PackIt

A mobile application to help users pack efficiently and stylishly.

In this case study

  1. Background
  2. Research
  3. User Persona
  4. Solution
  5. Future Plans

Background

Overpacking is a common frustration for travelers. As post-pandemic travel increases, people want to maintain their style without carrying excessive clothing. The capsule wardrobe concept is gaining popularity, but it can be challenging to implement while traveling.

The Challenge

User Insight: Travelers struggle with deciding how much to pack and ensuring they bring the right items.

UX Opportunity: Create an app that simplifies packing while allowing users to maintain their style and stay organized.

The Solution: PackIt

Smart Packing Recommendations – Personalized outfit suggestions based on trip details.

Event-Based Packing – Users tag outfits to specific events for better planning.

Community Feature – Users share outfit ideas for inspiration.

Research & Discovery

User Interviews

10 women (ages 20-30) interviewed to understand their packing habits and pain points.

Key Insights

  • Users need guidance on what to pack and how much.

  • Users would like to share outfit ideas for events/trips.

  • Terminology matters – “Suitcase” felt outdated; “Bag” or “Luggage” was preferred.

Competitive Analysis

Researched packing solutions via Reddit, TikTok, and competitor apps. Found no app that combines packing assistance with event tagging and outfit suggestions.

User Persona

Using insights from interviews, I developed a persona to guide a user-centered solution:

How might we help travelers pack efficiently while maintaining their personal style?

  1. Smart Packing Recommendations – AI-based outfit suggestions.
  2. Event-Based Packing – Users tag outfits to specific events.
  3. Community Feature – Users share outfit ideas for inspiration.

User Tasks

To create a Minimal Viable Product (MVP), I focused on three core tasks:

  1. User registers and completes onboarding.

  2. User adds an outfit to their bag.

  3. User receives outfit suggestions.

Task 1: Onboarding & Registration

  • Track trip destination.

  • Select bag size.

  • Complete registration.

Onboarding Screen
Onboarding Screen
Step 1: Track where user is traveling to create new trip.
Step 1: Track where user is traveling to create new trip.
Step 2: Collect what bag user will pack in to understand amount of space user has.
Step 2: Collect what bag user will pack in to understand amount of space user has.
Step 3: Understand user's style so app can give users new outfit suggestions.
Step 3: Understand user's style so app can give users new outfit suggestions.
Step 4: Promote collaborative trips and invite new members to app.
Step 4: Promote collaborative trips and invite new members to app.
Step 5: Collect name and email to create account with previous steps creating motivation for the user to sign up.
Step 5: Collect name and email to create account with previous steps creating motivation for the user to sign up.
Home screen
Home screen

 

User Testing & Finalized Solution

Feedback: Users liked the simple onboarding but were confused about the difference between a “personal item” and a “carry-on.”


Solution: Added an info icon displaying average bag dimensions and how many days of clothing each size fits.

Task 2: Adding Outfits to a Bag

  • Select trip.

  • View daily outfit breakdown.

  • Add an outfit.

User begins on Home screen and selects trip
User begins on Home screen and selects trip
Trip screen displays how much of their bag is packed and breaks down the trip by each day, detailing how many outfits are needed
Trip screen displays how much of their bag is packed and breaks down the trip by each day, detailing how many outfits are needed
In this case, another user has developed the itinerary and outfit needs of each day
In this case, another user has developed the itinerary and outfit needs of each day
The user selects add an outfit and is met with the Create Outfit screen
The user selects add an outfit and is met with the Create Outfit screen
Here the user can upload new outfits from their closet
Here the user can upload new outfits from their closet
Upload outfits from their camera roll
Upload outfits from their camera roll
Or get inspiration from the outfits others are planning to wear for that event
Or get inspiration from the outfits others are planning to wear for that event
When the user is finished, they can save their outfit to the event
When the user is finished, they can save their outfit to the event

 

User Testing & Finalized Solution

Feedback: Users liked the trip overview but found the term “Suitcase” outdated. Also, they didn’t understand why “Your Closet” and “Camera Roll” were separate.


Solution: 

  • Renamed “Suitcase” to “Bags.”

  • Merged “Camera Roll” and “Your Closet” into one camera icon tab for adding outfits.

Task 3: Receiving Outfit Suggestions

  • Navigate to trip.

  • Select a day.

  • Select an event.

  • View outfit suggestions.

User starts on Home page and selects the trip with outfit suggestions notification
User starts on Home page and selects the trip with outfit suggestions notification
User selects the day that the outfit suggestions are given for
User selects the day that the outfit suggestions are given for
User selects the event that the outfit suggestions are given for
User selects the event that the outfit suggestions are given for
The user is given a few outfit suggestions based on the outfits they already have packed
The user is given a few outfit suggestions based on the outfits they already have packed
User selects one to save to their bag
User selects one to save to their bag

User Testing & Finalized Solution

Feedback: Users loved the feature but felt the flow took too many clicks.

 

Solution: Added a notification shortcut that takes users directly to new suggestions.

Final Outcome & Impact

PackIt provides an intuitive, stylish, and stress-free packing solution. By combining user insights, testing, and iterative design, I created a tool that meets real traveler needs while maintaining a sleek, user-friendly experience.

 

  • Improved efficiency: Streamlined packing experience, reducing decision fatigue.
  • More intuitive UI: Simplified terminology and navigation.
  • Increased engagement: Users excited about outfit suggestions as a core feature.

Future Plans

  • Expand the “Explore” page: Enable users to plan future trips.

  • Influencer Collaboration: Allow influencers to share outfit ideas.

  • Revenue Model Exploration: Partner with brands for outfit promotions.

    Continuing user testing and refinement will help bring PackIt to life as a fully developed app.

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