Concept Design for a Social Networking Mobile App
Based on Apple's design language.
Designed in Figma.
Typeface: SF Pro Rounded
Icons: SF Symbols
Kindly read the UX annotations below to gain more insights into the design.
HOME SCREEN
Typography: The rounded style of the typeface used (SF Pro Rounded) reinforces the casual nature of the app.
Tab switch: To enable users switch between feed views and further refine their content, I created a custom tab switch with "Friends" and "Near Me" tabs, along with a pop-up button for "My Interests" and "Trending," which mimic the look and functionality of the default iOS components.
Feed views: "Friends" tab shows posts from mutual connections, while "Near Me" tab displays relevant or popular posts from nearby users.
Filtering: with the "Near Me" tab active, users can filter posts by interests ("My Interests") or popularity ("Trending") topics in their area.
Notification bar: I designed a custom, non-intrusive notification bar to highlight important aggregated updates, which automatically disappears after 7 seconds. Alternatively, users can dismiss it manually by tapping the upward chevron or take action (e.g. open a reply) by tapping the leading text or avatars.
Emoji reactions: With custom emoji reactions, users can express their feelings about a post more precisely, rather than being limited to the conventional heart icon.
Actionable buttons: I have added actionable text to the engagement buttons such as “react” and “reply” to guide user interaction and aid accessibility for new users.
Additional options: Less frequent actions ("share" and "report") are tucked away in an overflow menu for a cleaner interface.
Deep linking: Users can share music directly from their music app, eliminating the need to screenshot and share on stories.
STORY VIEW
Immersive story view: Stories offer an immersive experience by automatically hiding controls three seconds after opening the upload, maximizing content visibility. A simple tap brings the controls back.
Unobtrusive design: By default, no interface elements should be persistently displayed at the bottom of the screen in story views to prevent overlapping of important post content, such as closed captions, post descriptions, and underlying content in the posts.
Close and mute: Close and mute affordances are accessible at the top right corner. Alternatively, users can swipe down to close the view.
Intuitive navigation: Users navigate between chapters by tapping on either side of the screen: left to go back and right to go forward. Holding on either side quick forwards/rewinds a video upload
Focus on content: Holding the screen freezes the upload and hides all UI elements except the caption, which features a clear background separation. Additionally, all users can adjust caption placement during upload, enhancing user control and visibility of underlying content.
MONETIZATION
Freemium model: Users can opt for a premium plan with extra features, but most of the aforementioned features will be made available for free.
Premium features: Premium benefits may include, but is not limited to:
- Messaging non-associates
- Viewing and replying to stories from non-associates
- Unlimited story uploads
- Plus additional benefits
Closing Note
The concept design aimed to address boredom and loneliness by creating an app that makes it enjoyable and effortless for users to stay connected with friends, family, and nearby locals.
I was able to achieve this by:
1. Following the universal principles for visual and interaction design
2. Adhering to platform and competitor conventions
3. Utilizing white space and visual hierarchy techniques
4. Maintaining consistent spacing and alignment of elements
5. Formatting typographical elements to guide users smoothly through the design
6. Crafting clear and concise microcopy to help users reach their goals
7. Employing an accessibility-driven design rationale
