A Journey of growth and collaboration: reflections on my two years at Trivago as a Senior Product Designer
As I look back on my enriching two years as a Senior Product Designer at Trivago, I am filled with gratitude for the invaluable experiences and insights gained along the way. Working on a mature and established product presented unique challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics of UX design. In this reflective post, I will share my thoughts on the challenges of designing for a mature product, the importance of constant communication for seamless collaboration, and the significance of embracing a product vision over a mere focus on features.
Challenges behind designing for a mature and established product
Designing for a mature and established product like Trivago demanded a nuanced approach. Unlike greenfield projects, I inherited an existing product with a loyal user base and a well-defined design language. Balancing consistency while introducing incremental improvements was a delicate task that required astute attention to detail.
To address these challenges, I employed in-depth user research and usability testing to identify pain points and areas for enhancement. Embracing the current state of the product allowed me to recognise its strengths and uncover opportunities for fine-tuning. Leveraging the power of user feedback, I continuously sought to refine the user experience, ensuring it remained relevant and delightful for our global audience.
Constant communication to alow for cross-team collaboration
A key aspect of my role as a Senior Product Designer at Trivago was fostering cross-team collaboration. Constant communication with product managers, developers, and stakeholders played a pivotal role in ensuring a cohesive and aligned vision. Nurturing open channels of communication allowed us to harmonise our efforts and prioritise tasks effectively.
Through collaborative brainstorming sessions and design reviews, I gained deeper insights into the technical aspects of the product and the challenges faced by other teams. This collaborative spirit fostered a sense of unity, enabling us to make informed design decisions and navigate complex scenarios with agility.
Bet on a product vision, not on features
In a fast-paced digital landscape, it is easy to get carried away with adding new features to a product. However, my time at Trivago taught me the importance of focusing on a well-defined product vision. Instead of chasing trendy features, I learned to align my design decisions with the overarching vision of the product.
By anchoring myself to the product's core mission and value proposition, I could distinguish between vital improvements and superfluous additions. This approach ensured that every design enhancement served a purpose and contributed to the overall user experience.
Conclusion
My journey as a Senior Product Designer at Trivago has been a remarkable experience filled with growth, collaboration and a profound appreciation for the craft of UX design. Designing for a mature and established product came with its unique set of challenges, but it also presented opportunities for meaningful refinements and improvements.
The power of constant communication and cross-team collaboration allowed us to foster a strong sense of unity, enabling us to collectively steer the product towards success. Above all, I learned the importance of being guided by a clear product vision, placing user needs at the heart of every design decision.
As I continue to embark on this exciting journey, I carry with me the knowledge and experiences gained at Trivago, shaping me into a more empathetic, strategic, and visionary product designer. I am grateful for the inspiring environment and the opportunity to contribute to a product that touches the lives of millions of travellers worldwide.
