User Experience Design Project
Location-Based Interest Chat App
Role
User Experience Design
User Interface Design
Timeline
2024 Summer
8 Weeks
Tool
Figma
Illustrator
Teammates
Three other students at DePaul University
Intro
Overview
We started by brainstorming ideas for the app. Then, each team conducted user testing while considering the app's design guidelines. Based on the feedback we received, we made improvements to our low-fidelity prototype.
My Role
I focused on the design to ensure that users could quickly grasp the app's features. Additionally, I was responsible for creating the high-fidelity design, as well as the logo and icons.
Project Timeline
Problem
People who are new to the area often find it difficult to connect with local individuals or groups who share similar interests while maintaining their privacy.
We brainstormed that newcomers may struggle to form meaningful connections while safeguarding their privacy. To understand this, we used a pre-task questionnaire during usability testing to gather insights on participants' behaviors, motivations, and concerns about connecting with others in new environments.
Solution
Common interests and staged information sharing are key elements in building connections and trust.
Interest-based connections / Staged profile sharing
This feature fosters connections through shared interests and reveals profiles gradually. After a few exchanges, the other person's profile picture is shown, allowing trust to build during interactions.
Find friends and communities on the map based on shared interests
Through the map feature, users can find nearby people and easily join local conversations. This allows for sharing local information and building real-life connections.
Ideation
Concept Development: Area-Based Conversation Starters
After creating some ideas independently, the team got together to discuss the ideas. After going over options we had, we landed on Area Based Conversation Starters and delved into what that entailed and how it could work as an app. After further discussing where inspiration can come from we got started sketching out the ideas we interpreted from our chat.
Design Chralette
Refining Key Features: Group Chat and Map Function
In the first round, we brainstormed ideas such as the Tinder swipe for profiles, chat screens, maps, settings, and group chats. After discussing our favorite elements, we moved on to the second round of charrettes. We refined the group chat and map features, deciding to remove swiping from group chats for more privacy. In the one-on-one chat, user profiles would unlock after meeting certain goals. We also developed the map function to show local conversation topics, allowing users to swipe through profiles and initiate one-on-one chats.
Iteration
Low-fi Prototyping & Usability Test
Six participants aged 21–50, actively seeking new connections, were included to ensure realistic feedback. Usability tests were conducted remotely via Zoom, where participants completed six tasks.
Iteration
Test Observation Notes
Iteration
2 Major Improvements
Introduced a tutorial screen, updated bottom navigation labels, and added visual cues to indicate swipeable cards.
Many users struggled to understand what to do on the home screen and took time to realize the cards were swipeable.
Added a group chat image for visual clarity and a map range settings icon directly on the map screen.
Many users failed to recognize the map screen cards as tappable and struggled to locate map range settings, expecting them to be directly on the map screen rather than in the settings tab.
Design Concept
End
Reflection
Some users struggled to intuitively understand the swipe feature on the home screen.
Completed the high-fidelity prototype within a limited time frame, from ideas and sketches.
Due to time constraints, features like blocking swipe partners and a gallery for managing sent images couldn't be implemented.
Insufficient research on elements that make users feel safe in chats with new people.
High-fidelity design needs further testing to improve usability.