Hostal Paquita Redesign

The updated website for Hostal Paquita, a charming hostel in the heart of Madrid, designed using insights from heuristic evaluation method

Rol: UX UI Designer

Methodology: Design Thinking

Tools: Figma, FigJam

Date: 2024

Demo Video

Context

In this project, the goal was to redesign the Hostal Paquita website to make it more user-friendly and dynamic. To guide the process, I used Nielsen’s Heuristic Evaluation method to analyze and identify usability issues.

I focused on the homepage, making sure that all key information was clearly presented and easy to access.

The Original Homepage

The original website had several usability issues, including:

  • small typography
  • limited information
  • a homepage dominated by images
  • an overall outdated design.

 

To improve it, I first analyzed both its strengths and weaknesses to better understand what worked and what needed to change.

Heuristic Evaluation

Once I gathered the information, I categorized all the website’s errors according to Nielsen’s Heuristic Evaluation principles. Then, I sought solutions for each identified issue.

The Result

I redesigned the website from scratch, introducing refreshed branding and a more modern, user-friendly homepage.

Key changes on the homepage:

  • Added a room availability form to encourage quick booking

  • Preserved the original header information to maintain familiarity

  • Improved typography for better readability

  • Included room images, key details and clear call-to-action buttons as users scroll

Additional sections include:

  • Hostel history and identity to build trust

  • Guest reviews for credibility

  • Contact details and address for easy access

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Conclusion

The final result is a cohesive and intuitive homepage that offers a smooth and complete user experience. The new design builds trust and makes it easier for users to quickly find the information they need.

Key elements include:

  • A user-friendly room availability form for quick access to bookings
  • Clear sections on the hostel’s history, identity, and values to build trust
  • Guest reviews to reinforce credibility
  • Well-structured content that improves navigation and readability
  • A stronger focus on user engagement and satisfaction throughout the page