The project aims to assist interior designer Sheryl Leysner for the interior design of the VIA hostel located in Antwerp. Sheryl's goal is to create functional and inspiring spaces that bring happiness to people. Via Hostels caters to curious travelers who seek local cultural experiences and community-building. Sheryl has previously designed Via Hostels' Amsterdam location with a generational theme and now plans to design the new hostel in Antwerp with a 70s theme and inspired by the movie Jackie Brown. The target audience for the design solutions includes travelers aged 18-35, including students, business travelers, and families. The staff's experience is also considered. The desired outcome includes integrating modern digital solutions while maintaining the old-school vibe, enhancing social areas, and promoting guest interactions.

The research aims to explore the needs and preferences of the target group, how people interact in hostels, the impact of digital solutions on customer experiences, and the characteristics of the 70s era. The objective is to gain insights for a focused problem-solving approach.

The research utilized desk research, interviews with the target group, fly-on-the-wall observation, competitive analysis, storytelling interviews, behavioral mapping, and artifact analysis.

The insights include the importance of interactive elements in creating emotional and memorable experiences, the appeal of silent and private spaces for certain guests, the evolving atmosphere in shared spaces, the facilitation of socialization in hostels, the characteristics of the 70s era, and the absence of families with young children in the target group.

The design aims to balance social interaction and privacy, allowing guests to meet and interact while maintaining their personal preferences. It incorporates the aesthetic and vibe of the 70s, focusing on leisure, relaxation, and the popularity of video games and music during that era.

The design requirements include enabling guest interactions, creating a sense of belonging, appealing to different personalities, and incorporating the distinct 70s aesthetic.

The ideation process involves addressing questions such as designing a hostel experience that balances relaxation, privacy, and social atmosphere, enhancing the communal feeling in shared spaces, facilitating socialization among guests, creating interactive and memorable elements, and incorporating the cultural shift of the 70s into the design.

After consideration and discussions, the Arrival Board was chosen as the final concept. It aligns with the research goals and design vision by fostering a sense of relatedness among guests and creating a unique atmosphere. The Arrival Board offers flexibility in functionality, interactions, and space, scoring the highest in meeting the client's goals and demonstrating innovation.