About Social Media
Social media’s journey, from its humble beginnings to becoming a global powerhouse, is nothing short of remarkable. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, we saw the birth of the first social media platforms like Six Degrees, Friendster, and My Space, marking the start of a digital revolution. These platforms introduced the novel idea of creating personalized profiles and interacting with friends online. While social media platforms have transformed the way we connect, communicate, and consume content, they are not without their pitfalls. In the era of Big Tech, user concerns about privacy, data control, and equitable value distribution have taken center stage. One of the most pressing issues is data privacy. Traditional platforms collect vast amounts of user data, often with little transparency about its use. Users are regularly subject to targeted advertising based on their digital behaviors, raising alarm bells about personal privacy. Moreover, data breaches and misuse have also become more frequent, further eroding trust in these platforms.
Problem
In the hyper-connected world we live in today, social media has woven itself into the very fabric of our lives. But let’s face it—today’s social media, built on Web2 technologies, isn’t without its flaws. From troubling data privacy concerns and heavy centralization to uneven value distribution, these challenges are growing harder to sweep under the rug. But imagine a world where the power of social media is back in your hands. Welcome to Web3—the future of Online interaction. Leaning on the power of blockchain and decentralization, Web3 flips the script, giving you the transparency and control you’ve always deserved.
Solution
This is where REP comes in. Think of REP as the breath of fresh air we’ve all been waiting for—a place where you are the rightful owner of your data. Gone are the days of Big Tech looking over your shoulder, exploiting your data for their gain. With REP, you’re back in the driver’s seat, controlling who has access to your digital footprint. But that’s not all. REP stands to shatter the glass ceiling of economic limitations. Imagine being able to directly monetize your online interactions and content, without intermediaries pocketing the lion’s share.
Why? Platform On Blockchain
POTENTIAL FOR CREATOR MONETIZATION
REP is changing the game when it comes to creator monetization. Traditional social media platforms offer limited avenues for creators to earn from their content, with most revenue often going to the platforms themselves. REP flips this paradigm on its head. With its Web3 backbone, REP provides a platform where value is equitably shared among its users. It enables creators to monetize their content directly, without the need for intermediaries taking a cut. Whether it’s through native tokens, digital goods, or direct tipping, creators have multiple avenues to earn from their efforts. Furthermore, by leveraging blockchain technology, REP can provide transparent and secure transactions, ensuring creators are paid fairly and promptly for their work. This decentralized monetization model opens up a world of opportunities for creators, providing them with the financial freedom to create and innovate on their own terms.
ENHANCED PRIVACY AND SECURITY
In the era of data breaches and privacy concerns, REP offers a breath of fresh air. Leveraging Web3’s decentralized nature and blockchain technology, REP enhances both privacy and security in remarkable ways. Unlike traditional social media platforms, where user data is stored on centralized servers, REP ensures that user data remains in the user’s control or simply doesn’t exist. This fundamental shift enhances privacy by reducing the risk of data misuse and unauthorized access. From a security perspective, REP’s use of blockchain technology adds an extra layer of protection. Blockchain’s transparency and immutability mean that transactions and data exchanges are easily traceable and cannot be altered or deleted, making fraudulent activity less likely. By prioritizing enhanced privacy and security, REP is transforming the social media landscape, making it safer and more trustworthy for all users.
IMPROVED TRANSPARENCY
One of the significant drawbacks of traditional social media is the lack of transparency, particularly in how content is curated and presented to users. Algorithms are often a black box, and users are left wondering why they see certain content. REP, powered by Web3, is committed to changing this narrative. REP promotes transparency by using open-source algorithms for content discovery. This means users can see exactly how content is ranked and displayed, eliminating any bias or hidden manipulations. Furthermore, by leveraging blockchain technology, each transaction and interaction is traceable, creating an audit able trail that ensures fairness and accountability. This transparency extends to the platform’s governance, too. With REP, users have a say in important decisions, including changes to algorithms or platform policies. By fostering transparency, REP is creating a more democratic, user-focused social media experience, where the power is truly in the hands of the users.
Research
To understand the main problem of the people using social media platform, I started with research.
User Interviews
To Understand the real problems and pain points, we started with user interviews. We interviewed 8 people, 20 min each and spend the last 5 min of the interview to test the prototype with them.
Number
8 People interviewed
Style
Guerilla Interviews
Interview type
Contextual Interview
Duration
20 min each
- How do you usually consume news and information on social media, and what challenges do you face in discerning reliable content from the noise?
- How do you currently manage and engage with your online community, and what limitations do you face in fostering meaningful interactions?
- As a content creator, how important is it for you to have control over your digital footprint and monetize your content directly?
- What aspects of existing social media platforms frustrate you the most, and how do you envision a platform that aligns better with your expectations?
- As an early adopter of technology, what features do you look for in a social media platform, and how do you see blockchain technology enhancing the user experience?
- In your daily routine, how conscious are you about your online privacy, and what steps do you take to protect your personal data?
Interviews
A user interview in UX research is a methodical conversation between a researcher and a participant. user interviews are a powerful tool for gaining qualitative insights, enhancing empathy, and driving user-centered design decisions.
Content Creator
Small Business Owner
Online Community Builder
Casual Observer
Social Media Enthusiast
Tech-savvy Early Adopter
Casual Social Media User
News Consumer
Insight
Main Problems
Privacy
Concerns
Across user types, there’s a nanimous desire for increased control over personal data and heightened privacy measures.
Monetization and Fair Compensation
Content creators and influencers emphasize the importance of direct monetization and fair compensation without intermediaries taking a large share.
Transparency
and Trust
Users are seeking platforms with more transparency, particularly in algorithms, content moderation, and data usage, fostering trust in the community.
Meaningful Interactions
Users value meaningful and njoyable interactions over mindless scrolling, indicating a need for features that promote genuine engagement and community-building.
Idea
Imagine a world where every corner holds a mystery, and every alley is a path to new friendships. Rep invites you to this vibrant universe, where your quest for treasure leads to more than just material rewards. It’s a place where each clue solved is a story shared, each reward earned is a memory made, and every interaction is a bond forged. In this world, adventure is a gateway to connections, and the whole planet is a community waiting to be discovered.
App
This app helps the users to discover new content and users based on your interests and interactions and earn as you engage.
Concept
This app provides features like write a post, ask questions, write articles, craft your bio embark on adventures, earn as you engage, private messaging and connect with others by adding friends or gaining followers.
Information architecture
Information architecture is the practice of labeling and organizing content to enhance findability and usability. The focus here is on feed page where users can find recent posts, articles and questions also on secure personalized messaging feature.
Concept
We started with brainstorming solutions for the app and validated them after our user interviews. We first creates rough sketches to test the concept. We move on with wireframes and tested the interaction as well as the information architecture.
Sketches
Wireframes
We did wireframes for the core features we need to test. One was the feed page with different tabs like post, articles and question. This page was challenging because no other social media platform incudes these kind of posts in one place. The second was the map feature to display messages on the physical map.
Style Guide
Crafting the style guide for REP mobile app, I focus on creating a cohesive visual language that resonates with our brand identity. This involves selecting a harmonious color palette, typography that ensures readability and accessibility, and a consistent set of icons and imagery that align with our user interface. The goal is to provide a seamless and intuitive user experience, where the design elements not only look appealing but also facilitate easy navigation and interaction within the app.
Logos
Typography
Color palette for light & dark mode
Design System
As a designer working on a project, a design system is my compass and blueprint. It guides every stroke of my brush, ensuring consistency across the product’s interface. The colors, typography, and spacing are more than just visual elements; they’re the voice of the brand, speaking to users through a harmonious visual language. This system is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an intuitive and seamless user experience that feels like second nature.
Dark Mode with Variables
When it comes to dark mode for a mobile app, it’s all about reducing glare and creating a comfortable viewing experience in low-light conditions. By utilizing Figma’s variables, I can easily switch between light and dark themes, ensuring that elements adapt seamlessly while still aligning with the brand’s visual language. It’s a game-changer for both user experience and design workflow.
Onboarding
When users first open the Rep.run app, they are welcomed with a visually appealing welcome screen featuring the app’s logo and a brief tagline that sets the tone for their social journey. Users are presented with create user account button or login with their existing google account if they have.
Post, Write & Ask Questions
The main feed area is a dynamic space where users can express themselves in various ways. Whether it’s through brief updates that capture the moment, in-depth articles that delve into a topic, or engaging with the community via Q&A sessions, the platform supports a rich tapestry of interactions. The addition of images and videos only enriches the experience, making it a vibrant hub for sharing and learning.
Embark on Adventures
The concept of integrating treasure hunts into a platform like Rep is truly innovative. It’s not just about the thrill of the hunt; it’s about weaving narratives into the fabric of everyday interactions, making each discovery a chapter in a larger story. This feature could transform mundane activities into adventures, fostering community engagement and creating shared experiences that resonate on a personal level. It’s a way to make the digital world feel more tangible and connected to our real-life social dynamics.
Earn as You Engage
In a digital age where attention is a currency, the concept of turning every interaction into a reward is quite intriguing. Opt-in for tailored ads and turn your attention into rewards. With Rep, every interaction has value.
Truly private messaging
Rep offers a beacon of security with its blockchain-based communication platform. By harnessing the power of encryption and the decentralized nature of blockchain, Rep ensures that your messages remain confidential and tamper-proof. This innovative approach not only secures information against unauthorized access but also restores control to users, allowing them to communicate with confidence and tranquility.
Craft Your Bio
Creating a unique profile page is all about expressing your individuality. Think of it as a digital canvas where you can showcase your interests, achievements, and personality. We have created a dedicated page and provide users a URL link to profile for sharing.
Application
REP is more than just a next-generation platform—it’s a fully-fledged social media network. You’ll find all the familiar features you’ve come to expect from a social media platform, creating an intuitive, user-friendly experience for all.
Future
As a forward-thinking design team, we’re excited to integrate cutting-edge features into our social media app. Augmented reality will bring a new layer of interaction, allowing users to overlay digital information onto the real world. AI will personalize the experience, learning from user behavior to suggest content. Audio Spaces will enable live conversations, creating a sense of community. Face recognition will streamline user identification, enhancing security. Lastly, a digital wallet will simplify transactions, making in-app purchases seamless. These innovations will redefine social media engagement, offering users a richer, more immersive experience.
Augmented reality
As a designer on the REP project, I’m thrilled to be working on the cutting-edge augmented reality feature that allows users to view messages, videos, and images inside the ‘chest’ feature. This immersive experience is crafted to enhance user engagement by bringing digital content into the real world. Leveraging advanced image recognition and tracking technology, we’re creating an intuitive interface that will make accessing and interacting with digital assets both seamless and magical. It’s a challenging yet exciting journey to push the boundaries of AR and create something truly innovative for our users.
Rep Spaces
Audio Spaces feature for REP, I’m focused on creating an intuitive and engaging platform that facilitates community discussions on a wide range of topics. The goal is to craft a user-friendly interface that encourages participation and makes it easy for users to start or join conversations. We’re also implementing features to ensure high-quality audio and moderation tools to maintain a respectful environment. It’s exciting to be part of a project that has the potential to connect people and foster meaningful dialogue.
Facial Recognition & Voice Verification
Working on facial recognition and voice verification for a mobile app, my focus is on creating a user-friendly interface that seamlessly integrates these advanced biometric technologies. I prioritize privacy and security, ensuring that the facial recognition algorithms are accurate and the voice verification is responsive to the user’s unique vocal characteristics. The goal is to provide a swift and secure authentication process that enhances the user experience while safeguarding their personal data
Crypto Wallet
Working on a mobile app’s crypto wallet feature, my focus is on creating a user-friendly interface that simplifies the complexities of cryptocurrency transactions. I prioritize security and ease of use, ensuring that users can manage their digital assets with confidence.
Widgets
Creating a widget area for a mobile app that encompasses weather, finance, wallet info, and daily tasks requires a clean, intuitive design that prioritizes user engagement and functionality. From a UX perspective, it’s essential to ensure that the most critical information is visible at a glance, with the option to delve deeper with a simple tap. Utilizing a card-based design can offer a neat way to segment the different areas while maintaining a unified look. The use of color coding and icons can also help users quickly identify each segment, enhancing the overall user experience by making navigation seamless and the interface aesthetically pleasing.