• Users struggled to find relevant information about rooms, suites, and spa services.
• The website lacked visual appeal, which diminished trust and interest.
• Travelers wanted a better sense of the hotel’s location and its connection to Sifnos.

Competitive Research

I analyzed websites of other boutique hotels in the Cyclades to identify best practices, such as using large imagery, intuitive navigation, and clear calls to action (CTAs):

03

Define (Problem Framing)

Key Insights

• Users want to be visually inspired by room photos, facilities, and local experiences.
• Clear categorization of rooms and suites is essential for decision-making.
• The homepage needs to immediately communicate the hotel’s charm and the spa’s offerings.
• The location page should inspire potential guests with nearby experiences.

Design Goals

• Create a modern, visually appealing website that reflects the hotel’s aesthetic.
• Showcase the rooms, suites, and spa services effectively.
• Inspire users to explore the hotel and the island.
• Provide an intuitive navigation structure for seamless exploration.

04

Ideate (Sitemap and Page Structures)

Sitemap Development

To address the user journey & the above flows, I developed the following sitemap:

05

Wireframes and UI Guidelines

Wireframes

I created wireframes to visualize the new layout and prioritize key information on each page.

Design Approach

• Warm, Playful Brown Palette: Chosen to create a welcoming and cozy atmosphere.
• Full-Width Imagery: Used strategically to capture and convey the island’s charm and beauty.
• Playful Typography: Reflecting the client's request, typography adds a fun and engaging visual character to the design.

06

Prototypes

07

Testing & Next Steps (Feedback and Iterations)

Client Feedback

The client appreciated the new sitemap and provided input on specific visual elements, like adding more spa photos and emphasizing local attractions.

User Testing

Tested the prototype with a small group of users to ensure they could easily navigate the website and find booking options.

Live user Feedback

The project is very new so we are not able to make any amendments based on data yet. The client and I will be tracking the analytics over the next few months so we know if any changes/additions need to be done.