CASE STUDY

Redesigning the experience of 300.000 visitors of Thessaloniki International Fair

A user-centered research in 3.000 visitors that led to improvements and bigger customer satisfaction rates.

For six years (2017-2022), we conducted a service design research in collaboration with the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) to optimize the visitor experience.

This pioneering, human-centered research was designed to provide data-driven improvements for the experience of 300.000 visitors who attend the September exhibition. The methodology that we used was based on key human-centered service design strategies:

User-Centered design | Design thinking | Service design

Our research team used participatory and innovative methodologies to gain a holistic understanding of the exhibition, from both the organisers’ perspective and the visitor experience, across the years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022.

By supporting the TIF’s organisation for five years, we collected valuable insights about visitor experiences. We firmly believe that, if combined effectively, these insights could elevate the visitor experience and further enhance the holistic approach to exhibition design.

Our key research objectives were:

  • Higher customer satisfaction rate
  • Improved way-finding within the exhibition area
  • Faster service at the main gates: ticketing, information, validation, and exit.

 

This long-term research provided actionable insights that contributed to a more engaging and efficient experience for every visitor at Thessaloniki International Fair. Our research focused on six key touchpoints of the visitor journey, identifying opportunities for improvement in each stage:

  1. Awareness: We analyzed how visitors first hear about the exhibition—whether through online sources, exhibitors, media, or other channels.
  2. Looking for additional information: We observed where visitors go to find more details: they visit the official website, call the TIF office or rely on media sources.
  3. Accessibility & transportation: We examined how visitors reach the exhibition venue: public transport, vehicles, walking, air travel, and identified key facilitators and obstacles to access.
  4. Entry process: We conducted an in-depth analysis of the three official entrances, focusing on waiting times, ticketing, payments, information points, and general entry experience.
  5. Navigation & on-site experience: We studied how visitors orient themselves in the fair, including interactions with exhibitors, parallel events, concerts, food services, restrooms, and other facilities.
  6. Exit & departure experience: We explored the departure process, examining how visitors leave the venue and their emotional response as they exit the exhibition.

By mapping and analyzing these crucial touchpoints, our research provided actionable insights to enhance the overall visitor experience.

To optimize the visitor journey, we followed a structured service design approach, consisting of the following key stages:

  • Data Collection: We began by collaborating with the TIF Institute of Business and Exhibition Research & Development to analyze existing data, including previous research, statistics, and visitor forecasts.
  • In-depth research: We conducted a qualitative and quantitative study, including:
    • Interviews with TIF staff (management, employees, security, partners, etc.)
    • On-site observations of visitor behavior
    • Surveys & focus groups with TIF visitors to capture their experiences and expectations
  • Data validation: During the fair, our team worked directly with visitors to validate and refine initial insights. Staff teams were positioned in different locations and time slots to collect a representative sample of visitor feedback.
  • Analysis & findings: Using service design methodologies, we synthesized the collected data to develop insights and identify improvement areas. Key tools used included: problem definition frameworks, user personas, visitor journey mapping, service blueprints
  • Pilot testing & implementation: The final phase involved testing and evaluating service improvements to align with the future vision of TIF.

By deeply understanding visitor needs and streamlining the entire experience, we successfully designed better services and increased visitor satisfaction.

Our goal was not just to enhance the immediate visitor experience but also to establish a framework for continuous improvement, aligned with future expectations and emerging trends. 

3.000 users
100+ interviews
6 years