What is Gatheround?
Relocating to a new city can feel like stepping into the unknown — full of promise, but also uncertainty. You’re surrounded by new opportunities, yet it’s easy to feel isolated. Gatheround was created to change that story, transforming moments of loneliness into opportunities for genuine connections and friendships.
Problem
Ineffective Communication
Lack of Incentives
Social Anxiety
Users were missing out on events because they weren’t receiving timely notifications.
Events require effort to attend, and users needed incentives that were both effective and aligned with the company's resources.
Fear and social anxiety were significant barriers preventing individuals from making new friends
Goal
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
To understand where Gatheround could stand out, I first needed to explore what others were doing well and where they were falling short:
To understand where Gatheround could stand out, I first needed to explore what others were doing well and where they were falling short:
To understand where Gatheround could stand out, I first needed to explore what others were doing well and where they were falling short:
Ineffective Communication
Surveying 24 people revealed that users prefer attending events where they know others and like email notifications. Many are hesitant to attend alone, highlighting the need for pre-event connections. Group chats were especially popular, showing a desire for pre-event engagement. These insights were crucial in shaping the product features.
Surveying 24 people revealed that users prefer attending events where they know others and like email notifications. Many are hesitant to attend alone, highlighting the need for pre-event connections. Group chats were especially popular, showing a desire for pre-event engagement. These insights were crucial in shaping the product features.
To better understand the potential users, I interviewed with 5 peoples aging 18 to 35. The interview is semi-structured and all the questions are open-ended to make sure people could think out loud and share more details.
Some key findings we highlighted in this stage were:
Many users do not set reminders, leading them to forget about events and miss them.
Friends attending were highly influential in the decision to attend.
Small incentives, were reported as effective motivators.
User Interview
DESIGN SOLUTIONS
GATHERING INSIGHTS
UX Designer
UX Designer
UX Designer
I started with low-fidelity wireframes to outline the basic structure and layout of the app. The wireframes facilitated quick iterations and feedback, ensuring that the core functionalities were well-designed before progressing to more detailed designs.
User Testing
User Testing
Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Gatheround
Social App to Discover and Attend Local Events
Social App to Discover and Attend Local Events
Role
UX Designer
Duration
4 weeks (2024 April - May)
Problem
Ineffective Communication
Lack of Incentives
Social Anxiety
Users were missing out on events because they weren’t receiving timely notifications.
Users were missing out on events because they weren’t receiving timely notifications.
There was a need to motivate users to attend events, but the incentives had to be cost-effective for the company.
There was a need to motivate users to attend events, but the incentives had to be cost-effective for the company.
Fear and social anxiety were significant barriers preventing individuals from making new friends and participating in activities.
Fear and social anxiety were significant barriers preventing individuals from making new friends and participating in activities.
Create a solution that helps users stay informed, feel motivated to attend, and reduce social anxiety through tailored notifications, incentives, and social features.
Create a solution that helps users stay informed, feel motivated to attend, and reduce social anxiety through tailored notifications, incentives, and social features.
Relocating to a new city can feel like stepping into the unknown — full of promise, but also uncertainty. You’re surrounded by new opportunities, yet it’s easy to feel isolated. Gatheround was created to change that story, transforming moments of loneliness into opportunities for genuine connections and friendships.
Duration
4 weeks (2024 April - May)
4 weeks (2024 April - May)
YEAR
2024
2024
Screener Survey
Screener Survey
Surveying 24 people revealed that users prefer attending events where they know others and like email notifications. Many are hesitant to attend alone, highlighting the need for pre-event connections. Group chats were especially popular, showing a desire for pre-event engagement. These insights were crucial in shaping the product features.
Surveying 24 people revealed that users prefer attending events where they know others and like email notifications. Many are hesitant to attend alone, highlighting the need for pre-event connections. Group chats were especially popular, showing a desire for pre-event engagement. These insights were crucial in shaping the product features.
User Interview
User Interview
To better understand the potential users, I interviewed with 5 peoples, aging 18 to 35. The interview is semi-structured and all the questions are open-ended, just to make sure people could think out loud and share more details.
Some key findings we highlighted in this stage were:
Many users do not set reminders, leading them to forget about events and miss them.
Many users do not set reminders, leading them to forget about events and miss them.
Friends attending were highly influential in the decision to attend.
Friends attending were highly influential in the decision to attend.
Small incentives, were reported as effective motivators.
Small incentives, were reported as effective motivators.
Creating a user flow was crucial in understanding user's interactions with the app. By mapping out each step, I could identify potential pain points and areas for improvement, ensuring a seamless and intuitive experience.
Creating a user flow was crucial in understanding user's interactions with the app. By mapping out each step, I could identify potential pain points and areas for improvement, ensuring a seamless and intuitive experience.
PRODUCT STRUCTURE
User Flow
User Flow
DESIGN SOLUTIONS
I started with low-fidelity wireframes to outline the basic structure and layout of the app. These wireframes allowed for quick iterations and feedback, ensuring the core functionalities were well-designed before moving to more detailed designs.
I started with low-fidelity wireframes to outline the basic structure and layout of the app. These wireframes allowed for quick iterations and feedback, ensuring the core functionalities were well-designed before moving to more detailed designs.
Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Low-Fidelity Wireframes
GATHERING INSIGHTS
Validating the design through user testing was crucial. After creating high fidelity wireframes I conducted tests with five participants to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement. This iterative process ensured the app was intuitive and met user expectations.
During testing, participants found the reminder setting options on the event details screen confusing and limited. They struggled with the predefined time options and expressed a need for more customization.
During testing, participants found the reminder setting options on the event details screen confusing and limited. They struggled with the predefined time options and expressed a need for more customization.
Iteration 1
To address this issue, I introduced a dedicated reminder management screen. Users can now set reminders via email, SMS, and app notifications with customizable date and time options.
To address this issue, I introduced a dedicated reminder management screen. Users can now set reminders via email, SMS, and app notifications with customizable date and time options.
after
Before
After
Iteration 2
Participants noted that the lack of specific event dates made it difficult to plan and prioritize which events to attend.
Participants noted that the lack of specific event dates made it difficult to plan and prioritize which events to attend.
To address this issue, I revised the design to include the date of each event prominently displayed under the event title. This change helps users make more informed decisions about which events to attend.
To address this issue, I revised the design to include the date of each event prominently displayed under the event title. This change helps users make more informed decisions about which events to attend.
after
Positive Feedback 👍
Participants found the app streamlined the process of finding and attending local events.
They appreciated the customizable reminders via email, SMS, and app notifications.
The event listing screen with displayed dates was very helpful for planning
Overall, the app's workflow was considered easy and intuitive.
Positive Feedback 👍
Participants found the app streamlined the process of finding and attending local events.
They appreciated the customizable reminders via email, SMS, and app notifications.
The event listing screen with displayed dates was very helpful for planning
Overall, the app's workflow was considered easy and intuitive.
Pain Points 👎
Some participants were initially confused by the location feature when filtering event search results.
A few users mentioned the calendar interface for setting reminders could be more user-friendly.
Mixed reviews were received about the variety of categories for filtering events; some felt restricted but acknowledged that more categories would improve usability.
Pain Points 👎
Some participants were initially confused by the location feature when filtering event search results.
A few users mentioned the calendar interface for setting reminders could be more user-friendly.
Mixed reviews were received about the variety of categories for filtering events; some felt restricted but acknowledged that more categories would improve usability.
Before
Key Findings:
Key Findings:
Key Screens
User Testing
User Testing
UNDERSTANDING THE PRODUCT
Create a solution that helps users stay informed, feel motivated to attend, and reduce social anxiety through tailored notifications, incentives, and social features.
Goal
Relocating to a new city can feel like stepping into the unknown — full of promise, but also uncertainty. You’re surrounded by new opportunities, yet it’s easy to feel isolated. Gatheround was created to change that story, transforming moments of loneliness into opportunities for genuine connections and friendships.
Problem
Ineffective Communication
Lack of Incentives
Social Anxiety
Users were missing out on events because they weren’t receiving timely notifications.
There was a need to motivate users to attend events, but the incentives had to be cost-effective for the company.
Fear and social anxiety were significant barriers preventing individuals from making new friends and participating in activities.
What is Gatheround?
Pros
Professional interface makes finding event details easy.
Ticketing system confirms serious interest, aligning attendance with RSVPs.
Offers a wide range of event types.
Pros
Cons
Creates interest-based community groups, reducing social anxiety.
Users can see attendees, and start conversations.
Engagement drops after users RSVP, and better recommendations are needed.
Small incentives, were reported as effective motivators.
Small incentives, were reported as effective motivators.
To better understand the potential users, I interviewed with 5 peoples, aging 18 to 35. The interview is semi-structured and all the questions are open-ended, just to make sure people could think out loud and share more details.
Some key findings we highlighted in this stage were:
Many users do not set reminders, leading them to forget about events and miss them.
Friends attending were highly influential in the decision to attend.
PRODUCT STRUCTURE
User Flow
To design a solution that truly stands out, I needed to understand the competitive landscape and user preferences. I conducted a competitive analysis of leading event and social platforms, including Eventbrite, Facebook, and Meetup. This analysis revealed their strengths and weaknesses, helping me identify opportunities for Gatheround to excel.
DESIGN SOLUTIONS
Low-Fidelity Wireframes
To design a solution that truly stands out, I needed to understand the competitive landscape and user preferences. I conducted a competitive analysis of leading event and social platforms, including Eventbrite, Facebook, and Meetup. This analysis revealed their strengths and weaknesses, helping me identify opportunities for Gatheround to excel.
GATHERING INSIGHTS
User Testing
Before
During testing, participants found the reminder setting options on the event details screen confusing and limited. They struggled with the predefined time options and expressed a need for more customization.
To address this issue, I introduced a dedicated reminder management screen. Users can now set reminders via email, SMS, and app notifications with customizable date and time options.
After
Iteration 2
Before
Participants noted that the lack of specific event dates made it difficult to plan and prioritize which events to attend.
To address this issue, I revised the design to include the date of each event prominently displayed under the event title. This change helps users make more informed decisions about which events to attend.
after
Positive Feedback 👍
Participants found the app streamlined the process of finding and attending local events.
They appreciated the customizable reminders via email, SMS, and app notifications.
The event listing screen with displayed dates was very helpful for planning
Overall, the app's workflow was considered easy and intuitive.
Pain Points 👎
Some participants were initially confused by the location feature when filtering event search results.
A few users mentioned the calendar interface for setting reminders could be more user-friendly.
Mixed reviews were received about the variety of categories for filtering events; some felt restricted but acknowledged that more categories would improve usability.
UNDERSTANDING THE PRODUCT
What is Gatheround?
What is Gatheround?
role
UX Designer
duration
4 weeks (2024 April - May)
gatheround
Social App to Discover and Attend Local Events
Pros
Cons
Professional interface makes finding event details easy.
Ticketing system confirms serious interest, aligning attendance with RSVPs.
Offers a wide range of event types.
Focus on events rather than community, lack of post-RSVP engagement.
Creates interest-based community groups, reducing social anxiety.
Users can see attendees, and start conversations.
Cons
Pros
Engagement drops after users RSVP, and better recommendations are needed.
Social network integration boosts attendance.
Events are easily shared among friends.
Pros
Notification fatigue, need for better personalization.
Cons
Pros
Social network integration boosts attendance.
Events are easily shared among friends.
Notification fatigue, need for better personalization.
Focus on events rather than community, lack of post-RSVP engagement.
Cons
Cons
Create a solution that helps users stay informed, feel motivated to attend, and reduce social anxiety through tailored notifications, incentives, and social features.
Market Research
PRODUCT STRUCTURE
Creating a user flow was crucial in understanding user's interactions with the app. By mapping out each step, I could identify potential pain points and areas for improvement, ensuring a seamless and intuitive experience.
User Flow
During testing, participants found the reminder setting options on the event details screen confusing and limited. They struggled with the predefined time options and expressed a need for more customization.
To address this issue, I introduced a dedicated reminder management screen. Users can now set reminders via email, SMS, and app notifications with customizable date and time options.
Before
After
Iteration 2
Participants noted that the lack of specific event dates made it difficult to plan and prioritize which events to attend.
To address this issue, I revised the design to include the date of each event prominently displayed under the event title. This change helps users make more informed decisions about which events to attend.
after
Positive Feedback 👍
Participants found the app streamlined the process of finding and attending local events.
They appreciated the customizable reminders via email, SMS, and app notifications.
The event listing screen with displayed dates was very helpful for planning
Overall, the app's workflow was considered easy and intuitive.
Some participants were initially confused by the location feature when filtering event search results.
A few users mentioned the calendar interface for setting reminders could be more user-friendly.
Mixed reviews were received about the variety of categories for filtering events; some felt restricted but acknowledged that more categories would improve usability.
Before
Key Findings:
Key Screens
A personalized home page and categories for users to explore local events
Pain Points 👎
Manage event reminders through email, SMS and app notifications for timely updates
Earn rewards and vouchers by inviting friends and joining Gatheround Club.
Join event groups to start discussion and connect with new people
Screener Survey
Screener Survey
Constraints and Concerns
Constraints and Concerns
REFLECTIONS AND NEXT STEPS
Technical Feasibility
Ensuring flexible reminder settings for various user preferences.
Implementing an intuitive categorization system that addresses user feedback about feeling restricted by limited categories.
Product Features and Product Thinking
Developing a mechanism to allow users to correct mistakes, such as marking an event incorrectly.
Managing a potentially large inventory of events and ensuring users can easily navigate and find relevant events.
Product Features
Refine the categorization system for events to include more diverse and user-relevant categories.
Develop a comprehensive dashboard that tracks user engagement and event attendance.
Design
Implement a double confirmation system to minimize the impact of user errors.
Increase the color contrast ratio for text and icons to improve accessibility for all users.
Enable multi-modality interactions, such as voice commands through a virtual assistant.
How might we design a seamless journey that encourages newcomer to participate in events, feel at ease, and foster meaningful connections?
How might we design a seamless journey that encourages newcomer to participate in events, feel at ease, and foster meaningful connections?
Validating the design through user testing was crucial. After creating high fidelity wireframes I conducted tests with five participants to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.
Goal
Create a solution that helps users stay informed, feel motivated to attend, and reduce social anxiety through tailored notifications, incentives, and social features.
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
Market Research
Pros
Cons
Professional interface makes finding event details easy.
Ticketing system confirms serious interest, aligning attendance with RSVPs.
Offers a wide range of event types.
Focus on events rather than community, lack of post-RSVP engagement.
Social network integration boosts attendance.
Events are easily shared among friends.
Pros
Notification fatigue, need for better personalization.
Cons
Creates interest-based community groups, reducing social anxiety.
Users can see attendees, and start conversations.
Engagement drops after users RSVP, and better recommendations are needed.
Cons
Pros
A personalized home page and categories for users to explore local events
Join event groups to start discussion and connect with new people
Manage event reminders through email, SMS and app notifications for timely updates
Earn rewards and vouchers by inviting friends and joining Gatheround Club.
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
Screener Survey
User Interview
Validating the design through user testing was crucial. After creating high fidelity wireframes I conducted tests with five participants to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement. This iterative process ensured the app was intuitive and met user expectations.
Key Findings:
Key Screens
A personalized home page and categories for users to explore local events
Iteration 1
Join event groups to start discussion and connect with new people
Manage event reminders through email, SMS and app notifications for timely updates
Earn rewards and vouchers by inviting friends and joining Gatheround Club.
Constraints and Concerns
Future Scope
REFLECTIONS AND NEXT STEPS
Technical Feasibility
Ensuring flexible reminder settings for various user preferences.
Implementing an intuitive categorization system that addresses user feedback about feeling restricted by limited categories.
Product Features and Product Thinking
Developing a mechanism to allow users to correct mistakes, such as marking an event incorrectly.
Managing a potentially large inventory of events and ensuring users can easily navigate and find relevant events.
Product Features
Refine the categorization system for events to include more diverse and user-relevant categories.
Develop a comprehensive dashboard that tracks user engagement and event attendance.
Design
Implement a double confirmation system to minimize the impact of user errors.
Increase the color contrast ratio for text and icons to improve accessibility for all users.
Enable multi-modality interactions, such as voice commands through a virtual assistant.
Future Scope
Future Scope
Future Scope
Market Research
Surveying 24 people revealed that users prefer attending events where they know others and like email notifications. Many are hesitant to attend alone, highlighting the need for pre-event connections. Group chats were especially popular, showing a desire for pre-event engagement. These insights were crucial in shaping the product features.