GUIDELINES FOR CREATING MOBILE APPLICATIONS FOR GENERATION Y TO SUPPORT TOURISM IN BANGKOK

Abstract

This study examines design guidelines for a mobile application for Gen Y tourists in Bangkok. The objectives were: (1) to compile information on tourist attractions in Bangkok; and (2) to investigate the feasibility of design guidelines for a Gen Y–oriented mobile tourism application in Bangkok. A qualitative research approach was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 20 key informants.

The findings showed that tourist-attraction data were compiled from 11 administrative districts in Bangkok that provide convenient access to attractions and ease of travel. The collected information covered site details, operating days and hours, transportation, and attraction types. The feasibility analysis of the proposed design guidelines indicated four key dimensions: (1) Content—information should be easy to access, straightforward, and well organized with clear formatting; multilingual support is recommended, and content should be complete, engaging, and cover all attraction types. (2) System use/Functionality—the application should support both iOS and Android to facilitate downloading and use; secure access with user authentication should be included to enhance credibility; and the interface should provide a prominent search bar with icons and buttons that clearly convey meaning. (3) Usefulness—the application should support trip planning and provide real-time route guidance as a practical travel guide; it should also enable users to save and share experiences and function as a channel for comprehensive promotion and recommendations of Bangkok attractions. (4) Design and presentation—the interface should be simple, using soothing natural tones and themes; categories for attractions, transportation, and opening–closing hours should be clearly displayed; screens should separate functions by use case, and AI-based recommendations of places and activities tailored to users should be incorporated to enhance the user experience.