The project's goal
Starting from the idea and the research done for the Kinora project under the 2055 speculative lens, create a real app that connects neighbours and activates the local community. Test the app with stakeholders, iterate, and experiment building it using AI and shipping it.
Challenges & Solutions
Challenge
Building and shipping an app with no coding experience.
Challenge
Find ways to keep users engaged and make them want to participate without adding responsibilities to their plates.
Challenge
Make the app feel trustworthy , local, user-friendly.
User Research
From doing trend research and from personal experience I had assumptions regarding people's need and desire for more human connection, for more time spent socializing face to face, maybe even by doing something meaningful.
I decided to test those assumptions by asking potential users about their experience living in The Netherlands, specifically Rotterdam. If they know their neighbours, who can they count on locally, and if they are happy with their current situations or they desire more.
Luckily, the majority of responses were in line with both my own experiences and my assumptions, which gave me confidence that my project is meaningful.
Based on the survey I created a User Persona, a User Journey Map and a Business Map, all useful in further positioning my project.
Additional Documents
App Building Workflow
App User Journey
Knoop - knots as ties between people in the community, knot character
Cozy neighbourhood- soft gradients, illustrated icons, clear app icon
Tulip mascot - concept of tiers, growing characters that show progression, ties with The Netherlands
Feedback
I received feedback from stakeholders that the app felt too digital, which made it not seem that trustworthy. Also, it became apparent that I didn't meet my goal of making illustration a big part of the app. My illustration use was minimal and didn't add value to the user experience.
I decided to use this idea in my project, which is what led to the final branding identity of the app.
Final Branding
The concept for the visual identity of the app is 'Aura'.
I turned this concept into characters, that are connected to 3 different tiers, that show growth based on participation in the community.
The users can earn 'aura points', rewards for meaningful activities, such as joining initiatives like volunteering, food drive etc. or by doing favors for neighbours in need.
Character Design
Nono
Baby Tier
Kino
Teen Tier
Nora
Adult Tier
