Slow Traveling With Confidence and Comfort
Pure views, no freight.
Comfort and ease, always.
Explore freely, cross easily
Project Background
Scenic rail travel appeals to empty nesters ready for slower, more intentional experiences, but the booking process rarely reflects that ease
First-time rail travelers struggle to understand what the experience feels like, compare routes, and book with confidence
Research revealed a clear behavioral split: desktop for planning and booking, mobile for check-in closer to departure
Wander Rail translates that behavior into a responsive web platform built around two distinct modes of use
Desktop prioritizes immersion, route comparison, and booking clarity. Mobile strips down to fast, frictionless check-in
Project Details: Inspired by the Journey Itself
Project
0-to-1 end-to-end app design
Role
Sole designer
Length
2 months
Year
2025
Timeline
Research
2 weeks
Testing and Iterations
2 weeks
Prioritization
1 week
Wireframes
3 weeks
May
July
Research: Insights from Scenic Rail Riders
Competitor Analysis
Strength- Extensive U.S. coverage
Weakness- Unreliable arrivals
Strength- Website designed to inspire travel
Weakness-Doesn’t cater to leisure focused travel
Strength- Dozens of European rail options in one place
Weakness- Functionally strong but impersonal
Strength-Highly curated pre arranged experiences
Weakness-Lacks real time features like mobile check-in
User Interviews
I led each interview via Google Meet and asked participants to share what draws them to train travel, as well as the challenges or frustrations they’ve experienced along the way.
What made you choose train travel over flying or driving?
How do you usually plan your travel?
Was anything confusing or difficult about booking or finding trip details?
People love the sense of calm and connection that comes with train travel. What holds them back is the lack of clear, inspiring, and easy-to-follow planning resources. They want a straightforward planning experience with minimal stress.
-Dave C., The Easygoing Traveler
Profile:
59 years old, married, 1 child in college
Software engineer, avid train traveler, nature lover, baseball fan
“Watching bald eagles along the Mississippi and meeting interesting people along the way makes train travel feel more human in a way flying never does."
Needs:
A clean, comfortable travel experience especially on long-distance routes Opportunities to meet interesting people and have shared experiences.
Pain Points:
Wishes there were more trains running for more flexibility in travel.
Dirty or outdated train interiors have a negative impact on the experience.
-Rachel B., The Journey Minded Traveler
Profile:
55 years old, single mom
Musician from Michigan started traveling by train at 50 years ols
“One minute you're in the desert or mountains, the next you pass ballparks, old towns, the backyards of America.”
Needs:
A relaxing, scenic alternative to air travel with a sense of nostalgia. access to Accurate, real-time information about routes and services
Pain Points:
The trains are almost always expected to be late, affecting plans.
Customer service can be hit or miss, especially when you’re frustrated.
The Challenge
Empty nesters are drawn to scenic rail as a slower, more meaningful alternative to flying, but poor booking experiences, inconsistent information, and unpredictable onboard quality get in the way. Without a platform they can trust, the excitement of planning is replaced with frustration and apprehension.
POV: Independent rail travelers need a booking experience that's clear and reliable because with multi-stop rail, confusion can have financial consequences.
HMW: How might we create an easy to navigate booking system for travelers to purchase tickets for their upcoming adventure?
Prioritization: Aligning Features to Real Traveler Needs
Plan Trip
Book Tickets
Visual Branding: Inspired by Landscape and Memory
Wander Rail’s visual branding was inspired by the greens and natural textures found in the landscape, along with the deep wood tones often seen in historic train interiors. The warm colors reference a quieter, more nostalgic era of rail travel. The logo reflects that same sense of familiarity and simplicity, inviting travelers to slow down and enjoy the journey.
Lora Bold, 28px
H1
Lora Bold, 24px
H2
Lora Medium 16px
Body 1
Lora SemiBold 20px
H3
Lora Regular 16 px
Body 2
Lora Regular, 12px
Body 3
Mobile
Logos
Lora Bold, 56px
H1
Lora Bold, 48px
H2
Lora SemiBold, 32px
H3
Lora Medium 24px
Body 1
Lora Regular 24px
Body 2
Lora SemiBold, 16px
Body 3
Desktop
Color palette
Icons
Primary
DF9B6D
D78047
C96B2C
F1B152
Secondary
6C825E
60435C
A8B89D
Neutral
EAE2D7
404040
FAF4DC
808080
FCF0D9
646161
FCF7EE
Wander Rail
Wireframes: Mapping the Journey
Lo fidelity wireframes
I prioritized the desktop experience for planning and booking since users preferred a larger screen for those tasks.
Log in
LOGO
Privacy Policy
About Us
FAQ’s
Contact
LOGO
Plan your trip
Where do you want to wander?
Log in
LOGO
Privacy Policy
About Us
FAQ’s
Contact
LOGO
Submit
Book my trip
Log in
LOGO
Privacy Policy
About Us
FAQ’s
Contact
LOGO
Find Your Route
San Francisco, CA Portland, OR Seattle, WA Vancouver, BC
Cascade Explorer
Denver, CO Billings, MT Calgary, AB Banff, AB
Rocky Mountain Express
Boston, MA Portland, ME Bangor, ME Halifax, NS
Atlantic Maritimes
Explore
Explore
Explore
The mobile version came next, as most users primarily used their phones to check in.
LOGO
Plan your trip
Where do you want to wander?
Privacy Policy
FAQ’s
Contact
LOGO
Privacy Policy
FAQ’s
Contact
Cascade Explorer
Rocky Mountain Express
Atlantic Maritimes
Explore
Explore
Explore
Find Your Route
Cascade Explorer
LOGO
Privacy Policy
FAQ’s
Contact
Check in
Explore
Hi fidelity wireframes
Seeing the high-fidelity wireframes come together was rewarding. The design reflects my goal of creating a visually rich experience that inspires users as they plan a trip they’ll remember long after they return home.
The imagery and color choices were selected to evoke calm and curiosity, helping users feel immersed in the journey from the moment they land on the page.
Log in
Plan Your Trip
Book
Check In
Wander Rail
Embrace the journey,
not just the destination
The Scenic Route, Redefined
Where do you want to wander?
Pure views, no freight.
Comfort and ease, always.
Explore freely, cross easily
Solely Scenic Routes
Relax! Enjoy the Journey
Borders Fade, Views Remain
Privacy Policy
About Us
FAQ’s
Contact
Log in
Plan Your Trip
Book
Check In
Wander Rail
Privacy Policy
About Us
FAQ’s
Contact
Book my trip
Confirm and check out
Back
Departure time
Arrival time
07:20 AM
03:10PM
Travel time: 7hr. 50 min.
Passport is required to cross U.S./Canada border
Panorama class
$340.00
One way
Portland, OR to Vancouver, BC
Passengers: 1 Adult
Date: Monday, June 23, 2025
Log in
Plan Your Trip
Book
Check In
Wander Rail
Where do you want to wander?
Cascade Explorer
San Francisco, CA Portland, OR Seattle, WA Vancouver, BC
Follow the dramatic coastline and forested valleys of the Cascades.
Rocky Mountain Express
Denver, CO Billings, MT Calgary, AB Banff, AB
A north-south Rocky Mountain crossing with stunning alpine scenery.
Atlantic Maritimes
Boston, MA Portland, ME Bangor, ME Halifax, NS
Coastal journey through historic New England into Canada’s Maritimes.
Explore
Explore
Explore
Privacy Policy
About Us
FAQ’s
Contact
The Scenic Route, Redefined
Embrace the journey,
not just the destination
Where do you want to wander?
Solely Scenic Routes
Pure views, no freight.
Wander Rail
Relax! Enjoy the Journey
Comfort and ease, always.
Borders Fade, Views Remain
Explore freely, cross easily
Privacy Policy
FAQ’s
Contact
Where do you want to wander?
Boston, MA Portland, ME Bangor, ME Halifax, NS
Atlantic Maritimes
Coastal journey through historic New England into Canada’s rugged Maritime provinces.
A north-south Rocky Mountain crossing with stunning alpine scenery.
Denver, CO Billings, MT Calgary, AB Banff, AB
Rocky Mountain Express
Cascade Explorer
Explore
Explore
Explore
Follow the dramatic coastline and forested valleys of the Cascades.
San Francisco, CA Portland, OR Seattle, WA Vancouver, BC
Wander Rail
Privacy Policy
FAQ’s
Contact
Check in
12345
Rail Rewards number (Required)
Departing Station
Portland, OR
Wander Rail
Privacy Policy
FAQ’s
Contact
Submit
Testing and Iterations: Refining the Experience
Usability test results
I tested the Wander Rail v.1 prototype with six users. Overall, they said the site felt easy to navigate. The biggest issue was that the departure time and journey class were visually too close, making them seem like one choice. Users felt like they were being asked to choose the departure time again. I adjusted the spacing and separated these into two clear steps, which made the flow smoother.
Choose your journey class
June 14, 2025
Date
07:20 AM
03:10PM
Departure time
Arrival time
$272.00
Vista class
$340.00
Panorama class
Travel time: 7 hrs. 50 min.
Passport is required to cross the U.S./Canada border
Wander Rail
Privacy Policy
FAQ’s
Contact
Book my adventure!
Back
Choose your journey class
Wander Rail
Privacy Policy
FAQ’s
Contact
Book my adventure!
Back
June 23, 2025
Date
07:20 AM
03:10PM
Departure time
Arrival time
Travel time: 7 hrs. 50 min.
Passport is required to cross the U.S./Canada border
Journey class
$272.00
Vista class
$340.00
Panorama class
I also switched the order of the buttons. A couple of users expected to see “Book now” first instead of “Where do you want to wander?” Reordering them made the page feel more intuitive. After these changes, users moved through the booking flow with more ease.
Cascade Explorer
Start your journey
Last stop
Plot your adventure
One way
Round trip
Portland, OR
Vancouver, BC
Wander Rail
Privacy Policy
FAQ’s
Contact
Book now
When do you want to wander?
Cascade Explorer
Start your journey
Portland, OR
Last stop
Vancouver, BC
Wander Rail
Privacy Policy
FAQ’s
Contact
When do you want to wander?
Book now
Plot your adventure
One way
Round trip
Final results
I’ve always loved to travel. A few years ago, a train ride from Detroit to Chicago shifted something for me.
I found myself drawn to the experience of moving slowly, watching the landscape change, and having the time to just look, think, and breathe. That ride led me into researching scenic train journeys across the U.S., Canada and Europe, and I became fascinated by the idea of travel that prioritizes presence rather than speed.
Wander Rail grew from that curiosity. I imagined a scenic rail company for people who want to explore the quieter and lesser-seen parts of the U.S. and Canada. This project let me bring together a personal passion and a practical design challenge: how to make slow travel feel inviting, attainable, and simple to plan.
© 2026 Susan Herman. All work on this site is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.