Designed a conversation app with an AI sentiment analysis as It's core feature

Figma

Notion

Google Form

Maze

GistArena is a conversation app tailored for Gen Z, with a standout feature: an AI-powered sentiment analysis tool. This analyzes posts, comments, and user profiles, helping users gain deeper insights into online interactions. The goal? To make conversations more meaningful, less chaotic, and easier to navigate—all while aligning with the app’s vision of fostering genuine engagement.

Conversations online can often feel overwhelming, with emotions and intent getting lost in the noise. Sentiment analysis brings clarity by highlighting the tone of discussions. Secondary research supports this: studies by MIT show that sentiment analysis improves interaction quality and emotional awareness in online communities. This feature isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a practical solution for making GistArena stand out in a competitive landscape.

User research was critical to validate this feature, but it came with its challenges. Recruiting Gen Z participants without incentives was tough—I had to work hard to secure even four participants. They included:

Social Media Managers: Interested in tracking public opinion.

Influencers: Focused on audience sentiment insights.

Business Owners: Keen to understand market trends.

Students: Curious about tools for better collaboration.

While most participants were excited about the concept, one participant, who wasn’t part of the target demographic, strongly disliked AI in general and expressed skepticism. It was a reminder that some feedback, though valid, doesn’t align with the product’s goals.

Looking at Twitter X, it’s clear that while the platform offers engagement insights, it lacks deeply integrated sentiment analysis tools. GistArena stands apart by:

Gen Z Focus: A simple, vibrant, and youthful design tailored for younger users.

De-cluttered UI: Unlike Twitter's dense interface, GistArena prioritizes clarity and ease of navigation.

Integrated Sentiment Tools: Embedding analysis seamlessly into conversations rather than as a separate feature.

This differentiation positions GistArena as both accessible and innovative for its target audience.

From interviews and usability testing, here’s what I discovered:

Users appreciated the feature’s ability to provide emotional context to conversations.

Privacy concerns and skepticism about AI’s accuracy were recurring themes.

The post summarizer stood out as a favorite feature, offering a quick way to understand content.

A clean, Gen Z-friendly interface made the concept feel approachable and engaging.

To address feedback and align the design with user needs, I implemented the following solutions:

1. Privacy Assurance: Transparent policies, encryption, and clear opt-in/out settings to build trust.

2. Gen Z-Centric Design:

- Minimalist, vibrant UI with a default dark mode option.

- Custom icons designed using Material Design’s icon key grid for clarity and consistency.

- Color-coded sentiment highlights (green, yellow, red) for easy interpretation.

3. Post Summarizer: A feature that condenses long posts, making it easier to digest content quickly.

4. Gamification, after MVP: Features like “Sentiment Streaks” to encourage daily interaction and engagement.

5. Targeted Features after MVP: Tools for specific audiences, such as:

- Social Media Managers: Sentiment-focused dashboards.

- Influencers: Tools for audience insights.

- Business Owners: Market sentiment and trend analysis.

- Students: Collaboration tools with a focus on emotional context.

User feedback showed promising results after iterations:

Increased Confidence: Participants trusted the feature more as privacy and accuracy concerns were addressed.

Anticipation: Users expressed eagerness to see the feature implemented in the app.

Clarity: The tool’s intuitive design eliminated confusion, making it easy to use from the start.

To bring this feature to life, a clear roadmap was established:

Phase 1: MVP Launch Sentiment analysis and post summarizer as core features. Core chat functionalities with sentiment highlights.

Phase 2: Refinement

Gather user feedback via usability tests. Address concerns around accuracy and refine UI further.

Phase 3: Advanced Features Introduce sentiment trends and personalized dashboards. Add gamified elements like streaks and challenges.

Phase 4: Monetization Launch premium sentiment analytics for businesses and influencers. Extend sentiment analysis into other digital products, such as email platforms or collaboration tools.

Phase 5: Expansion

Figma: For UI/UX design.

Google Forms: For participant recruitment.

Maze: For usability testing.

Notion: For project management and documentation.

User feedback can be a mixed bag. Some insights are actionable, while others—like skepticism about AI—reflect personal biases. As a UX designer, the key is to filter feedback, prioritize the most impactful insights, and continuously iterate. This case study highlights the challenges and rewards of building a feature that balances innovation with practicality. By addressing real user needs and aligning with Gen Z preferences, GistArena’s sentiment analysis tool is positioned to enhance conversations and elevate user experience