2024

New Take on Hinge

As the sole UX/UI designer for a Hinge app redesign assignment by NextLeap, I focused on improving customer retention by addressing user confusion around where to go on dates.

Introduction

Hinge is a dating app designed to foster meaningful connections by encouraging thoughtful conversations between users.

Challenges

Imagine this Two people have swiped right, exchanged pleasantries, and are now excited to meet.
then comes the awkward conversation:
"So... where do you want to meet? What should we do?"
It sounds simple, but this moment often leads to confusion and hesitation.

Users feel overwhelmed by quick decision-making, often causing delays or dropped plans.

Users face the challenge of selecting date spots that are convenient for both parties.

Female users highlighted the challenge of feeling secure while meeting a date

Discover

To understand the reasons behind users' confusion about where to go on dates, I conducted comprehensive research, including user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and a detailed analysis of competitor apps with date-planning features.

Surveyed 12 users, including Hinge app users and individuals from other dating platforms, to evaluate the app’s user experience and identify areas for improvement in increasing engagement and retention.

Interviewed 5 Hinge users to understand their pain points and challenges, particularly around decision-making for date planning and improving overall app usability.

Conducted a competitive analysis of competitor Application, identified improvement opportunities, and gathered valuable insights to enhance the Application.

Hearing from Real User
Probing questions

How do you usually choose the date spots or activities for these dates?

How do you usually overcome these challenges, or do they lead to postponing or canceling plans?

What motivates you to try new activities or places for dates?

What aspects of planning usually make the process feel overwhelming?

Set of questions that were asked

How many dates have you been on through dating apps?

What are the biggest challenges you face when planning a date?

How often do you try new or different activities for dates?

Have you ever canceled or postponed a date because planning was too overwhelming?

What the User Said

"It’s hard to come up with new date ideas when my schedule is packed. I want to have fun on dates, but planning them takes too much effort, and we always end up doing the same things."

"I want to feel safe and comfortable while dating, but I often have to limit myself to familiar options because I don’t know if someone will have bad intentions."

"I just want casual, fun dates without spending too much time planning. A few good suggestions based on my mood and budget would make dating a lot easier."

How will users navigate the date feature?
The Solution
Which design works better?

I came up with two different visual designs for the date feature that would both be effective in different ways. Which design is more effective for the core users?

Process: I conducted an A/B test to compare two different visual designs of the Hinge date feature to determine which design users resonated with and how effective each design is.


Task: ​To choose their preferences


Participants: 5 participants who have used Hinge, recruited from my personal network.


Timeline: Test conducted in 3 days.

First Design

In my design, I implemented a left and right swipe feature for preferences, inspired by Tinder's swipe interaction, to make selecting date options more engaging. I incorporated visuals throughout the process, as I found in my research that users prefer quick, visually-driven interactions.

Second Design

For the second design, I place the date feature within Hinge's main navigation. This placement is seamless and hard for users to miss. I also use pill selection buttons for the date questionnaire as it mimics Hinge's profile onboarding design and allows for a wider range of preferences.

And the winner is….

The first design was the winner, with 3 out of 5 users preferring it during testing. They liked it because the visuals made it more intuitive and engaging to use compared to the other options.

The Prototype
Lesson Learnt

My initial vision for the date questionnaire was to use images to convey selections. In my research, I found that users do not spend much time on the app, so I believed a straightforward, text-based approach would be most effective. However, during testing, users responded positively to the visual elements, saying the images made them more excited and engaged with the app.
Ultimately, a bit of visual appeal can enhance user experience and keep users more interested than purely simple designs.

sneha

Let's Talk

Interested in discussing design, sharing ideas, or exploring innovations in product design? Feel free to reach out—let’s keep the conversation going.

sneha

Let's Talk

Interested in discussing design, sharing ideas, or exploring innovations in product design? Feel free to reach out—let’s keep the conversation going.

sneha

Let's Talk

Interested in discussing design, sharing ideas, or exploring innovations in product design? Feel free to reach out—let’s keep the conversation going.

2024

2024

New Take on Hinge

As the sole UX/UI designer for a Hinge app redesign assignment by NextLeap, I focused on improving customer retention by addressing user confusion around where to go on dates.

Introduction

Hinge is a dating app designed to foster meaningful connections by encouraging thoughtful conversations between users.

Challenges

Imagine this Two people have swiped right, exchanged pleasantries, and are now excited to meet.
then comes the awkward conversation:
"So... where do you want to meet? What should we do?"
It sounds simple, but this moment often leads to confusion and hesitation.

Users feel overwhelmed by quick decision-making, often causing delays or dropped plans.

Users face the challenge of selecting date spots that are convenient for both parties.

Female users highlighted the challenge of feeling secure while meeting a date

Discover

To understand the reasons behind users' confusion about where to go on dates, I conducted comprehensive research, including user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and a detailed analysis of competitor apps with date-planning features.

Hearing from Real User

Surveyed 12 users, including Hinge app users and individuals from other dating platforms, to evaluate the app’s user experience and identify areas for improvement in increasing engagement and retention.

Interviewed 5 Hinge users to understand their pain points and challenges, particularly around decision-making for date planning and improving overall app usability.

Conducted a competitive analysis of competitor Application, identified improvement opportunities, and gathered valuable insights to enhance the Application.

Probing questions

How do you usually choose the date spots or activities for these dates?

How do you usually overcome these challenges, or do they lead to postponing or canceling plans?

What motivates you to try new activities or places for dates?

What aspects of planning usually make the process feel overwhelming?

Set of questions that were asked

How many dates have you been on through dating apps?

What are the biggest challenges you face when planning a date?

How often do you try new or different activities for dates?

Have you ever canceled or postponed a date because planning was too overwhelming?

What the User Said

"It’s hard to come up with new date ideas when my schedule is packed. I want to have fun on dates, but planning them takes too much effort, and we always end up doing the same things."


"I want to feel safe and comfortable while dating, but I often have to limit myself to familiar options because I don’t know if someone will have bad intentions."


"I just want casual, fun dates without spending too much time planning. A few good suggestions based on my mood and budget would make dating a lot easier."

How will users navigate the date feature?
The Solution
Which design works better?

I came up with two different visual designs for the date feature that would both be effective in different ways. Which design is more effective for the core users?

Process: I conducted an A/B test to compare two different visual designs of the Hinge date feature to determine which design users resonated with and how effective each design is.


Task: ​To choose their preferences


Participants: 5 participants who have used Hinge, recruited from my personal network.


Timeline: Test conducted in 3 days.

First Design

In my design, I implemented a left and right swipe feature for preferences, inspired by Tinder's swipe interaction, to make selecting date options more engaging. I incorporated visuals throughout the process, as I found in my research that users prefer quick, visually-driven interactions.

Second Design

For the second design, I place the date feature within Hinge's main navigation. This placement is seamless and hard for users to miss. I also use pill selection buttons for the date questionnaire as it mimics Hinge's profile onboarding design and allows for a wider range of preferences.

And the winner is….

The first design was the winner, with 3 out of 5 users preferring it during testing. They liked it because the visuals made it more intuitive and engaging to use compared to the other options.

The Prototype
Lesson Learnt

My initial vision for the date questionnaire was to use images to convey selections. In my research, I found that users do not spend much time on the app, so I believed a straightforward, text-based approach would be most effective. However, during testing, users responded positively to the visual elements, saying the images made them more excited and engaged with the app.
Ultimately, a bit of visual appeal can enhance user experience and keep users more interested than purely simple designs.

2024

2024

New Take on Hinge

As the sole UX/UI designer for a Hinge app redesign assignment by NextLeap, I focused on improving customer retention by addressing user confusion around where to go on dates.

Introduction

Hinge is a dating app designed to foster meaningful connections by encouraging thoughtful conversations between users.

Challenges

Imagine this Two people have swiped right, exchanged pleasantries, and are now excited to meet.
then comes the awkward conversation:
"So... where do you want to meet? What should we do?"
It sounds simple, but this moment often leads to confusion and hesitation.

Users feel overwhelmed by quick decision-making, often causing delays or dropped plans.

Users face the challenge of selecting date spots that are convenient for both parties.

Female users highlighted the challenge of feeling secure while meeting a date

Discover

To understand the reasons behind users' confusion about where to go on dates, I conducted comprehensive research, including user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and a detailed analysis of competitor apps with date-planning features.

Surveyed 12 users, including Hinge app users and individuals from other dating platforms, to evaluate the app’s user experience and identify areas for improvement in increasing engagement and retention.

Interviewed 5 Hinge users to understand their pain points and challenges, particularly around decision-making for date planning and improving overall app usability.

Conducted a competitive analysis of competitor Application, identified improvement opportunities, and gathered valuable insights to enhance the Application.

Hearing from Real User
Probing questions

How do you usually choose the date spots or activities for these dates?

How do you usually overcome these challenges, or do they lead to postponing or canceling plans?

What motivates you to try new activities or places for dates?

What aspects of planning usually make the process feel overwhelming?

Set of questions that were asked

How many dates have you been on through dating apps?

What are the biggest challenges you face when planning a date?

How often do you try new or different activities for dates?

Have you ever canceled or postponed a date because planning was too overwhelming?

What the User Said

"It’s hard to come up with new date ideas when my schedule is packed. I want to have fun on dates, but planning them takes too much effort, and we always end up doing the same things."


"I want to feel safe and comfortable while dating, but I often have to limit myself to familiar options because I don’t know if someone will have bad intentions."


"I just want casual, fun dates without spending too much time planning. A few good suggestions based on my mood and budget would make dating a lot easier."

How will users navigate the date feature?
The Solution

Personalized Recommendations

A feature that suggests date options based on both users' preferences, simplifying decision-making and reducing the chances of dropped plans.

Users feel overwhelmed by quick decision-making, often causing delays or dropped plans.

Problem 01

Showcasing personalized recommendations based on both parties' preferences. This simplifies the process, making it easier to choose date options and reducing delays or cancellations.

Midpoint Location Suggestions

To minimize travel time and ensure convenience, the app recommends date spots that are located at a midpoint between both users’ locations.

Problem 02

Users face the challenge of selecting date spots that are convenient for both parties.

A feature that recommends date spots located at a midpoint between both users, making the date more accessible and reducing travel time for both parties.

4o

Share

Safety Features

Includes location tracking for women to enhance security during dates, addressing safety concerns.

Problem 03

Female users highlighted the challenge of feeling secure while meeting a date

An option for users to share their location, time, and date details with a friend after scheduling a meetup. This feature enhances safety and provides peace of mind during the date.

Which design works better?

I came up with two different visual designs for the date feature that would both be effective in different ways. Which design is more effective for the core users?

Process: I conducted an A/B test to compare two different visual designs of the Hinge date feature to determine which design users resonated with and how effective each design is.


Task: ​To choose their preferences


Participants: 5 participants who have used Hinge, recruited from my personal network.


Timeline: Test conducted in 3 days.

9:30

Tejpal

Chat

Profile

Date Genie

Ready to plan your perfect date?

Swipe right on the options you love and left on the ones you don’t! By letting us know your preferences, we’ll suggest date ideas that match your style, ensuring an experience you’ll both enjoy.

Your preferences are private, and you’ll see recommendations as soon as you’re both ready.

Got it,Lets Swipe!

9:30

Tejpal

Chat

Profile

Date Genie

You're all set!

We’ve got your date preferences locked in. Now, just sit tight while your partner completes their selections.Once both of you are ready, we’ll match you with the perfect date ideas!

Stay tuned for something exciting!

Edit Date Preferences

9:30

Tejpal

Chat

Profile

Date Genie

I typically prefer

“It is fun to use”

“Visuals are engaging”

“feels like the process will take too long as idk when it’ll stop asking questions”

Users Inputs

9:30

Tejpal

Chat

Profile

Date Genie

Ready to plan your perfect date?

Swipe right on the options you love and left on the ones you don’t! By letting us know your preferences, we’ll suggest date ideas that match your style, ensuring an experience you’ll both enjoy.

Your preferences are private, and you’ll see recommendations as soon as you’re both ready.

Got it,Lets Swipe!

9:30

Tejpal

Chat

Profile

Date Genie

You're all set!

We’ve got your date preferences locked in. Now, just sit tight while your partner completes their selections.Once both of you are ready, we’ll match you with the perfect date ideas!

Stay tuned for something exciting!

Edit Date Preferences

“Not as interesting or fun to use”

“Information is clear and effective”

Second Design

First Design

For the second design, I place the date feature within Hinge's main navigation. This placement is seamless and hard for users to miss. I also use pill selection buttons for the date questionnaire as it mimics Hinge's profile onboarding design and allows for a wider range of preferences.

In my design, I implemented a left and right swipe feature for preferences, inspired by Tinder's swipe interaction, to make selecting date options more engaging. I incorporated visuals throughout the process, as I found in my research that users prefer quick, visually-driven interactions.

Users Inputs

9:30

Tejpal

Chat

Profile

Date Genie

I typically prefer

Coffee

Drinks

Drinks

Drinks

Dinner

Movie

Next

You can have multiple preferences

You can have multiple preferences

9:30

Tejpal

Chat

Profile

Date Genie

I Like to be

Indoors

Outdoors

Next

You can have multiple preferences

9:30

Tejpal

Chat

Profile

Date Genie

I want to do something

Casual

Casual

Adventerous

Next

You can have multiple preferences

9:30

Tejpal

Chat

Profile

Date Genie

I want to go on date in the

Day

Day

Night

Day&Night

Day&Night

Movie

Movie

Next

You can have multiple preferences

And the winner is….

The first design was the winner, with 3 out of 5 users preferring it during testing. They liked it because the visuals made it more intuitive and engaging to use compared to the other options.

The Prototype
Lesson Learnt

My initial vision for the date questionnaire was to use images to convey selections. In my research, I found that users do not spend much time on the app, so I believed a straightforward, text-based approach would be most effective. However, during testing, users responded positively to the visual elements, saying the images made them more excited and engaged with the app.
Ultimately, a bit of visual appeal can enhance user experience and keep users more interested than purely simple designs.

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