—case study
Happnn
A reexamination of how we search. Paired with a distinct take on discovering locations and events.
Interaction Design · Search Behavior · User Research · Animation
Overview
This project was guided by the prioritization of 3 areas. Each packed with learning points that shaped the end result.
What makes us curious?
I started by taking a deep dive into how we search and absorb information in order to reach a final goal.
The biggest hurdle for socialization can be the plans, specifically when and where to be. How can we better discover our area to increase socialization?
Most people avoid being the planner due to the pressure. But equipped with the right tools, group members begin can better a level of confidence into the final decision, increases socialization and location attendance.
In order to be a utility with easy access in a variety of situations, a mobile app was determined to be the best medium.
Happnn
Going out is fun, why wouldn't the search leading up to it be equally as exciting.
Centered around the search
I found that we all search in different ways, as intentions and situations change.
Searching your way
Search Tab
The search tab serves multiple functions while staying clean and functional. All direct search input feeds into the user's profile, further feeding into adaptive learning of the user.
Recent Searches
Repeat recent searches, including the last filter settings. This allows users to quickly return to where they left off or remind them of past inquiries.
Preset Searches
View listings that are gaining in popularity, or showcase comedy, that are perfect for a night out, or for the active. The Explore Ticker displays an automated search as another means of quick browsing.
Filters
Filters serve a very important role in search, a tool to shorten your time spent searching.
Mood
The mood filter is a new addition to location and event search. After developing a list of possibilities and feedback from 30 individuals, the final 3 most essential moods arose: excited, mischievous, and chill.
Events
If it's an event you're looking for, toggling this filter changes your results to events only. You can view upcoming events or choose when on a calendar. You can also filter by time of day.
Locations
Turn on your location in order to be served listings that are close by, or view other cities.
Group
Input how many are joining to view locations that are better tailored to your group size.
Price
Quickly filter according to your budget: $-$$$
Friends
Show listings that friends have either visited or favorited.
Heat Map
This feature reveals which areas are buzzing with activity using anonymized location data from users who have opted in.
Social Districts
Flip through districts in your surrounding area to check whether they are seeing a lot of activity. Some will be drawn to that, others will be seeking less populated locations, a win win.
Roll Out
Being that Google does not provide the API for their Popular Times feature, this a second phase feature that will roll out as the second big marketing push.
Profile Tab
Your profile holds all of your activity. Helping you easily retrieve a listing by browsing or searching.
Favorites
While exploring the app, favorite listings in order to easily find them when the time calls for it.
Interests
In order to improve your experience, select locations and activities that interest you. Suggestions in the home tab will adapt to what you like.
Recent
As a catch-all for your time spent on the app, there is a history section. Don't let that perfect spot slip away.
Hands on testing
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This might be the highest fidelity app presentation I've seen at the Brandcenter. This looks wonderful, and I would 100% download it if it were real. Make it Happnn.
This phase began after initial research and concept validation. Hand drawn and simple vector wireframes helped me visualize alternative solutions in order to reject versions that did not align with the goals.
At this stage I began testing and adapting. Through 1 on 1 sessions, I was able to simplify and improve. All while ensuring changes aligned to one of the user stories and the objectives.
The "final" prototype helped me better test the new navigation and search features. Continuously making changes according to the test subjects input.
prototype link
User Flow
The core user flow saw it's share of changes. Having a simple intuitive navigation was crucial to ensuring users reach their end goal as quick as possible.
Features
Each added feature had to pass one test, does it contribute to helping people search & discover in the most intuitive way?
User Stories
Derived from 30+ respondents ages 20-61, equally male/female, equally single/married/dating, with a majority living in an in urban area. Based off of the stories, I developed 4 scenarios that served as a guide to each flow and ultimately craft the final product.
Money is tight for Kayla, and she wonders how she will have fun on her day trip to Rhode Island. As she and her friends get closer they scramble to find somewhere to go. Just in time! Kayla’s friend finds a free fire show happening on the canal. But on this day the gods are cruel and look unfavorable on fire, raining down on the show. Thankfully Kayla thinks fast and looks to the app store. She stumbles on a local search app and downloads it. A quick search + filters and she finds an arcade nearby. Her friends say “let's go!” in unison. Kayla comments that Toby is out of tune. A few hours go by and they walk out of the arcade charged with fun energy, thanking Kayla for finding the location.
Branding
The style choices reflect the playful nature of the app's goal, using bright colors and rounded font. A thanks to Shelby Bass for her help with logo design.
final thoughts
I love this project because it allowed me to really push the fidelity of a prototype. Interacting with my community to create a tool that is beneficial to both the user and businesses was an experience I personally gained a lot from. As I continue to push this project I plan to seek feedback through testing and speaking with more locations owners on how I can further meet their needs.
Currently...
making alternative electronic music. I love playing the piano, exploring new sounds, & jammin' with friends. Justin Vernon, Ernest Greene, and Kevin Parker are a few of my inspirations.
