Hostelworld's research showed that while most travellers choose hostels to meet new people, 72% feel nervous before their trip, and 30% dread making the first move. To solve this, I helped shape the strategy and delivery of The Solo System, a suite of social features designed to spark connections before travellers even arrive. By enabling users to see fellow backpackers, join meet-ups, and break the ice in advance, this initiative positioned Hostelworld beyond just a booking engine - giving travellers a compelling reason to choose them over other OTAs.
Mobile app bookings increased from
20% to 83%
Average app star rating went from
4.1 to 4.9
Launch Video
Overall bookings increased by
15%
App Store Cards
Building Hostelworld's Design System
A great product isn’t just about what you build - it’s about how you build it.
As The Solo System redefined Hostelworld’s positioning, it became clear that the internal culture needed to evolve alongside it. I helped launch a design system that did more than standardise UI components; it created a shared language for teams, ensuring everyone - from designers to developers to marketers - was equipped to amplify The Solo System narrative.
A strong design system isn’t just a toolkit; it’s a catalyst for consistency, efficiency, and brand integrity. By embedding it into Hostelworld’s DNA, we made sure that every touchpoint, every feature, and every interaction reinforced the idea that Hostelworld is more than just a bed - it’s a social travel experience.
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Design System