TLDR

Overview

I redesigned Farefinder, a consumer flight-search tool that travelers found confusing and difficult to use. As a UX Design Intern at PROS, I synthesized research from 5 usability tests, identified critical navigation issues affecting 60% of users, and co-led the design exploration that resulted in a validated prototype and roadmap for the December 2025 launch. The final solution balanced traveler needs for simplicity with airline partner requirements for promotional features.

ROLE

UX Design Intern

TIMELINE

6/1/2025 - 9/31/2025

TEAM

Johanna Huarachi

Brooke Mellish

Valerie Rieger

SKILLS

UI/UX Design

A/B testing

Design Strategy

PROBELM

Travelers couldn't navigate Farefinder's map interface — getting lost without geographic context or clear destination markers.

How can we redesign the flight-search experience to be intuitive for travelers while giving airlines space to promote premium fares?

Travelers couldn't navigate Farefinder's map interface — getting lost without geographic context or clear destination markers.

How can we redesign the flight-search experience to be intuitive for travelers while giving airlines space to promote premium fares?

Travelers couldn't navigate Farefinder's map interface — getting lost without geographic context or clear destination markers.

How can we redesign the flight-search experience to be intuitive for travelers while giving airlines space to promote premium fares?

RESEARCH

Key insights about the flight search experience

SOLUTION

Redesign the flight-search experience with persistent navigation, geographic context, and scannable information.

The breakthrough: Option C gave users control

The collapsible panel let users hide filters while exploring destinations, then expand when ready to refine. This progressive disclosure solved both the cramped map and buried controls problems simultaneously.

The breakthrough: Option C gave users control

The collapsible panel let users hide filters while exploring destinations, then expand when ready to refine. This progressive disclosure solved both the cramped map and buried controls problems simultaneously.

The breakthrough: Option C gave users control

The collapsible panel let users hide filters while exploring destinations, then expand when ready to refine. This progressive disclosure solved both the cramped map and buried controls problems simultaneously.

NEXT STEPS

We validated with the airline partner and prepared for launch

We presented Option C to a key airline partner. They confirmed it as the chosen direction and identified opportunities: filters for promotional fares and spaces to highlight routes. Since I couldn't implement these features before my internship ended, I created a roadmap for the team for the December 2025 launch.

LEARNINGS

Key Takeaways

Get decisions with Prototypes.

When stuck on layouts, I built all three options. Seeing them side-by-side led to a clear path.

Solve at the Root

Analysis revealed 60% of issues came from one missing context. Fixing it cleared a dozen surface problems.

Own the Handoff from Day One.

Knowing my time was limited, I documented a clear roadmap so the team could succeed without me.

*Update: As of 1/27/26, the preminum fare finder map feature was launched and can be found here

WHAT ELSE I DID

Revenue Management AI Platform

I also contributed to foundational design work for PROS's Revenue Management AI platform. Post-COVID, 40-50% of airline analysts were now inexperienced newcomers, but the platform was built for veterans. I worked with the UX team to design AI features that guide new analysts without disrupting expert workflows.

OTHER WORKS

OTHER WORKS

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