ChatGo

Mobile App & Interaction Design Project
UI Design, UX Design, Research, Usability Testing, Prototyping, 3D modeling and Printing

What is this?

ChatGo is an application designed to combat loneliness by encouraging human interaction and connection. It helps users meet new people randomly—but in a safe and intentional way. The idea came to life as part of a design challenge focused on addressing social isolation. Through several design iterations, I refined the interface until it fully captured the vision I had for both functionality and user experience.

How does the application work?

On startup, the application requires users to verify their identity with BankID to confirm their age group and match them with others in the same demographic. Once verified, users are presented with two main options: Chat and Meet.

In Chat mode, the user is randomly paired with someone else who is also looking to chat. Both users have the ability to report inappropriate behavior or end the conversation if they feel unsafe. If both parties are comfortable, the chat can be elevated to a real-life meetup.

The Meet option takes users to a map view where they can see nearby public meetup locations or create their own. This feature encourages safe, real-world interaction while maintaining user control and safety.

Users also have access to a fidget keychain featuring physical Meet and Chat buttons, which mirror the functions within the app. Designed for those who prefer a tactile experience, the keychain offers a sense of control over social interactions and helps foster a feeling of connection through physical engagement. It’s available in two sizes to accommodate different user preferences.

How it was made

Ideation

This project began with brainstorming and outlining potential features for the app. From the start, safety was my top priority—I wanted the experience to feel as secure and trustworthy as possible for users. To guide the design process, I also created a user storyboard to visualize the user journey and identify key interactions.

First Protoype and 3D print

Once the key features were defined, I began creating the first prototype of the application using Figma. This initial version captured the core functionality I aimed to include. At the same time, the first version of the keychain was modeled and 3D-printed to test its usability and evaluate whether it would be a valuable addition to the experience.

Second Iterattion of Protoype

With the core features in place, the second design iteration began. A color palette was selected, and the user storyboard was tested to validate the flow. The app prototype was reviewed by fellow designers, and their feedback helped guide improvements and new feature implementations.

Meanwhile, multiple iterations of the keychain were designed and 3D-printed. These versions were tested with peers to gather feedback on tactile feel, interaction quality, and overall weight.

Final Protoype

With the feedback received, the final iteration of the prototype was completed. It included all the key features and felt close to a fully functional application, especially given the short development timeframe. The Figma prototype was ready for presentation.

Presentation

The final design was presented to university professors and fellow designers, which resulted in valuable feedback and suggestions for future improvements. One notable idea was to add a setting that allows users to connect and chat with people outside of their initial user group, offering more flexibility in social interactions.

ChatGo Snippets ChatGo Keychains