yutian's work

Background

Ourdate is a company that focuses on matching our users with like-minded people and helps set up the perfect date to build a customized connection in their busy schedule as working professionals. Provide simple and efficient date matching + planning services

My role

I was responsible for designing features for exploring dating plans and scheduling within the MVP. My contributions not only enhanced user experiences but also aligned design decisions with strategic goals within a constrained timeline.

Working closely with Product Managers, engineers, and the marketing team, I translated user research insights into actionable design items. This included creating comprehensive wireframes to visualize the user journey. I then built and tested clickable prototypes, gathering valuable feedback from a diverse group of 10 users to refine the user experience.

Deliverables

Built a shippable design candidate that will launch as the first MVP

Design research

People get matched a lot but meet rarely

Dating apps are incredibly popular nowadays. But surprisingly, matching with a large number of partners translates to few in-person dates. [1] An online dating statistic shows the percentage of men and women who say they have met an online dating match in person for a hookup is that 20% of men say they did, while only 8% of women say they did.[2]

To uncover potential reasons hindering people from meeting their matches, I delve into the user journey—from the initial matchmaking to the actual meeting.

Matching

The profile shows vague personalities.
Matching is mostly based on appearance.
No guarantee of credibility of personal information

Chatting

Lack of topics to chat
Matching is mostly based on appearance

Scheduling

Scheduling can be difficult for work professionals
Lack of dating plans and preparationLose patience with a lot of back-and-forth
Matching is based on limited information

Meeting

The profile shows vague personalities.
Matching is mostly based on appearance.
No guarantee of credibility of personal information

target User

For busy professionals who look for serious relationships

We are specifically targeting individuals between the ages of 30~45, who are likely to have established careers, experiences, and a more refined sense of what they are looking for in a dating platform.

Therefore this target user profile is tailored for busy professionals navigating demanding schedules and prioritizing the pursuit of serious, long-term relationships.
They value efficiency and are likely seeking a platform that understands and caters to their specific needs, providing a thoughtful and time-conscious approach to the journey of finding a connection amidst their busy lives.

Problem summary

What possibly hinders people from meeting with their matches?

People are cautious about meeting before learning more about their match
Scheduling can be difficult for people with limited time and a lack of dating plans
Lack of communication, confidence, and expectations leads to disappointment in meetings

possible solutions

Simple and safe date planning service
‍

Ourdate offers a date planning service that includes matching, date planning, and helping cultivate healthy relationships. With interest-based matching, Ourdate saves users’ time from endless swiping.
Scheduling can be difficult for people with limited time and a lack of dating plans

Matching flow

To uncover potential reasons hindering people from meeting their matches, I delve into the user journey—from the initial matchmaking to the actual meeting.

Design exploration

Challenge 1: Match intuitively and efficiently based on dating plan

Idea 1: Activity-based match

Pros:

Display more cards on each page to browse more options in the same amount of time
Show more details about plan

Con:

Lack of eye-catching content on the smaller card
No information about the publisher

Idea 2: Swipe match

Pros:

Display more cards on each page to browse more options in the same amount of time
Show more details about plan

Con:

Lack of eye-catching content on the smaller card
No information about the publisher

Design decision

After critiques with the team, we decide to discard the idea of swiping match, which is popular among many dating apps. We want to provide more accurate, interest-driven matchmaking for our users.

Challenge 2: Send invitation and schedule the dating

Idea 1: Pre-planned dating

Pros:

Schedule-->Invite-->Settle, more efficient in the process
Easy to navigate - include the necessary information for planning the date

Con:

Lack of ways to communicate before planning the date
No information about the publisher

Idea 2: Swipe match

Pros:

Display more cards on each page to browse more options in the same amount of time
Show more details about plan

Con:

Lack of eye-catching content on the smaller card
No information about the publisher

Design decision

I was responsible for the design of exploring dating plans and scheduling date features for the MVP in collaboration with PMs, engineers, and the marketing team. Based on the user research findings, I created the wireframes, and then built and tested the clickable prototypes with 10 users.