New Messaging App
Context
I partnered with a PM and a communications specialist to come up with a better solution for messaging, particularly centered around groups using iPhones and Androids. We conducted surveys and interviews to uncover the user needs that current messaging apps aren't addressing. You can download the app on Google Play or the App Store. https://letshopapp.com/
My Role
Lead UX Designer
(managed a contract designer)
UX Researcher
Business Design
Project
18+ months
Bootstrapped
350+ wireframes
Tools
Figma & Figjam
M3 Design System
Various survey tools
Platforms
Mobile app for iOS and Android (React)
Problems
By analyzing results from surveys, interviews and current apps on the market I identified some pretty big issues:
1. Group Messaging is Chaotic
The most common feedback from users about their daily messaging experiences were centered around their allegiance to devices, feeling overwhelmed and obligated. Overall they felt a lack of control in group messaging.
Opportunity
How might we create an app that gives users more control, is device agnostic, and meets daily messaging needs ?
Goals
We converted our key problems into UX outcomes:
Chaotic → Controlled
If we do a great job of designing a new app that centers group messaging then users will not feel overwhelmed and left out so that they can focus on connecting with people instead of the chaotic experience.
SMS/RCS → Agnostic
If we do a great job of creating a seamless experience for all devices then users can worry less about which app to use when creating group messages.
Dated → Feature Rich
If we do a great job of incorporating features that users love from email, B2B messaging apps and other productivity tools, users will be able to get all of their messaging jobs done in one app.
User Flows
Messaging apps are incredibly complex. Creating user flows for each function and feature was a necessary starting point.
Design System
To save time and effort I leveraged an existing design system, Google's Material Design 3. Since this project was bootstrapped it also made development more efficient.
Prototyping
Early low-fi prototyping informed design decisions. Now that the beta has launched we are beginning usability testing for each function and feature to make further improvements.
GTM Strategy
The incumbents in this space would be hard to overcome so we developed a go-to-market strategy that would allow us to dive deep into a particular use case to drive adoption.
Results
What I learned from this project:
Business Design
We used strategy, research, and analysis as generative design tools in order to turn a big, audacious idea into a viable business model.
Mobile App Design
Most of my experience has been turning web interfaces into mobile friendly designs. This project taught me a lot about the technical limitations of mobile apps, particularly between different operating systems.
End-to-end Product Design
Designing a product from inception to a deliverable allowed me to apply all of my research, design and strategy skills to further hone my craft.