Inner Circle
Product Design
3 Months (Ongoing)
Project Details
Project Overview
This project aimed to improve how people connect with their friends using the Inner Circle app. We explored ways to make those connections deeper and more meaningful by designing new features and experiences that encourage closer bonds within existing friend groups. Through user research, including interviews and surveys, we identified key pain points and opportunities within users' existing social lives. By analyzing competitive landscapes, including successful social media apps and community-building platforms, we explored innovative features and interaction models to foster deeper engagement and create more meaningful shared experiences within Inner Circle's unique context.
Nature of the Project
User Research
Market Research
Product/Feature Development
UI Design & Prototyping
Branding & Strategy
Project Timeline
Research - 4 Week
Ideation - 2 Weeks
Branding & Strategy - 2 Weeks
UI Design & Prototyping - 4 Weeks
Team
Mahir Malde (Project Lead, UX Designer)
Primary Research
Structured Interviews
Richa Chaudhary
University Student
Social Media Power User
Aisha Neha Monsar
University Student
Social Media Moderate User
Questions & Discussion Points
Data Gathered from the interviews
User 1
User 2
Findings
User 1 values quick, visual updates and staying in touch with her wider circle while User 2 prioritises meaningful, in-depth interaction in smaller, trusted circles.
This shows the need for a platform that facilitates connections within established social groups while allowing for simple content sharing among friends.
Both User 1 and 2 experience a disconnect with trendy platforms once the novelty wears off.
This could be an opportunity to create a platform that prioritises sustained engagement over fleeting trends.
This insight could lead to a platform that prioritises close-knit, personal groups while still supporting occasional larger-scale interactions.
Defining the Target Users
Analysing the Social Media Market
Addressing the Gap in the Market
The market for social media primarily focuses on individual expression and broadcasting to a wider audience.
Even with apps existing for individuals to showcase their social lives to close knit friend circles such as BeReal and Locket a significant gap remains:
Absence of a platform specifically designed to enhance the unique dynamics and group experiences tailor made for close-knit friend groups.
Limited tools for documenting and celebrating shared group memories beyond simple photo sharing, generic group chats, or platforms designed to broadcast individual expression and life to a wide audience group
Inner Circle aims to fill this gap by providing a dedicated space for friends to
Building Group Experiences
pushing users to have genuine interaction through features like hosting hangouts, curated event suggestions, and achieving the group bucket list.
Create Shared Narratives
go beyond simple photo sharing by building collaborative photo journals, creating group profiles, and documenting shared experiences in a more engaging and interactive way with their active participation.
Celebrating Moments
Providing artefacts(badges) to recognize and celebrate group achievements, creating a sense of close community and shared identity rather than individual profiles.
Inner Circle is driven to create lasting memories that go beyond the limitations of existing social media platforms.
Feature Breakdown & Analysis
Feature Brainstorming
Feature Evaluation
Initially Shortlisted Ideas
With the research evaluation and initial idea brainstorming, we landed up with the following ideas with a potential to be taken forward and prototyped for testing and feasibility.
SWOT Analysis
Proposed Outcome
Sorry, this is all for now :(
Stay tuned for updates on the project, UI Design & Branding to follow!
