Client/Project type
Client:Join Links LLC
Project Type: Mobile app design/redesign for social media platform and event hosting platform to build community and connect users in smaller settings whether online or in person.
Duration
December 2021 to April 2022 (5 Months)
My Role
Lead UX/UI Designer
Project Summary
Links approached me to design/redesign an app that would encourage users to engage with each other online and build community in person through events called links. The main goal of the app was to provide a platform for users who are new or who want to make new friends to find community in smaller settings, whether online or in person.
Early Challenges
In the beginning there were some challenges that were first presented in this project.
The stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction with the previous design created by a previously hired UX designer, and have requested a redesign of the app’s user interface and user experience.
Due to a limited understanding of the user’s requirements and the pressure to launch the app on the iOS App Store by the end of the first or beginning of the second quarter of the year, the project team faced significant time constraints..
Additionally, the company underwent a rebranding effort, which included the adoption of a new logo and brand color scheme.
The Problem
the difficulty that users faced in making new friends and connecting with others in their local communities, particularly in the post-pandemic era.
Many people, especially those who are new to a city, struggle to form meaningful connections with others due to social isolation, lack of social opportunities,
a lack of a centralized platform to facilitate social interaction.
Problem Statement
To develop a social platform that connects users and builds communities through online interactions and in-person events called “links”. The aim is to address the challenge of connecting with new people and building relationships in a new city or community, particularly in the post-pandemic era. The app will cater specifically to users who are looking to make new friends or build communities and will incorporate features such as event discovery, messaging, and event creation. The ultimate goal is to create a user-friendly and visually appealing platform that enables users to easily connect with others who share similar interests or are in a similar situation
Process & The Solution
Research
Before designing the app, I conducted user research to understand the target audience and their needs. The research revealed that people in large cities were eager to make new friends and connect in real life post-pandemic. They wanted to attend events that were smaller and more intimate, where they could meet like-minded people.
Secondary Research
we collected secondary research that was kept by the stakeholder and marketing team (User Interviews)
Design
Based on the research findings, I designed the app with a simple and intuitive interface. The Explore feature allowed users to find links events nearby. The Create Links feature allows users to host events and charge others if they choose to, as well as RSVP for other links events. The Profile feature allowed users to add a short bio, pronouns, profession, hometown, and a profile picture. The Friends feature allowed users to connect with other users and the Messaging feature allowed them to communicate with their friends.
Gamification
To encourage users to engage with the app and attend more events, I introduced gamification badges called Links Badges. Users could earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold badges based on the number of links events they attended.
Usability Testing
I conducted usability testing with five people who were close in demographic and user persona. The testing revealed that users wanted a more personalized experience, with more opportunities to interact with other users. Based on the feedback, I made improvements to the app’s design, including adding more options for personalization and interaction.
Solution
The Links app is a social platform that connects users and builds communities through
online interactions and in-person events called “links”. Our main objective was to cater to users who are new to a city or looking to make new friends in the post-pandemic era.
To achieve this, we designed an app with a clean and modern user interface that is easy to navigate and highlights the app’s core features. The app allows users to create a profile, search for other users based on shared interests, and connect with them through in-app messaging. Users can also join or create “links”, which are in-person events centered around shared interests.
The Links app has been successful in helping users connect with others and build communities. Our user-centered design approach, combined with the expertise of our talented team, has allowed us to create an app that truly meets the needs of our users. We continue to monitor user feedback and make improvements to the app’s design and functionality to ensure that it remains a valuable tool for users looking to form meaningful connections in their local communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, join Links app was designed to provide a platform for users to find community in smaller settings, whether online or in person. The app’s features, including Explore, Create Links, Profile, Friends, Messaging, and Gamification Badges, were designed to make it easy for users to connect with each other and attend events. The gamification badges were introduced to encourage users to attend more events and engage with the app more frequently. Overall, the app was well received by users and helped to facilitate meaningful connections between people.
Results
Working on this project was a great experience for me as a UX designer. It challenged me to think creatively and strategically about how to design an app that not only meets the client’s needs but also provides a meaningful experience for users. Throughout the project, I learned how to balance user needs with business goals and technical feasibility, which was an important skill to develop.
Overall, I am pleased with the outcome of the project and believe that the app provides a valuable service for users looking to build community and connect with others. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked on this project and to have developed my skills as a UX designer.
