PROJECT OVERVIEW:

Blink is a live stream speed-dating app that improves the online dating experience by building more genuine connections between users with video. Blink brings the butterflies to the online experience by focusing on real-time conversations rather than stale pictures, writing lengthy profiles, waiting for matches, or being catfished. 

ROLE:

Co-Founder, Brand Designer, Lead Designer (UX/UI)

PROBLEMS PEOPLE FACE

PAIN POINTS

1. Authenticity is difficult to convey/find (old profile pictures, canned text messages, no one starting the conversation, etc.)

2. Meeting new people is a hassle (scheduling meetings, dealing with no shows, maintaining a feeling of safety, etc.)

3. Current real-time services lack identity management (being connected with non-relevant people, users being obscene due to anonymity, etc.)

OUR TARGET USERS

PERSONA

JANE'S MOTIVE:  

Jane is looking for a partner that can keep up with her sarcasm, has a great smile and can make her laugh. 

JANE'S PAINPOINTS:

She gets hundreds of canned text messages like “hey cutie ;)” She just wants to find a genuine guy who she can also feel safe meeting up with.

JOHN'S MOTIVE:  

John is looking for more than a hookup. He wants a sweet girl who can get along with his friends and his little sister.

JOHN'S PAINPOINTS:

He used to send thoughtful messages, but found that shotgunning the same message received a higher response. Since he has a busy scheduel it’s hard to schedule dates.

WHAT'S BLINK

SOLUTION

At the press of a button, you are joined via live stream video to someone who matches criteria that you specify (e.g. age range, location, gender, etc.). The app incorporates facial recognition software to prevent obscenities being shown on the screen and connects with Facebook to prevent anonymity. Our product addresses the problems dating app users face by:

1. Using a real-time connection prevents individuals from modifying information or systematically sending canned messages

2. Connecting live streams removes the need to schedule times among the connecting parties or find an appropriate location to meet

3. By using facial recognition and connecting to facebook, the platform prevents unwanted behavior and stigmatizes users who would be obscene if anonymous

BEFORE BUILDING THE MVP

IDEA VALIDATION

We only had 48 hours at the hackathon and wanted to make sure our idea was something that users would find useful before actually starting to build the app. 

One weekend we ran around downtown Austin and manualy matched pedestrians and held timed mini dates using Facetime. Afterwards we interviewed them on their experience.

Through our observations and interviews, we found:

1. Users had a more delightful and more personal experience connecting with strangers through a video chat rather than just browsing through profile pictures on other dating apps.

2. At the beginning, it was harder for users to get their conversations started.

3. A lot of girls raised some concerns over possible obscenities when using video chat.

INTERACTIVE

PROTOTYPE

This is an interactive prototype, feel free to click through!

SIMPLE & ELEGANT

USER INTERFACE

THE

MISSION STATEMENT

Blink transforms the virtual dating space taking it back the basics, connecting real people in real time to find real love.

LOGO

BRANDING

VISUAL

GUIDELINE

IF BLINK IS A PERSON

PERSONALITY