A self-initiated redesign exercise completed as part of an advanced UX/UI course. The goal was to identify and solve real usability friction points in BeReal's original interface — applying heuristic analysis, user flow mapping, and iterative design without the constraints of a live product environment. Built to practice advanced UX methodology, not as a client deliverable.
Year
2022
Client
BeReal
Approach
Utilizing the design thinking methodology, I embarked on this project with a focus on deeply understanding the product's needs. I created and validated two detailed user personas to represent the primary user groups. Additionally, I employed the Canvas methodology to systematically analyze and address various aspects of the design process, ensuring a user-centered approach throughout.
Research and Discovery
I conducted extensive research on the current BeReal app, including user feedback analysis, market trend studies, and competitive analysis. This comprehensive discovery phase helped me identify key areas for improvement. By understanding the pain points and desires of the users, I was able to devise a strategic plan for the redesign that would enhance the overall user experience.
User Research and Insights
To gain deeper insights into user needs and behaviors, I developed and validated two user personas. These personas guided my design decisions, ensuring they were grounded in real user needs. I mapped out user journeys for each persona using the Canvas methodology, which provided a clear understanding of the users' interactions with the app and highlighted opportunities for improvement.
Design Process
The design process began with creating detailed user journey maps for each persona, followed by developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). I validated the information architecture using Tree Testing, ensuring that it was intuitive and user-friendly. I designed task flows and wireflows to visualize the user experience and built a comprehensive design system, including colors, components, and icons. Additionally, I defined the brand voice with a voice matrix, tone matrix, and style guide to ensure consistency across all touchpoints.
Key Features
The redesign introduced several key features, including an intuitive interface that enhances usability, improved navigation and user flows, and a consistent visual design. The robust design system I developed ensures scalability and efficiency, allowing for future enhancements and iterations without compromising on the user experience.
Testing and Refinement
Throughout the project, I conducted extensive usability testing to gather feedback and identify areas for refinement. This iterative process allowed me to make continuous improvements based on user feedback and testing results. The rigorous testing ensured that the final design was not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and user-friendly.