Puffin pilot
a game-changer for travel planning. creating a fun identity and some screens for a travel app
Mockups of PuffinPilot app
Identity
For this project, my client, a .NET developer passionate about the web and travels, wanted to refresh the visual identity of his travel app and explore ideas for a new look for his screens.
The concept was based on the puffin - a bird that symbolizes travel and exploration. He was looking for a logo that felt fun, friendly and stylized.
My client had previously generated a logo using AI but wanted something unique and tailor-made. He had also designed the first version of the app screens himself, but was looking for a fresher, more polished aesthetic.
He reached out to me to redesign the identity and give the interface a creative lift. I designed a new logo, selected a friendly yet structured typeface, and created updated screens he can now use in future versions of the app (which hasn't been published yet).
The keywords that helped me develop this identity were:
Travel
Puffin
Colors
Playful
Convenient
UX / UI design
Context
Traveling is exciting but keeping all your trip information (itineraries, budget, checklists, notes) scattered across multiple apps, documents, and emails quickly becomes overwhelming.
Problem / opportunity
Travelers lose access to their data when offline (in low-network areas)
They constantly switch between apps for itineraries, expenses, and notes
They want a single place where everything is centralized and easy to use
The challenge for PuffinPilot: create an “offline-first” travel app that brings together planning, budgeting, sharing, and note-taking in a friendly, simple way.
Personas
Persona | Needs | Frustrations | Main goal |
|---|---|---|---|
Julie, 29, solo backpacker | Needs offline access to itinerary & budget, take quick notes during the trip | Loses data without internet, juggles 3 different apps | Have one lightweight, reliable app to manage everything |
Marc & Sophie, couple on a roadtrip | Plan together, track shared expenses, co-edit the trip | Sync issues, messy organization across apps | Co-create their travel plans and keep everything updated |
user flow
A simplified journey:
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Every screen of PuffinPilot was designed to directly address the pain points :
Offline mode is core, users must access their data anytime.
The interface had to remain light and intuitive, so travelers don’t get lost in complex menus.
Visual style conveys trust, clarity, and serenity (soft colors, structured yet friendly typography).
Navigation, button placement, and layout were streamlined to minimize friction during use.
Screens and before/after
Results & learnings
This project reminded me of the importance of designing for offline usage from the start; especially for travel apps. |
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