Willow Haven Bed & Breakfast
Overview
I designed a desktop website prototype for Willow Haven Bed & Breakfast, a boutique stay in Asheville, North Carolina. The goal was to create a clear, welcoming, and accessible digital experience that reflects the warmth of the brand while making it easy for users to explore rooms and book confidently.
The Problem
Many bed & breakfast websites feel outdated, cluttered, or lack clear booking flows. Users often struggle to:
Compare rooms easily
Find important policies and accessibility details
Navigate confusing layouts
This creates uncertainty and reduces trust during the booking process.
Role: UX Designer
Tools: Figma
Timeline: September 2025 - December 2025
Focus: Accessibility, clarity, and user-centered navigation
The Users
I designed for two primary traveler type (ages 30–65+):
Experience-focused travelers seeking a cozy, personalized getaway
Accessibility-conscious users who need clear, upfront information about mobility and comfort
These users value simplicity, transparency, and a sense of connection before booking.
Design Approach
1. Clear Information Architecture
I created a structured sitemap to separate key user needs:
Rooms (comparison + details)
About (story + hosts)
Explore (local activities)
Reservations (streamlined booking flow)
This improved navigation and reduced cognitive load.
3. Simplified Booking Experience
The reservation flow was designed to feel intuitive and transparent:
Calendar-based booking
Room selection with clear details
Optional field for accessibility needs
This reduces friction and builds trust during checkout.
2. Accessibility-First Design
Accessibility was integrated across the experience, not treated as an afterthought:
Visible accessibility tags on room cards
Dedicated Policies & Accessibility page
Clear descriptions of mobility-friendly features
This ensures users can make informed decisions confidently.
4. Emotional & Visual Design
The interface reflects the warmth of the physical space:
Calm, spacious layouts
Large, readable typography
Imagery highlighting nature, interiors, and guest experience
This helps users feel the atmosphere before arriving.
Outcome
The final prototype delivers a clear, accessible, and welcoming digital experience that:
Simplifies the booking process
Builds trust through transparency
Reflects the brand’s focus on comfort and hospitality
Reflection
This project reinforced the importance of designing with both function and empathy. By prioritizing clarity and accessibility, I was able to create an experience that supports a wider range of users while maintaining a strong emotional connection to the brand.