Boatico: A Modern Yacht Charter Platform for Uncomplicated Boat Booking

An Unusual Design Conveying Emotions

Designed by UX/UI designer Alice Kalnitska, Boatico draws inspiration from the azure sea, yellow sand, yachts, and breathtaking landscapes. Alice, a professional swimmer with a deep passion for sailing and relaxation on a yacht, poured her heart and soul into this project. To capture the essence of being at sea, deep shades of blue were used, complemented by modern styles and geometric fonts.

To truly immerse herself in the project, Alice and the ITmaestro team even booked a yacht, experiencing firsthand the emotions they aimed to convey. As Captain Ivo shouted, "Raise the sails!", the team embarked on a journey that would shape the design of Boatico.

What sets Boatico apart is its commitment to creating an unusual design for the yacht charter niche while effectively conveying emotions. The deep blue shades used throughout the platform evoke a sense of the sea, while the rounded corners of the elements mimic the gentle waves. The typography reflects the project's essence, with a condensed geometric font that adds a touch of branding. All graphics are meticulously crafted in one style and color palette, creating a cohesive and visually appealing experience.

The realization of Boatico involved a combination of cutting-edge technologies and design tools. UX/UI design was executed using Miro and Adobe XD, while image retouching was done in Adobe Photoshop. The development phase utilized HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and SQL to bring the design to life.

Boatico is designed to be fully responsive, catering to various devices and resolutions, including 4K displays, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. It is compatible with the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, iOS, and Android, ensuring a seamless user experience across platforms.

The main focus of Boatico is to simplify the yacht booking process. Users can explore the platform's extensive database of 9,000 yachts in 50 countries worldwide. The search page allows users to apply filters, sorting options, and view detailed yacht characteristics and additional amenities. The navigation interface adapts to the user's device, with top and bottom navigation on desktop and a hamburger menu on mobile devices.

Once users have selected their desired yacht, they can proceed to fill out the necessary forms, submit documents, and make payments to secure their dream yacht adventure. Boatico also offers a section dedicated to yachting routes, categorized by country, providing users with valuable insights and expert tips. Additionally, the platform features a blog, FAQs, and other resources to enhance the overall experience.

The Boatico project commenced in September 2020 in Kharkiv, Ukraine, following an initial meeting with the client in Vienna, Austria. The website was published in January 2021 and has since undergone continuous updates and improvements.

Extensive research was conducted by Alice Kalnitska to ensure the design catered to the target audience. User personas were created, and past clients of the customer who had booked yachts were consulted. Competitor analysis was also carried out to determine the necessary features and functionalities for the platform.

One of the major challenges faced during the project was the constant analysis and improvement based on user behavior. The launch of the platform provided valuable insights into user needs and preferences, leading to multiple iterations and refinements.

Boatico's exceptional design and functionality have not gone unnoticed. The project was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Website and Web Design category in 2022. This prestigious accolade recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Boatico's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and ability to evoke positive emotions contribute to a better world.

Boatico's design credits include Freepik and Unsplash for their contributions to the visual content.

Boatico is more than just a yacht charter platform; it is a gateway to unforgettable sailing experiences. With its unique design, seamless functionality, and commitment to user satisfaction, Boatico is revolutionizing the way sailors embark on their dream adventures.