Role:
Lead Product Designer
Role:
Lead Product Designer
Role:
Lead Product Designer
Role:
Lead Product Designer
Role:
Lead Product Designer
Date:
2019
Date:
2019
Date:
2019
Date:
2019
Date:
2019
Tags:
Social, Travel
Tags:
Social, Travel
Tags:
Social, Travel
Tags:
Social, Travel
Tags:
Social, Travel
Summary
Summary
Summary
Travelbook combines itineraries, journaling, social sharing and booking into one traveler-first platform. It turns planning into exploration and memories into stories that live on.
Travelbook combines itineraries, journaling, social sharing and booking into one traveler-first platform. It turns planning into exploration and memories into stories that live on.
Travelbook combines itineraries, journaling, social sharing and booking into one traveler-first platform. It turns planning into exploration and memories into stories that live on.





the challenge
the
challenge
From sharing trips to shaping journeys
Travelbook began as a simple social platform for travellers to connect and share experiences. As the community grew, expectations changed. Users wanted to plan, book and review within the same space. The challenge was to evolve from a feed of stories into a complete travel product, without losing the authenticity that made it special.
the challenge
From sharing trips to shaping journeys
Travelbook began as a simple social platform for travellers to connect and share experiences. As the community grew, expectations changed. Users wanted to plan, book and review within the same space. The challenge was to evolve from a feed of stories into a complete travel product, without losing the authenticity that made it special.





the constraints
the
constraints
Growth without losing soul
The platform had to grow fast while keeping its social roots intact. Integrating booking systems, maps and user reviews added technical and design complexity. Each new feature risked crowding the interface or confusing intent. The team operated with a small design crew spread across time zones and had to ship each release without disrupting the live product.
the constraints
Growth without losing soul
The platform had to grow fast while keeping its social roots intact. Integrating booking systems, maps and user reviews added technical and design complexity. Each new feature risked crowding the interface or confusing intent. The team operated with a small design crew spread across time zones and had to ship each release without disrupting the live product.





the process
the
process
Designing connection at every level
We started by defining what “belonging” meant inside a product. Mapping user journeys revealed that planning, booking and sharing were emotionally linked people wanted to tell the story of their trip from start to finish. The interface evolved around that insight.
I led design across flows and worked closely with engineering to merge travel data, booking APIs and user content into one coherent experience. Each release was designed modularly, allowing the platform to expand feature by feature without losing visual or structural consistency.
the process
Designing connection at every level
We started by defining what “belonging” meant inside a product. Mapping user journeys revealed that planning, booking and sharing were emotionally linked people wanted to tell the story of their trip from start to finish. The interface evolved around that insight.
I led design across flows and worked closely with engineering to merge travel data, booking APIs and user content into one coherent experience. Each release was designed modularly, allowing the platform to expand feature by feature without losing visual or structural consistency.





the principles
the
principles
Stories that move with you
Every interaction reflected motion. From scrolling through feeds to exploring maps. Components were reusable, typography adaptive and navigation lightweight. The brand identity stayed human and warm, so even as the system scaled, it never felt corporate. The design aimed to keep travel personal, not transactional.
the principles
Stories that move with you
Every interaction reflected motion. From scrolling through feeds to exploring maps. Components were reusable, typography adaptive and navigation lightweight. The brand identity stayed human and warm, so even as the system scaled, it never felt corporate. The design aimed to keep travel personal, not transactional.





the reflection
the
reflection
Design that travels well
Travelbook proved that growth doesn’t have to dilute character. With the right structure and intent, a social idea can evolve into a scalable platform. One that still feels made by travellers, for travellers.
the reflection
Design that travels well
Travelbook proved that growth doesn’t have to dilute character. With the right structure and intent, a social idea can evolve into a scalable platform. One that still feels made by travellers, for travellers.
Impact
Impact
Impact
Travelbook launched as a complete travel ecosystem where users could discover, plan and share in one place. Engagement grew as community content connected directly to real destinations and bookings. The unified design system supported new partnerships and regional launches without reinventing the product.
Travelbook launched as a complete travel ecosystem where users could discover, plan and share in one place. Engagement grew as community content connected directly to real destinations and bookings. The unified design system supported new partnerships and regional launches without reinventing the product.
Travelbook launched as a complete travel ecosystem where users could discover, plan and share in one place. Engagement grew as community content connected directly to real destinations and bookings. The unified design system supported new partnerships and regional launches without reinventing the product.
About me
About me
I’m Öncel, a multidisciplinary designer who creates products, systems and experiences people rely on every day. I’ve partnered with global brands and startups at different stages, taking ideas from zero to MVP, leading complex designs that reached millions of users and building foundational design systems that grow with teams.
I'm based in APAC
I'm based in APAC
Singapore, Bangkok
Singapore, Bangkok
Say hi
Say hi
Got something on your mind?
Just say hi. I reply quickly.
Got something on your mind?
Just say hi. I reply quickly.
Got something on your mind?
Just say hi. I reply quickly.