Impulse: A Mobile App for Spontaneous Travel

Exploring the World with Serendipity

Impulse is a unique mobile app that allows users to explore places and activities spontaneously based on their emotions. By utilizing speech recognition and artificial intelligence, the app suggests a range of experiences happening near the user's location. Whether it's a hidden art exhibition, a local music performance, or a pop-up food market, Impulse helps travelers discover the now and embrace the unexpected.

The app's development process involved extensive research into the travel and hospitality industry. Lin delved into the motivations behind travel, the challenges faced by travelers, and the desires of those seeking unique experiences. Initial sketches and solutions were tested with the target audience to ensure usability and desirability. Feedback from users was then incorporated into the final execution of Impulse.

Impulse operates through a simple and intuitive interface. The homepage features a recording button where users can input their current emotions. Based on this input, the app suggests a range of activities in the vicinity and provides directions on how to get there. Users can easily swipe through the available options and explore the now and happening events in their neighborhood. After completing an activity, the app showcases the user's adventures on the homepage, encouraging them to continue being adventurous.

Impulse was developed between October 2014 and May 2015, with the aim of providing travelers with a tool that embraces freedom and spontaneity. By focusing on the element of surprise, the app offers a refreshing alternative to traditional travel planning. Through Impulse, users can truly live in the moment and find their own serendipitous experiences.

Impulse has received recognition for its innovative design and functionality. In 2016, it was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Mobile Technologies, Applications, and Software Design category. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate exceptional expertise, innovation, and artistic skill. Impulse's ability to introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder sets it apart as a top-of-the-line and creatively remarkable design.