How I built a Next.js travel discovery platform using AI as my junior dev

#webdev #ai #ui #nextjs

I’ve been working on Manzil, a travel discovery platform focused on uncharted Indian destinations, heritage sites, and regions like Leh-Ladakh. I know system architecture and data, but I wanted to move fast. So, I used AI to write the core frontend code.

The Stack:

Frontend: Next.js & Tailwind CSS
Hosting: Cloudflare
Visuals: Mapbox integration for 3D renderings of palaces and statues
Auth: GitHub OAuth

The Process:

I acted as the tech lead. I handled compiling the custom destination databases, sorting the image addresses, and managing the architecture. I used AI as my junior developer to pump out the boilerplate components, wire up the routing, and handle the responsive Tailwind layouts. It cut my development time in half.

The Hurdle (Where I need your help):

Because this project relies entirely on an outbound affiliate model, my Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) has to be flawless. The UI needs to build immediate visual trust so users actually feel comfortable clicking the partner links.

I need this community to tear down my frontend.