A quick recap on the possible opportunities found in the previous Journey Map:
- using smart technology for planning purposes
- learning from other travelers’ cultural shock
- leveraging locals’ recommendations
- learning common phrases in the native language, and
- being exposed to the foreign transport system before traveling
As mentioned in the previous post, I’m also rather interested to delve into how AI can improve the travel experience. Here are some ways AI have been used / re-imagined during traveling (yes they’re all found on online articles, including those that are “re-imagined”).
Based on the above research and previous field study (the design shows), I’ve come up with a mindmap of how I could leverage AI to tackle the possible opportunities.
The points in pink can potentially be used to manifest the identified opportunities mentioned at the beginning of this post.
The points in yellow are the potential reasoning for using the points in pink.
And the points in green are more experimental; at first glance, they might not look like those that could manifest the mentioned opportunities, but who knows it may come in handy later, hence I would love to KIV these.
According to the mindmap, the solution that seems to be able to address and cover the opportunities most is the use of metaverse, since it helps people experience a place without physically traveling there.
Referencing the opportunities mentioned based on the pain points of users, some potential features that may be included in this metaverse product are:
- AVATAR / SOCIAL ACCOUNTS
Users can use their avatar to interact with other users using the platform. This helps users learn the native language by talking to locals, as well as find authentic places based on their recommendations. Users can also ask other foreign users about their cultural experiences. - REAL-TIME MAP LAYOUT OF THE FOREIGN COUNTRY
Leveraging Google map, the metaverse includes virtual streets where users can roam around and explore. The map also includes transportation which users can take and learn the system. The map should be updated with the latest updates on new shops and streets. - VIRTUAL SHOPS
Apart from streets, virtual shops can be included in the metaverse. Users can enter these shops and make purchases. In these shops, simple phrases of how to make a purchase in a foreign native language can be plastered on walls, allowing users to converse with the shop owners. These virtual shops also give users a chance to learn and read foreign currencies. The shop owners can be locals that receive real-life incentives from the metaverse. - PERSONALISED ITINERARY FROM DATA COLLECTED
According to the user’s avatar, the metaverse can drop a daily summary of what users have done, and AI can study these data at the end of the week and create an itinerary that the users may enjoy based on their algorithm. These data can also be printed into a book for the users for future (real-time) traveling purposes, or just to have a physical memory of their time in the foreign country from the metaverse.
Though the metaverse does seem like users are actually in the country. It changes the way people travel, rather than elevating their experience(?) But I guess it could be considered an elevation since going back to my HMW statement, people can familiarise themselves with a country through the metaverse. People can learn all they need to know about a foreign country, without any real-time consequences (besides the fact that people still have to follow online ethics, but locals will most likely be nicer when they identify a foreigner’s avatar since “foreigner”/”local” is revealed when the avatar is clicked).
However, some real-life experiences such as tasting the local food and experiencing the weather may not be translated well. So I don’t really think the idea of a metaverse does replace traveling completely, but more of giving people a taste of the foreign country.
That being said, revolving a metaverse around may be too extreme? Not too sure.. But as I was developing some features, I thought that gamification could be another option, since the data can be stored on mobile and users can play it anytime and anywhere. Also, I will think gamification will be a lot cheaper than maintaining a metaverse.
The following few posts will discuss the To-Be Journey Map with the proposed solutions, and 2 potential future scenarios that could come about when the solution is manifested.