Challenge
Despite living in large, diverse cities, people are struggling to make real, lasting connections. Existing platforms push endless content, not community. This leaves users overwhelmed, lonely, and disengaged.
Objective
Projected Impact
PROJECTED / DIRECTIONAL ESTIMATES — based on comparable app benchmarks, not measured user data
What's working — and what isn't?
People want community. People need community. But the platforms meant to connect us often make things harder, not easier.
Common patterns surfaced early
"I want to meet people who like what I like — not random strangers."
"I'm tired of apps that feel like dating apps in disguise."
"I bail on events because I get overwhelmed."
Vision for WAHT
Make real-world connection feel safe, easy, and authentic — especially for people who hate traditional social apps.
Finding a way to translate connection online to in-person and establish real connections that last.
Interviews with four early users — Sofia (new city), Lena (introverted creative), and others whose event attendance was inconsistent — revealed repeating friction points.
Endless Choices → Decision Paralysis
Users were overwhelmed by event lists that felt random and unfiltered.
Social Anxiety & Ghosting
People wanted to show up — but often didn't. Not because they didn't care, but because they got overwhelmed.
Unclear Body Language & Vibes
Dating apps commodified personality traits. People were craving real-life signals.
Insight
The problem isn't lack of events — it's lack of alignment, support, and clarity. Users needed a way to see "people like me" and "events for me" without performing for an algorithm.
A Social Butterfly In A New Environment
User PersonaBased on the input from users, I created this persona highlighting their goals and frustrations navigating new-city social life.
A Homebody In Need Of Real Connection
User PersonaCreated this based on input from introverts also seeking connection, and their goals and pain points with existing apps.
Solution Highlights
Interest Tiles: Users choose interests (e.g., hiking, art, board games). The app uses these to surface relevant events — not random invites.
Small Circles: Groups capped at 6–10 people. This dramatically reduces pressure and makes interactions feel more organic.
Pre-Event Nudges: Friendly prompts like "Still in for tonight's gallery run?" (Not pushy — just supportive.)
WAHT Opportunity Map
These are the key opportunity areas where WAHT could meaningfully intervene.
Early Mid-Fi Prototype
My collaborative wireframes that designed the flows and became the basis for hi-fi screens.
In a feedback session with stakeholders, two questions reshaped the roadmap.
"How will WAHT prevent burnout for introverted users?"
→ Result: Added "Low-Energy Mode" to surface smaller, calmer events based on user energy preferences.
"How do we support people who want deeper connection, not just events?"
→ Result: Added Interest Circles — ongoing threads that turn one-off meetups into communities.
These pushed WAHT toward becoming not just an event finder, but a connection ecosystem.
Homepage
On this page, users see events for them, community posts, and quick access to their circles.
New Event Page
This page invites users to add the details of an event they'd like to host or join.
This case study reinforced that a great app can do more than facilitate meeting up — it can respond to real emotional realities. As someone who has struggled to go to events, dreaded them the week before, and bailed last minute, I know that its important to design for genuine connection. Though connecting through social media, meeting people can be a difficult and essential part of giving those connections a foundation. Helping to create ease can take a lot of thought and a lot of time, but if it makes someone feel a little less lonely, I hope it helps people connect better.
Loneliness isn't solved with scale — it's solved with signal clarity.
Digital connection apps need a human, not algorithmic, personality.
Behavioral design is essential for reducing social anxiety.
Future Plans for the App
- Time Outs — If a user bails too often, their account will be gently paused on the app for a short period after an event, encouraging accountability without shame.
- Integration with larger events — Festivals, corporate events, and other larger-scale gatherings.
- "Vibes" Tags — Clear descriptors (Quiet, Friendly, High-Energy) so users know what to expect before showing up.
WAHT is built out as a working prototype, so you don't have to take my word for how it feels. Open the app in a pop-out window and take on the four challenges on the preview: create an account, create an event, invite friends and acquaintances in the app, and browse available events.
The bar at the top of the app lets you jump to any screen. It's a prototype, so nothing you do is saved, and it resets when you close the window.
Original Logo
In addition to the app design, I made some changes to the logo upon seeing the question "What does WAHT stand for?" Not only was the name unclear, the mark itself was too corporate for a community-first brand.
Revised Logo
In my opinion, adding "We Are Happy Together" spelled out around the mark and an outline of the icon made the brand feel a little less corporate and a lot more welcoming.