Resume

The Deceptive Veil of Dating Apps

The Deceptive Veil of Dating Apps

The Deceptive Veil of Dating Apps

12 Weeks | UX/UI Design | 4 Members

Click here to view our high-fidelity prototype

My Role

I was involved in researching potential competitors and conducting interviews, drafting personas and designing low to high fidelity app from the findings.

Overview

This project aims to develop a technology-based solution to address the risks of catfishing and misrepresentation in online dating, focusing on enhancing user safety and authenticity.

Problem Statement

Online dating platforms struggle to maintain user trust
due to the prevalence of catfishing and online scams,
hindering safe and authentic interactions.

Problem Statement

Online dating platforms struggle to maintain user trust due to the prevalence of catfishing and online scams,
hindering safe and authentic interactions.

Current Market Leaders

Bumble requires photo verification.
Users can still lie about other information.

  • This can lead to misrepresentation and potential harm.

Hinge uses detailed profiles to encourage genuine connections.
Users might still misrepresent themselves through strategic responses.

of verification for written prompts can lead to manipulation.

Tinder uses AI to detect suspicious activity.

  • Users can still engage in deceptive practices.

  • Reliance on AI might not fully address trust issues.

  • Users might hesitate to share personal information.

User Research Methods

Interviews

In-depth interviews with 8 adults to

explore catfishing experiences.

In-depth interviews with 8 adults to explore catfishing experiences.

Observation

Task-based observations of

10 participants to identify

behavioral patterns and pain points.

Task-based observations of 10 participants to identify behavioral patterns and pain points.

Affinity Diagramming

Analysis of interview and observation

data to identify common themes.

Analysis of interview and observation data to identify common themes.

Insights from the User Research

Participants experienced fake profiles and misrepresentation.

  • Authenticity is crucial for trust and positive experiences.

  • Profile information verification is important.

  • Platform verification is considered but not fully trusted.

  • External verification is used to validate profiles.

  • Negative experiences deter users from using dating apps.

  • Safety, efficiency, and genuine connections are key priorities.

  • Existing verification features are insufficient.

  • Mandatory and periodic re-verification is suggested.

  • Mixed opinions on public social media linking; preference for verification badges.

User Persona 1

Sara Gilbert

23 | Female | Graduate Student

“Authenticity is magnetc for me. I would like to find someone who is the embodiment of what they say they are”

Bio

Sara, a graduate student, enjoys exploring new coffee shops

and discovering the city. She values meaningful conversations

and genuine connections.

Works & Needs

Protect users from scams

Facilitate genuine connections while ensuring safety and security.

Frustrations

Hesitant to engage with others due to concerns about safety

and authenticity.

Hesitant to engage with others due to concerns about safety and authenticity.

Empathy Map Summary

Thinks: Worried about authenticity, frustrated with superficial apps.

  • Feels: Anxious, hopeful, relieved, empowered.

  • Says: Expresses frustration, excitement, positive experiences.

  • Does: Creates a profile, engages in conversations, recommends the app.

User Persona 2

Oliver Henz

28 | Male | Marketing Professional

“In a world of filters and facade, I’m seeking someone who’s real, raw and ready to build something genuine”

Bio

Oliver, a marketing professional, values authenticity and seeks to

foster a meaningful dating culture. He believes in transparency

and sincerity in interactions.

Works & Needs

Seeking transparency and sincerity in relationships to build trust

and find a lasting connection.

Frustrations

Frustrated by the lack of verified profiles and the difficulty in

finding genuine connections, which undermines the credibility

of online dating.

Hesitant to engage with others due to concerns about safety and authenticity.

Empathy Map Summary

Thinks: Worried about authenticity, frustrated with traditional dating apps, intrigued by

PureSync's promise.

  • Feels: Frustrated, doubtful, excited, impressed, reassured.

  • Says: Expresses frustration, shares excitement, discusses positive experiences.

  • Does: Downloads PureSync, completes profile verification, sets filters, engages with

    matches.

Actions

Awareness

Considerations

Register

Onboard

Loyalty

Thoughts

Feelings

Emotions

Sara discovers PureSync, an app focusing on authenticity, sparking excitement.

Eagerly sets up her profile on PureSync, highlighting her interests and desire for authentic interactions.

Navigates profiles on PureSync carefully, looking for tools to identify genuine individuals.

Matches with someone on PureSync who values transparency and safety, initiating meaningful conversations.

Decides to meet the match in person, feeling nervous but excited about the upcoming meeting.

Feels hopeful about the potential for genuine connections on the platform.

Emphasizes the importance of genuine connections in her profile setup.

Approaches profiles with curiosity and caution, seeking authenticity in potential matches.

Feels a mix of anxiety and hope, anticipating a genuine connection based on shared values.

Confident in the connection fostered through PureSync, expecting a genuine interaction offline.

Excited about the prospect of a dating app that prioritizes authenticity.

pen_spark

Hopeful and enthusiastic about the possibilities of meeting like-minded individuals.

Cautiously optimistic while exploring profiles, hoping to find meaningful connections.

Anxious yet hopeful about the potential for a meaningful relationship, excited about the developing connection.

Nervous yet excited about meeting in person, trusting in the connection established through the app.

🤞

🧐

😰

😟

🤩

Sara’s Journey map

Actions

Awareness

Considerations

Register

Onboard

Loyalty

Thoughts

Feelings

Emotions

Oliver uncovers PureSync, a romance network emphasizing honesty, igniting curiosity.

Oliver confidently and sincerely crafts a profile reflecting his values and intentions.

Thoughtfully explores profiles on PureSync, seeking individuals committed to authenticity.

Excitedly connects with someone on PureSync who aligns with his values, initiating sincere conversations.

Gratefully nurtures a relationship based on open communication and transparency, cherishing authenticity.

Feels determined to find authentic connections on the app due to his values.

Emphasizes transparency and sincerity in his profile setup, aiming for authenticity.

Engages in a discerning search for matches who share his values of transparency.

Feels relieved and excited to have found a match who values transparency.

Appreciates the genuine connection fostered by PureSync, values the authenticity in interactions.

Intrigued by the possibility of genuine interactions, frustrated with the lack of authenticity on other platforms.

Confident in showcasing his genuine self, hopeful about attracting like-minded individuals.

Determined to find genuine connections, impressed by the app's dedication to authenticity.

Eager to engage in meaningful conversations, hopeful about the potential for a genuine relationship.

Fulfilled by the sincere relationship, grateful for the platform's emphasis on authenticity and transparency.

😎

👊

🙏

😇

😤

Oliver’s Journey Map

Ideation & Prototyping

User Flow

Wireframe & Prototyping

The user flow was converted into wireframes, providing a visual guide for the app's layout and structure. These wireframes showed how each screen should look and how users would move through the app, ensuring an easy and intuitive experience.

The user flow was converted into wireframes, providing a visual guide for the app's layout and structure. These wireframes showed how each screen should look and how users would move through the app, ensuring an easy and intuitive experience.

Low Fidelity Prototype

Wireframes were created to visualize the app's layout and user flow.

User Testing Insights

Conducted user testing on a mid-fidelity prototype.

  • Tested account setup, finding matches, and setting expectations.

  • Found the prototype to be intuitive and easy to navigate.

  • Identified areas for improvement, including verification steps, hobby selection, and profile display clarity.

High Fidelity Prototype

From our testing, we identified what changes needed to be applied and created a

Hi-fi prototype.

From our testing, we identified what changes needed to be applied and created a Hi-fi prototype.

Reflection

Enhanced verification: Explore additional photo analysis tools and social media integration.

  • Stricter verification: Implement periodic re-verification for stronger trust.

  • Future research: Expand user research to include diverse demographics.

  • Trust and suspicion: Investigate factors influencing trust and suspicion in profile content.

Let's make magic happen! Feel free to contact me.

Chicago, IL, USA

mkharkarwork@gmail.com

www.mrunmayeekharkar.com

Insights from the User Research


  • Authenticity is crucial for trust and positive experiences.

  • Participants experienced fake profiles and misrepresentation.

  • Profile information verification is important.

  • Platform verification is considered but not fully trusted.

  • External verification is used to validate profiles.

  • Negative experiences deter users from using dating apps.

  • Safety, efficiency, and genuine connections are key priorities.

  • Existing verification features are insufficient.

  • Mandatory and periodic re-verification is suggested.

  • Mixed opinions on public social media linking; preference for verification badges.

✍️

Connect to Graphic

Animates single or joined paths on Web Pages only.