“Travel Buddy” by Stefan Maier-Wimmer: A New Benchmark in Advertising Design

Published on January 7, 2025

“Travel Buddy,” an innovative interactive browser game designed by Stefan Maier-Wimmer, has been awarded the prestigious Iron A’ Design Award in the Advertising, Marketing, and Communication Design category. Recognized as one of the most esteemed design awards globally, the A’ Design Award celebrates exceptional achievements in advertising and creative design. “Travel Buddy” stands out as a trailblazer in the travel and hospitality sectors, redefining how brands engage with audiences through gamification.

Redefining Advertising with Gamification

At its core, “Travel Buddy” leverages gamification to create an engaging and personalized user experience. The interactive browser game invites players to guide a couple in planning their vacation, offering practical tips and insights along the way. As players navigate the immersive parallax game world, they discover various travel scenarios, products, and solutions that cater to their preferences. One of the standout features of the game is its humorous travel type test, which allows players to explore their travel behaviors and preferences. By blending entertainment with information, “Travel Buddy” delivers practical value to users while promoting the extensive portfolio of Holiday Extras, Europe’s leader in travel services.

Recognized for Excellence in Advertising Design

The Iron A’ Design Award celebrates designs that meet the highest standards of creativity, innovation, and effectiveness. The recognition of “Travel Buddy” highlights its relevance in today’s advertising landscape, where user engagement and digital interactivity play a critical role. The project’s success demonstrates how gamification can transform traditional advertising into an immersive and enjoyable experience. According to the award jury, “Travel Buddy” excels in aligning gamified experiences with strategic marketing objectives, offering practical benefits for both brands and consumers. This innovative approach has not only elevated Holiday Extras’ brand awareness but has also set a benchmark for future advertising campaigns in the travel industry.

Behind the Creative Vision

“Travel Buddy” was brought to life by a talented team of professionals, each contributing their expertise to the project’s success.

• Stefan Maier-Wimmer, Creative Director: Led the overall vision and strategic direction of the game.
• Sebastian Hudl, Art Director, and Ole Bornitz, Graphics Designer: Developed the visually captivating elements of the game.
• Jakob Wassenaar, Copywriter: Crafted the engaging narrative and witty dialogue.
• Patrick Fürst and Gerald Gömmel, Programmers: Implemented the technical framework, including parallax effects, ensuring a seamless user experience.

The team’s collaboration resulted in a product that balances technical sophistication with user-centric design, making “Travel Buddy” a standout in the competitive advertising landscape.

Bridging Creativity and Practicality

“Travel Buddy” not only entertains but also addresses real-world challenges in the travel planning process. By integrating Holiday Extras’ diverse range of services—including airport parking, lounges, transfers, and travel insurance—the game serves as a practical tool for travelers. Players gain insights into travel solutions while enjoying an immersive virtual journey. This innovative approach aligns with Holiday Extras’ mission of enhancing customer travel experiences. The brand’s dedication to convenience and personalization is evident throughout the game, making it a valuable resource for both first-time and seasoned travelers.

Inspiring the Advertising Industry

The recognition of “Travel Buddy” by the A’ Design Award underscores the potential of gamification in advertising. By merging creativity with functionality, the project has set a new standard for how brands can connect with audiences in meaningful ways. The project’s success is expected to inspire future campaigns that prioritize user engagement, interactivity, and innovative storytelling. As gamification continues to gain traction in various industries, “Travel Buddy” serves as a testament to the power of creative design in driving brand growth and consumer satisfaction.

About the A’ Design Award

The A’ Design Award is one of the world’s most respected design competitions, recognizing excellence across multiple disciplines, including advertising, industrial design, architecture, and more. Winning entries are evaluated by an expert jury comprising industry leaders, academics, and journalists. The Iron A’ Design Award acknowledges designs that demonstrate exceptional creativity and innovation, offering solutions that enhance quality of life and address industry needs. Recipients of the award are celebrated for their ability to push boundaries and redefine standards in their respective fields.

About Stefan Maier-Wimmer and Bloom

Stefan Maier-Wimmer, the creative force behind “Travel Buddy,” is a seasoned professional in advertising and design. Based in Germany, Maier-Wimmer leads Bloom, a versatile agency specializing in brand strategy, digital solutions, and creative advertising. With a focus on delivering tailored solutions for clients, Bloom consistently pushes the boundaries of design and innovation.

Shaping the Future of Travel Advertising

“Travel Buddy” represents a significant leap forward in the travel and advertising industries. By integrating humor, personalization, and practicality into a gamified experience, the project has redefined how brands can engage with consumers. This award-winning initiative is not only a testament to the team’s creativity but also a reflection of the evolving demands of modern advertising. As the travel industry continues to embrace digital transformation, projects like “Travel Buddy” highlight the importance of blending entertainment with purpose to create impactful user experiences.