Prathamesh Agrawal
Let me take you through my process of designing the flatmate-finding experience on the Bumble App.
Bumble is a popular dating app that allows users to connect with potential partners based on location and interests. It was launched in 2014 and has since expanded to include features such as Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz, which allow users to connect with friends and professional contacts, respectively.
In this case study, I will design the experience of finding a flatmate on the Bumble App.
This case study outlines the process of designing a mobile application that addresses the needs of individuals searching for roommates in a shared living space. Throughout this case study, we will explore the various stages of the design process, including research, ideation, prototyping, and testing. The goal of this project was to develop a user-friendly platform that enables users to find compatible roommates based on shared interests, lifestyles, and preferences.
Our design process involves several steps, which we follow to ensure that we create a user-centred and efficient design for our app. Here are the steps we follow:
During the research phase, we used a variety of methods to gain insights and better understand the problem we were trying to solve. Here is a breakdown of each method we used:
Creating user personas is an essential part of my design process. It helps me understand who I am designing for and their needs. By building a user persona named Samantha, I gained valuable insights into the needs, goals, and motivations of our target users. Based on the primary and secondary research we conducted, I was able to create a clear picture of Samantha, who recently moved from Gujarat to Bangalore. These insights guided me throughout the design process, ensuring that I kept Samantha's needs and goals in mind while designing the app.
Based on the insights gained, we designed the information architecture of the app by categorizing the features into various sections and sub-sections. We made sure to use user-friendly language and avoid any technical jargon. We also made the navigation process simple and intuitive, enabling users to move easily from one section to another.
Once the information architecture was created, the next step in our design process was to conceptualize the features that would be added to the app. These features needed to be not only innovative but also unique to both the industry and our app. Our goal was to ensure that our app provided a user experience that was unparalleled in terms of functionality, usability, and convenience.
During this phase, I brainstormed and conceptualized several features that would provide value to our users. After careful consideration and analysis, we decided to include the Flat Filter, AI Chat, and Ghosting Mode features.
Once the wireframes are finalized, we move on to the high-fidelity design stage, where I add colour, typography, and other design elements to bring the wireframes to life. This allows us to see how the app will look and feel once it is developed and provides a clear vision of the final product.
When I started working on visual design, I felt that a change in branding was needed to distinguish the app's different conversation categories. Therefore, I decided to switch the app's colour scheme from yellow to blue for the flatmate conversation category.
I picked blue because it gives a sense of companionship and freshness, which corresponds to what our users seek in a roommate and what they experience when moving to a new location. This branding adjustment helped to distinguish the "flatmate" discussion category from the app's other conversation categories and made it more appealing to our target audience.
During the visual design stage, I considered the onboarding stage as a critical component of our app's user experience. To make it easier for users to supply the essential information, I structured the onboarding process into four sections. These sections are as follows:
By segmenting the onboarding process, I ensured that the user could supply all of the essential information clearly and straightforwardly, lowering the likelihood of confusion and increasing the overall user experience.
During the design of the explore feed, I made it a priority to ensure that it was user-friendly and easy to navigate. To achieve this, I incorporated several major components, including:
While designing the flat profile, I had to consider several factors to ensure consistency throughout the app. The main components of the flat profile include:
To improve the profile section of our app, I decided to follow the standard Bumble BFF profile format but made changes to the colour scheme to align with our blue branding. Here are some details about the different sections in the profile:
When designing the liked section for my app, I wanted to take a different approach than the standard Bumble format. I decided to include filters in the liked section so that users could easily sort and filter their likes and matches based on activity time and area.
The liked section also includes a "Liked By" card that displays basic information such as the person's image, name, age, and flat information. Additionally, the matched card displays information about the matched individual such as their image, name, age, education, and job. A call-to-action button is also included on the matched card, which prompts users to start a conversation.
The messaging section is one of the most significant parts of our app, as it is where users will be interacting, talking, and discussing. I have designed the messaging list in a standard format that is familiar to users. In addition to this, I have also conceptualized and added various features to enhance the chat experience. These features include AI Chat Recommendations, Ghosting, and Adding Flatmates in Chat.
In addition to this, I have also conceptualized and added various features to enhance the chat experience. These features include AI Chat Recommendations, Ghosting, and Adding Flatmates in Chat.
When it comes to designing an app like this, there are several key factors to keep in mind: Research: Conducting thorough research is critical, and it's essential to recognize that the research phase will involve multiple iterations and revisits.
User Interaction: Social apps are all about interaction, so it's vital to consider the different ways users will be communicating with each other. For example, when designing a messaging feature, it's important to consider how users will be texting and what features they will need to facilitate their conversations.
Significant vs. Incremental: To build a successful app, it's crucial to focus on building features and functionalities that have significant value for users, rather than simply adding incremental improvements. This means identifying the core needs and desires of your target audience and prioritizing those features that will have the greatest impact on their experience.