The Ultimate Tool for Togetherness
Sphere
Mobile App
United States
2018
The Challenge
Sphere is an app to make loneliness optional. The way we can achieve that is to create a platform where users can meet in real life. And if they don't want to, at least create an online context where they have the possibility to meet new people. In order to make it real, we need to build tools for togetherness.
The focus of the Sphere app is the connection between people, the virtual connection translated into real life. The purpose was to highlight that option with UX and focus on getting people to create intentions, meet and do stuff
in real life
The focus of the Sphere app is the connection between people, the virtual connection translated into real life. The purpose was to highlight that option with UX and focus on getting people to create intentions, meet and do stuff
in real life
UX Research & Wireframes
UI Research & Moodboard
Some pieces from Sphere moodboard
Moodboard is used during the initial research phase to explore the type of language or messaging that could be used. As well as to define the styling direction of the product. This technique allows to eliminate the risk of misconceptions with client
UI Concept
Simple lightweight interface with lots of whitespace executed in modern emotional style. Focus on functionality and ease of use. No useless animations or effects. Bright colors and gradients to emphasize accents and convey positive emotions in the app. Meaningful bold typography to create powerful accents and increase interface scannability.
After the concept was reviewed and approved by the client, the rest of the app screens were designed
After the concept was reviewed and approved by the client, the rest of the app screens were designed
Semi-Flat UI
In the physical world, objects can be stacked or attached to one another, but cannot pass through each other. They cast shadows and reflect light. Sphere UI design reflects these qualities in how elements are displayed and move across the UI. Surfaces, and how they move in three dimensions, are communicated in ways that resemble how they move in the physical world
My Profile Screen
AI algorithm extracts the personality trait from the user behavior and constantly update the Personality logogram
AI algorithm extracts the personality trait from the user behavior and constantly update the Personality logogram
There are 3 personality pairs in Sphere
Sphere's proposal is not to request feedback from the user, but give the user feedback in the form of Personalities. AI mechanisms determine the primary personality pair for each user which is shown upfront in the profile
Sphere's proposal is not to request feedback from the user, but give the user feedback in the form of Personalities. AI mechanisms determine the primary personality pair for each user which is shown upfront in the profile
First Time User Experience
It's crucial to create a meaningful impression upon the first interaction between user and the product. The idea of loader animation conveys the value of the app of bringing people together. User is engaged while the app is loading making the waiting time more positive
Authorization
Intro Slides
SPHERES
The idea behind spheres is inspired from the way we behave as humans. We create artifacts in the places we visit and where we spend time, artifacts which are specific to that place
The key point behind spheres is to allow users to create a space where they will want to engage with one another in a very direct manner and also create stories which are specific to that sphere.
Therefore, users create stuff that is specific and post it in the relevant sphere and can be seen by the people who are part of that sphere, or save it to their personal space if it is personal and can be seen only by the people whom they are synced with. This is a simple and effective delimitation of content, without the need to complicate things too much to preserve confidentiality
The key point behind spheres is to allow users to create a space where they will want to engage with one another in a very direct manner and also create stories which are specific to that sphere.
Therefore, users create stuff that is specific and post it in the relevant sphere and can be seen by the people who are part of that sphere, or save it to their personal space if it is personal and can be seen only by the people whom they are synced with. This is a simple and effective delimitation of content, without the need to complicate things too much to preserve confidentiality
Spheres flow interaction
Real-time Chat
Adding chat to an application has traditionally been a rather complicated process. But user habits and expectations for an in-app chat have greatly evolved these days. When products have embedded chat, their community stays connected, engaged and retention is increased
Single chat
Edit message
Contacts list
Group chat
Group details
Design System
Reusable system for both UI and UX as components was created during the design process. It allows to keep a consistent experience across the product. Such kit provides a better collaboration between designers and developers, allowing the design language to evolve over time
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