Kanika Talwar

Work

About

Resume

PROJECTS

MOBILE APP

Lavender
Using design to bridge the gap for isolated LGBTQ+ individuals.

My role

I tackled multiple areas of the process, including conducting UX research, user interviews and usability testing. I led the process in product strategy, visual design, and brand copy, ensuring a cohesive approach throughout.

team

Kanika Talwar

Steven Tan

Elise Metcalf

Timeline

2023

3 weeks

Introduction

This project was the final output of my UX/UI Bootcamp at UC Berkeley Extension.

Lavender is an app designed to address loneliness and isolation in marginalized LGBTQ+ communities. By connecting closeted, questioning/ new members with experienced individuals, Lavender provides a platform for supportive conversations. The goal is to create a sense of belonging/community for those who may feel isolated.

This project was the final output of my UX/UI Bootcamp at UC Berkeley Extension.

problem discovery

Why is this problem important?

Being from the LGBTQ+ community can be an isolating and solitary experience, leaving individuals feeling completely alone, misunderstood, and sometimes self-loathing for being different from those around them.They are at a higher risk of loneliness and suicide.

Why is this problem important?

( 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People)

iNITIAL RESEARCH / problem VALIDATION

Uncovering the distinct needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Our initial research included interviews with five individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, revealing the often lonely journey of living as an LGBTQ+. We also surveyed 18 participants with a relatively distributed age range 11-42.

These were key user insights we gathered.

UX RESEARCH / USER INTERVIEWS

We streamlined our focus on how conversations happen within the community at the moment.

We streamlined our focus on how conversation happen within the community at the moment.

We streamlined our focus on how conversations happen within the community at the moment.

We understood from our preliminary research that LGBTQ+ individuals often find it challenging to have meaningful conversations within their community. To explore this issue further, we conducted four one-on-one interviews with LGBTQ+ participants aged 24-30, but with a focus on how conversations happen with the community at the moment.

We had the following objectives in mind for our creating our user interview questions:

Key insights that stood out.

"I was scared of being genderqueer and transitioning since there weren't any older people who were queer and trans and I couldn’t see what my future could be like.” - Anonymous, 25

"I was scared of being genderqueer and transitioning since there weren't any older people who were queer and trans and I couldn’t see what my future could be like.”

- Anonymous, 25

"I was scared of being genderqueer and transitioning since there weren't any older people who were queer and trans and I couldn’t see what my future could be like.” - Anonymous, 25

“I wish I had had a safe person to go to and ask questions when I was figuring myself out.” - Anonymous, 23

Lack of Support / Representation

Most users wished they were more accessible queer/trans elders.

Most users wished they were more accessible queer/trans elders.

Most users wished they were more accessible queer/trans elders.

Anonymity was important for them as it makes them feel safe.

They value privacy and are cautious of sharing personal information if it could potentially be seen by unsafe individuals.

Anonymity was important for them as it makes them feel safe.

They value privacy and are cautious of sharing personal information if it could potentially be seen by unsafe individuals.

Anonymity was important for them as it makes them feel safe.

They value privacy and are cautious of sharing personal information if it could potentially be seen by unsafe individuals.

Importance of Privacy/Safety

Common online platforms used

Online platforms like Discord, Tiktok, Reddit, and Facebook were used for connection and support.
Reddit was heavily used to understand medical problems(as they cannot ask private medical questions to anyone around them).

Online platforms like Discord, Tiktok, Reddit, and Facebook were used for connection and support.
Reddit was heavily used to understand medical problems(as they cannot ask private medical questions to anyone around them).

Value of queer community

Finding support and understanding through friendships with other queer individuals was impactful.
Community gatherings and events provided opportunities to hear and relate to other stories.

Finding support and understanding through friendships with other queer individuals was impactful.
Community gatherings and events provided opportunities to hear and relate to other stories.

Summarising Research/Takeaways

Our take on the situation and our user groups.

From all of our user research, we discovered that the community has primarily two distinct user groups, each with its own perspective and narrative.

💡 For the sake of our time limit of 3 weeks, we decided to focus on designing the app for the user group of newer LGBTQ members who are seeking advice.

PROBLEM STATEMENT AND EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES

PROBLEM STATEMENT

AND EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES

💡 Problem Statement

The lack of safe space for meaningful conversations to occur between new and experienced members of the LGBTQ+ community hinders the exchange of wisdom and experiences necessary for the growth and support of individuals during their journey.

💡 Problem Statement

How might we?

How might we facilitate the exchange of wisdom and experiences between new and experienced members of the LGBTQ+ community?

How might we connect and bridge the gaps between new and experienced members of the LGBTQ+ community?

How might we create safe and inclusive spaces that foster meaningful conversations?

How might we facilitate the exchange of wisdom and experiences between new and experienced members of the LGBTQ+ community?
How might we connect and bridge the gaps between new and experienced members of the LGBTQ+ community?
How might we create safe and inclusive spaces that foster meaningful conversations?

How might we facilitate the exchange of wisdom and experiences between new and experienced members of the LGBTQ+ community?

How might we connect and bridge the gaps between new and experienced members of the LGBTQ+ community?

How might we create safe and inclusive spaces that foster meaningful conversations?

OUR SOLUTION

Lavender

A way to ask your most pressing questions and share your experience in a safe space.

Lavender

A way to ask your most pressing questions and share your experience in a safe space.

Lavender

A way to ask your most pressing questions and share your experience in a safe space.

An app that bridges the gap,connecting closeted new members of the community with more experienced people who can provide support and share the joys of their journeys, showing what lies on the other side.

For closeted members, it offers someone to ask questions, alleviating the loneliness that comes with being closeted.
For experienced members, who feel a sense of responsibility for the community, can share their experiences and wisdom.
Lavender offers LGBTQ+ individuals a sense of belonging and an opportunity to contribute to the community.

For closeted members, it offers someone to ask questions, alleviating the loneliness that comes with being closeted.
For experienced members, who feel a sense of responsibility for the community, can share their experiences and wisdom.
Lavender offers LGBTQ+ individuals a sense of belonging and an opportunity to contribute to the community.

For closeted members, it offers someone to ask questions, alleviating the loneliness that comes with being closeted.
For experienced members, who feel a sense of responsibility for the community, can share their experiences and wisdom.
Lavender offers LGBTQ+ individuals a sense of belonging and an opportunity to contribute to the community.

Why the name "Lavender", you may wonder?

Lavender has been used as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and identity since the 20th century. In the early days of LGBTQ+ activism, lavender was chosen because it combined the pink (associated with gay men) and blue (associated with lesbians) colors, representing a blend of these identities.

the design process

Bringing the user to life with user personas.

Developing a persona was invaluable, providing us with a clearer understanding of our target audience. Drawing on insights from user interviews, we created Jamie's persona. To better support Jamie, I mapped out their journey—from seeking a safe community to asking pressing questions.

competitive ananlysis

Nothing in the market connects these two user groups together.

While numerous apps cater to the LGBTQ+ community, few are tailored specifically to their needs.

How does Lavender compare?

Although many apps cater to the LGBTQ+ community, most are focused on dating. We aimed to fill a gap by fostering intergenerational conversations, offering a unique approach not commonly found in existing apps.

design process

Defining the framework:

Key design principles shaped by research

Defining the framework:

Key design principles shaped by research

Defining the framework:

Key design principles shaped by research

We set some key design rules and features based on user research and competitor analysis to address pain points.

These constraints and features served as guiding principles throughout the design process, ensuring our solution met user needs and stood out from competitors.

We set some key design rules and features based on user research and competitor analysis to address pain points.

These constraints and features served as guiding principles throughout the design process, ensuring our solution met user needs and stood out from competitors.

We set some key design rules and features based on user research and competitor analysis to address pain points.

These constraints and features served as guiding principles throughout the design process, ensuring our solution met user needs and stood out from competitors.

Privacy and Safety

Option for anonymity.
Avatars instead of profile pictures.
Setting conversation guidelines.
Report options. Community Safety.

Privacy and Safety

Option for anonymity.
Avatars instead of profile pictures.
Setting conversation guidelines.
Report options. Community Safety.

Privacy and Safety

Option for anonymity.
Avatars instead of profile pictures.
Setting conversation guidelines.
Report options. Community Safety.

Not social media/dating app

No choice overload of people to talk to/connection’s options.

People should not “follow” each other. It should be more personal and safe.

Not social media/dating app

No choice overload of people to talk to/connection’s options.

People should not “follow” each other. It should be more personal and safe.

Not social media/dating app

No choice overload of people to talk to/connection’s options.

People should not “follow” each other. It should be more personal and safe.

Branding/Copywriting

Invoke calmness through colors and theme of lavender.
Conversational/Sensitive tone in the UX copy.

Branding/Copywriting

Invoke calmness through colors and theme of lavender.
Conversational/Sensitive tone in the UX copy.

Branding/

Copywriting

Invoke calmness through colors and theme of lavender.
Conversational/Sensitive tone in the UX copy.

Prototyping

Early User Testing

We focused on onboarding personalization and sought early external opinions. We conducted user testing with five LGBTQ+ individuals to:

Assess intuitive navigation.
Gauge their feelings during onboarding.
Understand their perceptions of the app concept and purpose.

We focused on onboarding personalization and sought early external opinions. We conducted user testing with five LGBTQ+ individuals to:

Assess intuitive navigation.
Gauge their feelings during onboarding.
Understand their perceptions of the app concept and purpose.

We focused on onboarding personalization and sought early external opinions. We conducted user testing with five LGBTQ+ individuals to:

Assess intuitive navigation.
Gauge their feelings during onboarding.
Understand their perceptions of the app concept and purpose.

Takeaways from user testing

The app concept were well received, and users appreciated the onboarding options.
Were confused how to find their recommendations after the questionnaire.

They found the home screen lacking content.
Wanted us to add indicators to show success or errors during sign up process.

The app concept were well received, and users appreciated the onboarding options.
Were confused how to find their recommendations after the questionnaire.

They found the home screen lacking content.
Wanted us to add indicators to show success or errors during sign up process.

The app concept were well received, and users appreciated the onboarding options.
Were confused how to find their recommendations after the questionnaire.

They found the home screen lacking content.
Wanted us to add indicators to show success or errors during sign up process.

Enhancing engagement:

Mid-Fi refinements and feature development.

Enhancing engagement:

Mid-Fi refinements and feature development.

Enhancing engagement:

Mid-Fi refinements and feature development.

During the mid-fi phase, we focused on refining Lavender's features, such as the personal stories and questionnaire history to make the app more engaging for our users.

We added the flow of reporting/blocking users for violating community guidelines.

We updated the Home screen with new features like recent chats and revamped the navigation bar.
To create more room, we relocated the profile menu to the top and added a "Favorite" feature to the navigation bar.

During the mid-fi phase, we focused on refining Lavender's features, such as the personal stories and questionnaire history to make the app more engaging for our users.

We added the flow of reporting/blocking users for violating community guidelines.

We updated the Home screen with new features like recent chats and revamped the navigation bar.
To create more room, we relocated the profile menu to the top and added a "Favorite" feature to the navigation bar.

During the mid-fi phase, we focused on refining Lavender's features, such as the personal stories and questionnaire history to make the app more engaging for our users.

We added the flow of reporting/blocking users for violating community guidelines.

We updated the Home screen with new features like recent chats and revamped the navigation bar.
To create more room, we relocated the profile menu to the top and added a "Favorite" feature to the navigation bar.

Iterations post user feedback

We redesigned our navigation bar by adding labels to buttons, making it more intuitive and user-friendly.
Users wanted to seek advice based on their last selected questions without repeating the entire questionnaire. So, we improved our flow for "Recently selected topics" where users can find connections based on the topics they selected last, instead of them going through the entire questionnaire again.

We redesigned our navigation bar by adding labels to buttons, making it more intuitive and user-friendly.
Users wanted to seek advice based on their last selected questions without repeating the entire questionnaire. So, we improved our flow for "Recently selected topics" where users can find connections based on the topics they selected last, instead of them going through the entire questionnaire again.

We redesigned our navigation bar by adding labels to buttons, making it more intuitive and user-friendly.
Users wanted to seek advice based on their last selected questions without repeating the entire questionnaire. So, we improved our flow for "Recently selected topics" where users can find connections based on the topics they selected last, instead of them going through the entire questionnaire again.

UI STYLE GUIDELINES

A UI style for calming and friendly aesthetic.

Users turning to an app like Lavender might be seeking connection during times of isolation. That's why we designed our UI to be calming and welcoming, complemented by friendly and reassuring UX copy. Our goal is to ensure users feel safe and supported every time they use the app.

We intentionally avoided using generic rainbow palettes
and bold colors commonly associated with the LGBTQ+ community, not wanting to stereotype the app.
Used a soft palette of lavender colours to set a friendly/safe tone.
To enhance security and privacy, users can select vibrant avatars instead of uploading personal photos.
The choice of the Sofia Pro typeface ensures easy readability and adds a touch of clean aesthetic.

We intentionally avoided using generic rainbow palettes
and bold colors commonly associated with the LGBTQ+ community, not wanting to stereotype the app.
Used a soft palette of lavender colours to set a friendly/safe tone.
To enhance security and privacy, users can select vibrant avatars instead of uploading personal photos.
The choice of the Sofia Pro typeface ensures easy readability and adds a touch of clean aesthetic.

We intentionally avoided using generic rainbow palettes
and bold colors commonly associated with the LGBTQ+ community, not wanting to stereotype the app.
Used a soft palette of lavender colours to set a friendly/safe tone.
To enhance security and privacy, users can select vibrant avatars instead of uploading personal photos.
The choice of the Sofia Pro typeface ensures easy readability and adds a touch of clean aesthetic.

Personal Stories

Implementing a personal stories feature to boost user engagement within our app.
Option to write a story or you can also record an audio story since audio is a strong medium to connect with people.
Option to stay anonymous to have more privacy of your personal stories.
Users can also add cover images to their story screen.

Questionnaire for personalised connections.

The app features an extensive questionnaire covering three key topics relevant to LGBTQ+ individuals: Gender, Sexuality, and Life Experiences.
Designed a “Recently Selected Topics” screen accessible from the homepage, which displays topics you previously responded to. This allows for quick access to recommendations or the option to start a completely new search.
Users can use this questionnaire to seek advice and connect on any topic they wish.

Connections

Lavender offers a curated selection of only 5 connection options at a time, aiming to reduce choice overload and foster a more human experience compared to presenting an endless list of potential people.
Connections are matched based on your questions/advice topics.
Initially, you can only send messages to the individual. Calling or video calling features become accessible once the recipient responds and becomes acquainted with you.

Block/Report for safety

Lavender let’s you block or report any user if they made the user felt uncomfortable.
Asks the user for a good reason for reporting someone. Included an extensive list of reasons
for reporting someone.
UX copy with a warm, understanding tone to infuse conversational tone into our app.

FINALE FEATURES

Personal Stories

Implementing a personal stories feature to boost user engagement within our app.
Option to write a story or you can also record an audio story since audio is a strong medium to connect with people.
Option to stay anonymous to have more privacy of your personal stories.

Users can also add cover images to their story screen.

Implementing a personal stories feature to boost user engagement within our app.
Option to write a story or you can also record an audio story since audio is a strong medium to connect with people.
Option to stay anonymous to have more privacy of your personal stories.

Users can also add cover images to their story screen.

Connections

Lavender offers a curated selection of only 5 connection options at a time, aiming to reduce choice overload and foster a more human experience compared to presenting an endless list of potential people.
Connections are matched based on your questions/advice topics.
Initially, you can only send messages to the individual. Calling or video calling features become accessible once the recipient responds and becomes acquainted with you.

Questionnaire for personalised connections.

The app features an extensive questionnaire covering three key topics relevant to LGBTQ+ individuals: Gender, Sexuality, and Life Experiences.
Designed a “Recently Selected Topics” screen accessible from the homepage, which displays topics you previously responded to. This allows for quick access to recommendations or the option to start a completely new search.
Users can use this questionnaire to seek advice and connect on any topic they wish, whenever they need guidance.

The app features an extensive questionnaire covering three key topics relevant to LGBTQ+ individuals: Gender, Sexuality, and Life Experiences.
Designed a “Recently Selected Topics” screen accessible from the homepage, which displays topics you previously responded to. This allows for quick access to recommendations or the option to start a completely new search.
Users can use this questionnaire to seek advice and connect on any topic they wish, whenever they need guidance.

Block/Report for safety

Lavender let’s you block or report any user if they made the user felt uncomfortable.
Asks the user for a good reason for reporting someone. Included an extensive list of reasons
for reporting someone.
UX copy with a warm, understanding tone to infuse conversational tone into our app.

Lavender let’s you block or report any user if they made the user felt uncomfortable.
Asks the user for a good reason for reporting someone. Included an extensive list of reasons
for reporting someone.
UX copy with a warm, understanding tone to infuse conversational tone into our app.

The Outcome 🎉

learnings and FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

If I had more time.

Our initial focus was on developing the app for younger users due to time constraints. Moving forward, I aim to design for our other group—experienced members eager to share their insights and the user flow from their side.
Since this challenge was done early in my UX journey, I didn't fully consider accessibility. I would like to spend more time going through each design decision I made to ensure it is accessible.

Our initial focus was on developing the app for younger users due to time constraints. Moving forward, I aim to design for our other group—experienced members eager to share their insights and the user flow from their side.
Since this challenge was done early in my UX journey, I didn't fully consider accessibility. I would like to spend more time going through each design decision I made to ensure it is accessible.

Our initial focus was on developing the app for younger users due to time constraints. Moving forward, I aim to design for our other group—experienced members eager to share their insights and the user flow from their side.
Since this challenge was done early in my UX journey, I didn't fully consider accessibility. I would like to spend more time going through each design decision I made to ensure it is accessible.

My biggest challenge was.

I did not know much about the struggles of what the LGBTQ+ community goes through. I had to learn to ask a lot of questions(even the silly ones) to really understand their needs before I could get to designing. Designing without any bias was the key here.

My biggest takeaway was.

It’s easy to become attached to your initial ideas and designs, but with each project, I’ve learned the importance of iterating based on user feedback. It was rewarding to see how much our designs improved with user feedback that only members of the LGBTQ+ community could provide during user testing.

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