Developed and Designed CircleIT’s iOS and Android Applications

CircleIt is an innovative generational platform aimed at connecting family members across time. By allowing users to create family trees and schedule future deliveries of messages and gifts, CircleIt preserves memories and strengthens family bonds. As the sole UX/UI designer on a compact startup team, I collaborated closely with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to bring this unique vision to life.

In an era where digital communication is instantaneous, CircleIt sought to introduce a platform that adds a temporal dimension to messaging—allowing users to send e-cards and gifts to be received at specified future dates and times. The challenge was to design an intuitive and engaging mobile application for both iOS and Android that resonates with users of all ages.

Upon joining CircleIt, I was presented with a concept rich in potential but lacking in detailed design and user research. The preliminary mockups provided a skeletal framework that needed significant development.

Key challenges included:

• No Existing User Research: Without prior user insights, understanding the target audience’s needs and behaviors was critical.
• Complex Functionality: Designing features like scheduling future deliveries and creating family trees required thoughtful UX solutions.
• Tight Deadlines: The pressure to launch swiftly necessitated an efficient yet thorough design process.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensuring a consistent experience on both iOS and Android devices.

• Led the end-to-end UX/UI design process for the mobile applications.
• Conducted user research to inform design decisions.
• Created over 50 high-fidelity screens and interactive prototypes.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align on project goals and timelines.
• Implemented iterative testing and refinement cycles

User Research and Empathy Building

• Interviews and Surveys: Gathered insights from potential users to understand their needs, pain points, and expectations.
• Personas and User Journeys: Developed personas and mapped out user journeys to guide the design process.

Ideation and Sketching

• Brainstorming Sessions: Facilitated workshops to generate ideas for features and interactions.
• Hand-Drawn Sketches: Created initial sketches to visualize concepts and receive early feedback.

Prototyping and Design Execution

• Wireframes: Built wireframes to establish the structure and flow of the application.
• High-Fidelity Prototypes: Designed detailed UI screens using Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.
• Interaction Design: Focused on micro-interactions to enhance user engagement.

Testing and Iteration

• Usability Testing: Conducted tests with users to observe interactions and gather feedback.
• A/B Testing: Experimented with different design elements to optimize the user experience.
• Feedback Integration: Iteratively refined designs based on testing outcomes.

• Successful Launch: Met tight deadlines, leading to the timely launch of the app.
• User Engagement: Post-launch analytics showed high user engagement, with positive feedback on the intuitive design and unique features.
• Downloads Milestone: Achieved millions of downloads, reflecting the app’s popularity and widespread acceptance.
• Enhanced Features: The ability to schedule future gifts like flowers added a surprise element that delighted users and set CircleIt apart from competitors.

CircleIt App is available on:

Designing the CircleIt app was a journey of transforming a visionary concept into a tangible product that resonates with users. By focusing on empathetic design and rigorous testing, the app not only met business goals but also created meaningful experiences for families worldwide.

This project reinforced the importance of user-centered design, especially when introducing innovative features. Key takeaways include:

• Empathy is Crucial: Understanding users’ emotional connections with family and memories guided the design choices.
• Adaptability: Working under tight deadlines taught me to be efficient without compromising on quality.
• Collaboration Enhances Outcomes: Cross-functional teamwork was essential in navigating challenges and achieving project success.
• Continuous Learning: Each iteration provided insights that honed my skills as a designer.