Agne Postnikova

Buckle Up

Buckle Up is an intuitive itinerary planner. Users can create an itinerary with destinations automatically displayed on an interactive map. Additionally, there are attractions, Irish Music events and BnBs available to browse and save for later. A travel agent is available to help as a personal AI assistant.
Built as a Progressive Web App, it works across all devices and can be installed and used as an app. The project focuses on user experience, eliminating the complexity found in similar applications while maintaining essential travel planning features.

Screenshot of landing page with a hero. Showing that the application can be downloaded

The application can be installed on both desktop and mobile. Even though it is a website, it will feel like an app.

Snippet of how the create function works. Enter dates in the calendar, that automatically generates the days for the itinerary

When creating your itinerary you can enter information such as the title, flight information, dates, the itinerary itself and notes. The only manditory field is the date section, since it automatically generates the amount of days for your itinerary.

Screenshot showing the view page for an itienrary. Specifically pointing at the edit and delete button for the itinerary.

View your itinerary with the stops displayed on Google Maps side-by-side. You can edit or delete your itinerary, other functions like opening in Google Maps, chatting to the travel assistant and downloading the itinerary are also available.

Screenshot displaying that the itinerary can be downloaded as a PDF file

The address in each stop is linked to Google Maps, for easier and quicker directions, just click on the address and start your journey. You can also download the itinerary as PDF to have it offline and share with friends or family.

Image displaying the open in Google Maps button, which opens the stops in Google Maps for navigation

Open your itinerary in Google Maps to get directions. Note: Google Maps is limited to 10 stops.

Screenshot of AI chat. Chat to your personal travel assistant about the trip

Your personal travel assistant is there to answer any queries about your itinerary. Note: the free version of Google Gemini used in this application has limited access to real-time data. For example things like weather, it can only provide estimates.

Image displaying list and grid view options

When viewing all your itineraries, you can choose a list or grid view.

Image showing the BnBs that can be browsed. Search for something specific. Browse through the attractions, music events and local BnBs. Save them for later

The discover section provides attractions, Irish music events and local BnBs to browse and save for later. Use the search bar to look for a specific location or event. If available, open it in Google Maps or the official website that is linked to it.

This application can be operated on both mobile and desktop, Android and iOS. All features work the same. The application can be downloaded and used like a regular app.

Target Goals

This project aims to deliver an application that tackles UX problems that were discovered when exploring similar applications such as Wanderlog and Stippl. There was no clear way of making an itinerary and using it during a trip.

The primary objectives were:

🎯 Create a user-friendly travel planning tool that addresses pain points identified in similar applications, particularly overcomplicated and confusing interfaces.

🎯 Implement core functionalities including itinerary creation with drag-and-drop functionality and Google Maps integration.

🎯 Develop a responsive application that works across both desktop and mobile platforms.

🎯 Integrate external APIs (Google Maps and Google Places) to enhance the functionality. Display the itinerary on a map which connects to Google Maps.

🎯 Deliver a simplified user experience that prioritises ease of use while maintaining essential travel planning features.

The target audience is anyone who likes to make concrete plans for a trip. Due to the scope of the project, this application only focuses on Ireland, although it would ideally be usable internationally and by anyone.

Project Outcomes

The Buckle Up itinerary planner was developed as a Progressive Web Application (PWA) with the following key outcomes:

✔ A fully functional itinerary planner with drag and drop functionality to organise each stop.

✔ Integration with Google Maps API allowing users to visualise their travel destinations and open itineraries directly in Google Maps to get directions.

✔ Implementation of Google Places API for location autocomplete, improving user experience when adding destinations.

✔ A chatbot travel assistant powered by Google Gemini 1.5 Flash that provides context-aware trip advice and recommendations.

✔ PDF export functionality enabling users to download and share their itineraries offline.

✔ A "discover" section featuring Irish attractions, B&Bs, and music events that users can save for later.

✔ A responsive design that works across desktop and mobile devices with PWA installability.

User testing revealed positive feedback on the application's simplicity and functionality, particularly the intuitive itinerary creation process and map integration. This project demonstrates how user-centric design principles can create an effective application even when faced with significant technical challenges, including a mid-project pivot.

Thesis: Intuitive Itinerary Planner

This thesis explores the development of my application. I aimed to create an intuitive travel planning tool addressing pain points in similar applications, such as overcomplicated and confusing interfaces.
The project combined technical implementation with user-centered design methodologies. Despite facing significant technical challenges that required pivoting from one framework to another, the focus remained the same.
Testing revealed that users appreciated the simplified approach, particularly the step-by-step itinerary creation process and seamless Google Maps integration. The project concluded that prioritising essential features while removing complexity results in more accessible travel planning tools.
This work contributes to understanding how thoughtful UX design can transform complex planning processes into enjoyable user experiences, even when working with technical constraints.
The mid-project pivot taught me crucial lessons about adaptability and problem-solving in software development. It also expanded my technical skills by moving to a new and unfamiliar framework. These experiences strengthened my ability to manage complex projects while maintaining focus on the goal.

View Thesis

Agne Postnikova

BSc (Hons) Creative Computing

Hey there! My name is Agne (pronounced Ag-nee-ah). I'm in my final year of Creative Computing. Over the years, I have discovered my interest in Web Design and UX/UI. I am passionate about traveling and road-tripping, which influenced the theme of my major project. The application enables travel enthusiasts to create itineraries for a trip across Ireland.