Mobile Applications (Priceline)

 

Mobile applications (apps) are applications that one can download and use on mobile devices like smartphones or tablets. The apps are extremely helpful for completing tasks on the go and can be quicker to access than going to a website. Apps are used for various purposes like listening to music, paying bills, and shopping. As my fiancé and I like to travel, I like to use the Priceline app.. The Priceline app is used to search for hotels, cars, and flights and often offers good deals. The app is straightforward, with the booking page being the main page. At the top, one can select an icon for what they are looking for and type in dates and locations in the search bar. 

As you can see, one helpful feature is the app shows recommended hotels as the user scrolls. The app shows the location, discount price, and reviews. This feature is helpful for a person who is traveling and looking for a hotel on the go for the city they are currently in.

After the user hits the search button, a list of hotels comes up, and the user can search through the hotels by the list or use a map feature. The map feature is very helpful for expanding the search and pinpointing a hotel to a specific area.

The app is very user-friendly and straightforward. The user can click on a picture of the hotel or a pin on the map to bring up the hotel and book. If the user does not want that hotel, they must hit the back button to return to the page. If the user wants the room, they can choose multiple rooms. Credit card information can be stored to rent a room in seconds for someone who uses the app often. Being able to rent a room quickly is a helpful option. 

One of the most helpful options is all the pictures provided so one can get a feel for the hotel and room they are looking to book. Additionally, the user can access reviews, which is always important when booking the perfect hotel.

While the app is straightforward to use, there are a few things that I would change. The main issue with the app is that one can not bundle on the app as there is no option. Bundling and saving is one of Priceline’s best features, offering users discounts if they bundle packages like flights and hotels. I am working on booking a trip with a flight and two hotels, and I have to use the company website as there is no option in the app.. A second issue I would fix is sometimes the app can be laggy. When an app lags, the user may get frustrated and choose another app.. Another issue I would fix with the app. is to view the itinerary; the user is redirected to the company’s website, as shown in the screenshot below.

For the app to be the most functional, one should not have to be redirected. The main reason for using the app is not to go to a website. The app may have some issues, but it is still helpful, especially when booking on the go. Overall, the Priceline app is easy to use and straightforward, with great functionality that even someone with limited knowledge of mobile apps can use.