Overview
In early 2019, I designed a new Map feature along with supporting illustrations, animations, and interactive elements. The goal was to make housing discovery not just functional, but also engaging and enjoyable, transforming what's often a stressful process into a more delightful experience.
Opportunity & Goals
- Maintain the young, approachable voice of Circle while introducing new functionality.
- Design an innovative and interactive way for users to explore available properties.
- Improve the overall experience with delightful illustrations, motion graphics, and interactions that make browsing more fun.
My Role
- Led end-to-end design of the new Map feature, from early concept sketches to final prototypes
- Created wireframes, UI designs, and interactive flows to integrate the feature seamlessly into the existing product.
- Designed custom illustrations and animations to add a sense of warmth, personality, and playfulness to the user experience.
- Focused on interaction design to ensure that navigation, transitions, and micro-interactions felt smooth, intuitive, and engaging.
Approach
1. Map as a Discovery Tool
Designed a visually driven, interactive map interface that allowed users to easily browse available properties and explore listings in a more natural, intuitive way.
2. Delightful Visual Language
Developed a system of illustrations, motion graphics, and playful animations to make the app feel friendly, human, and fun.
3. User-Centered Experience
Ensured the new feature was simple to navigate, visually engaging, and aligned with Circle's youthful brand personality.
Impact & Outcomes
- Circle marked my first real-world launch, highlighting my strength in designing products that are both practical and delightful, and helping make the roommate-finding experience more engaging, social, and fun.
- The Map feature introduced a new dimension of value to Circle, allowing users to discover housing opportunities directly within the app.