Designers
Hayley Heshuote
Year
2025
Category
New Talent
Country
United States
School
Savannah College of Art and Design
Teacher
Gustavo Delao
Three questions to the project team
What was the particular challenge of the project from a UX point of view?
The particular challenge of FlyThrough from a UX perspective was designing a solution that addresses the diverse needs of airport travelers in a complex environment like JFK Airport. Travelers face challenges such as navigating large terminals, accessing real-time information, and managing time efficiently. The UX challenge was simplifying these complexities by creating an intuitive interface that consolidates real-time data, interactive maps, and third-party integrations while accommodating varying tech-savviness and priorities. Ensuring clarity, accessibility, and ease of use for frequent flyers, occasional travelers, and international visitors required extensive research, iterative testing, and thoughtful feature prioritization.
What was your personal highlight in the development process? Was there an aha!-moment, was there a low point?
A highlight of the FlyThrough project was realizing the potential of integrating third-party apps like Uber and Apple Wallet with real-time data and interactive maps. This breakthrough transformed the app into a comprehensive tool, allowing users to seamlessly access transportation options and essential travel features. The low point occurred early in the process when I struggled to narrow the problem scope. The vast topic of airport navigation made it challenging to establish measurable goals and decide on the target audience. Overcoming this challenge by focusing on user needs and defining metrics became a pivotal turning point, ensuring the design addressed impactful, real-world problems.
Where do you see yourself and the project in the next five years?
n five years, FlyThrough could inspire similar real-world applications, becoming a model for seamless travel solutions in major airports globally. While this project is conceptual, it demonstrates how real-time data, interactive maps, and third-party integrations can enhance navigation and traveler experiences. On a personal level, I see myself advancing as a UX designer, focusing on data-driven and user-centered solutions for complex systems. FlyThrough represents a pivotal step in my growth as a designer, showcasing my ability to translate user needs and research insights into innovative, practical concepts that address real-world challenges.