Private Lakeside Reservation Platform
Users want an easy way to book private lakeside spaces for a day or more, with clear information on amenities, rules, and availability
This project focused on developing a platform where users can discover and reserve private lakeside spaces for day-use, with features tailored to both consumers and property owners. The platform includes search and booking functions, property details, a review system, and a backend for managing bookings and communication between users and owners.
The Problem
Finding private, secluded lakeside spots can be challenging for users, as these are usually available only through local contacts or word-of-mouth. Property owners, meanwhile, may not have the means to list or market these spaces effectively. This platform bridges that gap, providing a streamlined way for users to book private lake spots and for owners to manage their properties.
How can we make booking easy for users and property management simple for owners?
Exploration
We started by identifying essential features for both users and property owners. For users, the priority was a smooth booking flow and the ability to view property details, including amenities, rules, and location on a map. To understand the booking needs better, we focused on creating an intuitive filter system for options like group size, property features (e.g., grilling allowed, dog-friendly), and specific assets (e.g., refrigerator, toilets).
For property owners, our exploration centered around building a straightforward property management process, where they could set availability, add property details, and manage bookings. We also added a photo upload feature, with an option for professional photography to attractively showcase each property.
Scoping
To balance user needs with manageable development, we focused on these key questions:
How can we make the booking process straightforward and informative for users?
We created a detailed property view, complete with photos, amenities, rules, and available dates. Users could book day-by-day, with clear start and end times displayed (7 AM to 9 PM).
How can property owners easily manage and update availability?
The owner’s interface included a calendar for marking dates as available or blocked, making it simple to control booking access.
How do we ensure accurate capacity and pricing recommendations?
We added a calculator based on square meters to help owners recommend capacity and pricing (e.g., 10 m² per person). Ratings for property quality (high, mid, low) were also included.
How do we handle seasonal rules and restrictions?
For properties, specific rules (e.g., no fires during certain times) were configurable. The platform allowed for easy rule updates based on seasons or property conditions.
How can we support user and owner communication?
A messaging system facilitated direct communication between users and property owners, enhancing coordination and clarifying details before booking.
User Interface
The platform's interface was designed to be intuitive and visually appealing. For users, a clean landing page led to a list of available properties, complete with filters, search functionality, and a map view. Each property’s detail page included clear photos, a description, amenities, rules, and booking options. Social logins simplified the registration process, while a robust account area allowed users to manage their reservations and reviews.
Property owners had a streamlined dashboard where they could manage availability, set property details, and view statistics. The calendar function allowed them to easily adjust bookings and availability, with intuitive controls for setting property rules and guest limits.
