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Project background
Fig.1: More isn't always better
Key Stage #1
Fig.2: Browsing feed
Fig.3: Browsable carousel
Fig.4: Zoomed-in 3D navigation
Key Stage #2
Fig.3: Focus mode
Fig.4: Exiting to map
Key Stage #3
Fig.5: Option A
Fig.6: Option B
Key Stage #4
Fig.7: Feature adoption
Fig.6: Introducing Focus Mode
Fig.6: Exploring profiles in Focus Mode
Learnings
Guided Discover over the Map
Making map discover experience more guided, relevant, and engaging.
- 19% ⬆️ DAU
- 2% ⬆️ NDR
- 28% ⬆️ Profile Views
- 3% ⬆️ Outgoing Attention
- 6% ⬆️ 6-Way Convo
The challenge
- Product issue
- Map discovery gave users freedom but lacked a clear starting point, leading to low engagement.
- Product goal
- Increase profile views and engagement by helping users discover relevant people more easily.
- Design challenge
- How might we guide users toward meaningful connections without taking away their freedom to explore?
Exploring: Finding direction in an open map
Explore why an open map can feel aimless, and how clearer starting points and contextual cues could help.
- Too many or too few people nearby.
- Little context beyond a single photo.
- Often the same people users saw yesterday.
- Option 1. Browsing feed
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- Curated profiles ordered by proximity.
- Key profile information and actionable buttons at a glance.
- Option 2. Focused browsable carousel
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- Curated profiles ordered by proximity.
- Profile highlight with full-profile access
- Option 3. Zoomed-In 3D Navigation
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- Zoom in on one profile at a time.
- Explore a heads-up display (HUD) for profile highlights.
Re-routing: Measuring focus and freedom
Reduce distractions without sacrificing the freedom to explore. ↳ Introduce a hybrid map discovery model with Focus Mode.
- Focuse mode
- One proflie at a time: A focused discovery flow with actionable profile previews.
- Exit anytime
- Stay in control: Users can leave the focused flow and continue exploring map freely.
Re-targeting: Tuning the goal-oriented UX
Go deep to connect, or go wide to explore - one at a time.
- Focus mode layout option
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- Option A — Photo-First: Prioritize profile photos and compatibility signals.
- Option B — Editorial: Prioritize profile content through an editorial layout.
Final design: Focus Mode with the freedom to exit
"Have options, not distractions"
More options without mindful guadience, are distraction. The key is to give users enough direction to take the next step, while keeping them in control of where they go.
Good discovery isn't about showing users everything. It's about helping them find what matters to them.