OBJECTIVE
Design and prototype a mobile application in Figma that addresses a solution for a common problem. The project goal included developing the brand identity, user interface, user experience, interactive prototypes, and page transitions while creating an intuitive, user-friendly solution.
MY ROLE
As part of a UX/UI design project focused on expanding our design skills, I explored the challenge of improving the problem of common questions one asks when wanting to go out for the night. My goal for this problem was to create a fun, engaging, and practical app that helps users discover and track the activity of local restaurants and bars. As a student at Central Michigan University, I used Mount Pleasant, Michigan, as the primary case study to demonstrate how the app could benefit students aged 21 and older.
REASEARCH
The research phase focused on identifying a problem to solve, defining the target audience, developing a unique brand identity, and designing an experience that prioritizes accessibility and ease of use.
TARGET AUDIENCE
The concept began with the idea of creating an app that tracks the live status of restaurants and bars, helping users make informed decisions about where to go. To collect data to support my claim, I created and distributed a survey to determine whether people would download and regularly use an app designed to simplify planning a night out.
The results identified college students as the primary target audience. College towns often have active nightlife, making students the most consistent users of an application that provides real-time social information. While the project was centered around Mount Pleasant, the concept of the app is to target larger cities with a vibrant nightlife or smaller communities where users want a convenient way to discover popular local venues.
BRAND DEVELOPMENT
When developing the brand, I wanted the app to stand apart from existing competitors such as LineLeap and traditional restaurant or bar searches through Google. I began to build the identity of this concept around the idea of a fun, customizable, and social connection.
One of the defining concepts was allowing users to customize their profiles using drink-inspired characters. This playful approach reinforces the app's personality while encouraging users' personality.
Finding the right name was equally important. After exploring several ideas, I chose Kabar. The name is inspired by the phrase, "Let's go to the bar!" By blending the words “the” and “bar” into a short, memorable name with a unique spelling, the brand feels approachable, energetic, and easy to remember while reflecting the app's playful identity.
TYPOGRAPHY & COLOR PALETTE
To reinforce the fun and welcoming experience, I selected clean sans-serif typefaces for readability alongside a handwritten accent font to add personality and emphasize the human aspect of socializing.
The color palette draws inspiration from neon signs commonly associated with nightlife. Bright, vibrant colors create a memorable visual identity while encouraging engagement and making the interface feel energetic and inviting.
FLOW & ANIMATIONS
To further immerse users in the nightlife experience, I designed a series of playful drink-themed animations throughout the app. The opening animation features a drink spilling as the app launches, immediately introducing the brand's personality.
Additional animations showcase different drink styles including piña coladas, beer, cocktails, and tropical beverages to celebrate the diversity of users and their personalities. These subtle interactions make the experience more memorable while reinforcing the app's fun and distinctive identity.
CUSTOMIZATION
Users can create a personalized drink-themed profile avatar, providing a unique alternative to traditional profile photos while maintaining privacy. I designed a collection of illustrated drink icons that users can choose from, allowing them to express their personalities and connect with others who share similar styles.
PROBLEM & SOLUTION
The app is designed around a simple, intuitive navigation system that helps users quickly access the information they need without unnecessary complexity.
The primary navigation includes tabs for:
Restaurants and Bars | Transportation | Chat | User Profile
Each section provides relevant information that helps users plan and enjoy a night out. Users can view venue activity levels, discover specials and promotions, coordinate transportation, communicate with friends, and share their location when desired.
By combining these features into one seamless experience, Kabar addresses several common challenges of nightlife, including deciding where to go, understanding how busy a venue is, finding available transportation, discovering local deals, and staying connected with friends throughout the evening.
Please help yourself by looking at the finalized mockup created for the Kabar app! Viewing of this mockup works best on a laptop.
Enjoy!
