Brij Dating

Online dating has revolutionized the way people meet and connect, offering a digital platform for individuals to seek romantic relationships and companionship.

The rise of online dating has significantly impacted traditional methods of finding romantic partners, with a 2019 Stanford study showing a decline in traditional approaches since World War II. Over the years, online dating has evolved and expanded, with various platforms and features catering to different demographics and preferences, ultimately becoming a normalized way to connect with potential partners, especially with the recent emergence of video and audio-first dating applications during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I was part of an ambitious team set to design a new experience for the fastest way to meet a partner.

To comply with my non-disclosure agreement, I have omitted and obfuscated confidential information in this case study. All information in this case study is my own and does not necessarily reflect the views of Brij.

Our goal for the project was to reinvent matchmaking. The original premise was simple: swipe and then meet someone. However, the perception and trust behind online dating has dipped due to security reasons and the idea that people do not exactly find love on dating apps. Our ambitions were to create a strong foundation that embraced a security and diversity in the approach to how friends and partners meet.

Our high level goals were to:

Make it fast and easy to use for everyone, everywhere.

Give users more options on how to meet people.

Create a strong sense of security for the users.

Within a compact team, my responsibilities encompassed leading and conducting comprehensive interviews, conducting research, and shaping the design of the mobile user experience and interface

At the outset of the project we didn’t have a clear mission or specific goals for the pickup experience. Without pre-existing insights, I went into research mode to explore how online dating works and the perception around it.

We tested the existing dating apps particularly Tinder, Bumble and Hinge in fast paced cities like Lagos, Nairobi, Abuja and Kigali with 100 participants .Our goals were to understand the challenges users face when it comes to meeting partners online.

I found myself somewhat taken aback by the issues we encountered. They resembled the common inconveniences often heard of in Lagos, rather than significant challenges faced by a global audience. However, upon further reflection, it became evident that users now anticipate a seamless experience with minimal effort. As online meetings with people became an integral part of their lives, their expectations underwent a transformation. They now demand that apps dedicated to connecting people excel at curating this experience. When even power users with excellent network reception, high-end smartphones, and technological proficiency experienced difficulties in the most mature market, it begged the question: how much more challenging was the experience in less developed markets with more demanding technological and environmental conditions? This curiosity uncovered an opportunity to refine the swiping experience for everyone, regardless of their location. This marked the inception of our guiding principle.

Personas were created so as to fully empathize and understand the user. 3 Personas were created.

I chose to create an empathy map as a crucial tool in understanding the users' motivations for choosing a dating app. By delving into their emotions, thoughts, and experiences, I aim to gain a deeper understanding of their desires, challenges, and aspirations when it comes to dating. This map serves as a compass to navigate the complex landscape of human relationships, helping me design a solution that resonates with our users on a more profound level. By empathizing with our customers, we can develop features and solutions that truly meet their needs, fostering genuine connections and making their dating experience more meaningful and successful.

Our vision for brij was to To create a dating app that redefines modern relationships by fostering genuine connections, celebrating diversity, and prioritizing safety. We did not want to offer just a platform to meet people, rather the go-to platform for individuals seeking meaningful, fulfilling, and lasting partnerships. We aim to empower users with innovative features, robust security measures, and a welcoming community that embraces love in all its forms. Our commitment is to make the journey of finding love more enjoyable, authentic, and ultimately, life-changing.

Safety is paramount in the world of online dating, as it lays the foundation for users to confidently share genuine details about themselves on dating apps. In an environment where personal information is at risk, creating a secure space is not just important; it's essential. We understand that users must feel shielded from potential threats, allowing them to be their authentic selves without fear. A sense of security fosters trust, which is crucial in the early stages of forming a connection with someone new. Without it, individuals may be hesitant to reveal their true identities, interests, and intentions, ultimately hindering the potential for meaningful and honest relationships to blossom. Which is why we decided to approach each user profile like bank safe with 2 level verification in other experience the app.

We began by thinking about how we wanted the app to work as a whole, like putting together a big puzzle. We drew lots of pictures and made storyboards to brainstorm ideas about where to put buttons, menus, and what happens when you tap them. At first, our ideas were a bit all over the place, but over time, we saw a clear plan taking shape. We made a design guide that showed how everything should look and work in the app, and it started to make sense. It's kind of like building a recipe for a delicious app.

I made a simple wireframe of the app . Then, I wrote down a list of all the things I wanted to put on the design in a document.

The gallery below shows the final iOS app for launch.

To ensure that users find selecting their date preferences to be a simple and interactive process rather than a tedious one, I implemented a user-centric design approach. I created a visually appealing and intuitive interface that guides users through the selection process step by step, presenting options in a clear and concise manner.

In our ongoing commitment to ensuring a secure and authentic experience for our users, we've implemented a two-pronged approach to verification. Not only do we rigorously verify user profiles to confirm their authenticity, but we also encourage users to take the first steps toward genuine connection by setting up a virtual date within the initial 24 hours of matching. Through either a video call or an audio call, this interaction allows users to engage in a more personal and immediate way. Our research has shown that people seeking authentic connections greatly value this opportunity, as it offers a more profound understanding of their potential match. This initial connection sets the stage for meaningful relationships to develop, strengthening trust and reducing the risk of encountering misrepresented profiles. We believe that by fostering these early interactions, we pave the way for our users to find more meaningful connections and build secure relationships from the start.

We've taken proactive steps to ensure our users never run short of date ideas on our app. Introducing the innovative "Events" button has been a game-changer. With this feature, users can now seamlessly send event ideas or engaging activities to their matches, making the process of planning and scheduling dates a breeze. Whether it's a romantic dinner at a cozy restaurant, a thrilling hiking adventure, or a fun movie night, the possibilities are endless. But it doesn't stop there; our platform empowers users to create and host their own events or activities, opening up opportunities for like-minded individuals to join and attend. This approach not only enhances the dating experience but also fosters a vibrant community where users can connect over shared interests and unique experiences, making the journey of finding that special someone even more exciting and enriching. We're committed to ensuring our users have an abundance of exciting options at their fingertips, making every date memorable and full of possibilities

As the countdown to its launch continues, Brij represents a beacon of hope for those seeking love and companionship online, offering a refreshing alternative to the often superficial and unsafe experiences on other dating apps. With the promise of Brij just a few weeks away, users can eagerly anticipate a new era in online dating that prioritizes both their hearts and their safety.