Peeps: Connect Through Location and Interests
Peeps is a new social app launching soon. It connects people locally based on shared interests.
Coming Soon
Client: Mars Lyceum
Solving the Digital Disconnect
Uniting Like-Minded People
Imagine moving to a new city, buzzing with excitement but feeling utterly alone. That was Emma's reality when she relocated for her dream job. As she settled into her new apartment, she scrolled through social media, craving real connections instead of just likes and comments. Emma’s story is not unique; countless young adults share her struggle. This is where Peeps enters the scene, a fresh app designed to transform lonely newcomers into a vibrant social circle.
Identifying the challenge
Digital Disconnect
People struggle to make genuine connections in an increasingly digital world.
Local Challenges
Existing apps fail to facilitate real-world interactions effectively.
Interest Mismatch
Many platforms are too broad or lack effective filters for shared interests.
Meet the Faces Behind the Need
Emma, the Newcomer
Age: 27
Interests: Art, hiking, and food festivals.
Motivation: Make friends and explore her new city.
Struggle: Overwhelmed by options but unsure how to connect.
Jake, the Adventurer
Age: 30
Interests: Gaming, sports, and outdoor adventures.
Motivation: Expand his social circle and find buddies for his hobbies.
Struggle: Too busy freelancing to make plans with old friends.
The Lightbulb Moment:
A Shared Experience
During a brainstorming session, our remote team gathered on a zoom meeting reflecting on our own struggles. We shared our own experiences of loneliness in new cities, sparked by Emma’s story. It became clear: we weren’t just building an app; we were creating a lifeline for those craving connection.
The Mission
Peeps aims to bridge the gap between online interactions and real-life friendships by matching users based on shared interests and geographical proximity.
The Approach
As a remote team, we embarked on a mission to research our individual hometowns and unite our findings.
1
Cultural Probes
We distributed cultural probes—a creative way to gather qualitative data. Participants received kits containing journals, stickers, and prompts asking them to document their social interactions over a week. The results were eye-opening.
2
Ethnographic Research
We spent time in local hangout spots—parks, cafés, and community centers—observing social dynamics. and doing one on one interviews. This immersive approach allowed us to understand the environment in which our users sought connections.
Identifying the Need
Through engaging interviews, we discovered a common thread: the loneliness of modern life. Users expressed frustration over:
1
  • Difficulty in finding local events that matched their interests.
2
  • The overwhelming feeling of isolation, even in a crowd.
3
  • Safety concerns when meeting strangers online.
Observations & Implications
The study reveals a paradox: people crave connection, yet struggle to find meaningful interactions. While digital communication is convenient, and the day to day communication may be face to face it often fails to replace real human connection.
User Research Insights
The pie chart highlights the proportion of different types of interactions observed during our research. It shows that in-person conversations account for the majority (40%) of user interactions, followed closely by texting and messaging apps (30%). This underscores the importance of facilitating offline connections.
Emotional Trends in Social Interactions
Participants used stickers to express their emotions after each interaction.
Key Insight: Face-to-face interactions were rated as the most fulfilling, while texting and social media received mixed emotional responses.
Development Process
1
Agile Methodology
Adopted an agile approach with bi-weekly sprints for efficient development.
2
Beta Testing
Conducted with 50 users to identify and resolve bugs.
3
Performance Optimization
Ensured smooth performance across various devices and network conditions.
4
Technology Stack
Our developing team is using React Native, Firebase, and Google Maps API for cross-platform development.
User Testing: Fine-Tuning the Experience
To ensure we hit the mark, we conducted usability tests. Feedback poured in, and we adapted features based on real user experiences. Key improvements included clearer navigation paths and a streamlined event creation process.
The Impact: Real Connections
After testing Peeps, we quickly saw a wave of enthusiasm. Within the first month of testing, over 80% of our test users that signed up, created several groups and local events. Emma organized her hike, bringing together five new friends. Jake found his gaming crew, bonding over late-night sessions. Both felt a sense of belonging they had craved.
The Future: Growing Peeps
With a successful testing and an engaged user base, we’re excited to expand Peeps. Future features will include:
  • Personalized notifications for nearby events.
  • Enhanced safety measures for user verification.
  • Partnerships with local businesses for event sponsorships
Where Connection Meets Simplicity
Crafting the experience
Our research helped us understand user needs, guiding our design process.
We tackled loneliness, event discovery, and safety concerns to find real solutions.
Introducing Peeps—a social app that connects people through shared interests and local events, making real-life hangouts easier than ever!
Key Features
Location-Based
Connect with people and groups based on current location.
Interest Groups
Create and join groups based on hobbies and activities.
Event Management
Plan and invite others to events or hangouts.Key Features
Safety Features
Advanced privacy settings and user verification tools.
Visual Identity
We wanted Peeps to feel friendly and approachable. The color palette featured warm tones, evoking community and connection. The typography was modern and easy to read, reflecting a casual yet inviting vibe.
User Interface
Every element was designed with the user in mind. The home screen showcased potential matches, events, and group suggestions in a visually appealing layout. The goal was to make exploration fun and effortless. Emma felt a spark of hope as she realized this app was designed to help her connect, not just scroll.
Home Screen
Map integration displays nearby users and events. Feed highlights popular groups and activities.
Group Discovery
Filters allow users to find groups by interests and location. Detailed group information is provided.
Event Creation
Customizable templates for creating events. Users can invite group members or friends.
Finding Matches
Once onboarded, users enter the matching realm. Here, algorithms work their magic, suggesting local users and groups that align with individual interests. Jake, intrigued by a local gaming group, quickly joined, finding a community of fellow enthusiasts. He sent a message to the group, excited to plan his first meetup.
Group creation and Events
Peeps makes organizing a breeze. Users can create groups around shared passions, set up events, and invite others. Emma decided to host a weekend hike for her new friends. With a few taps, she created an event, complete with location and details, sending invites to all her matches.
Development Process
1
Agile Methodology
Adopted an agile approach with bi-weekly sprints for efficient development.
2
Technology Stack
The developing team used React Native, Firebase, and Google Maps API for cross-platform development.
3
Beta Testing
Conducted with 50 users to identify and resolve bugs.
4
Performance Optimization
Ensured smooth performance across various devices and network conditions.
Tuning the Experience
To ensure we hit the mark, we conducted usability tests. Feedback poured in, and we adapted features based on real user experiences. Key improvements included clearer navigation paths and a streamlined event creation process.
Real Connections
After testing Peeps, we quickly saw a wave of enthusiasm. Within the first month of testing, over 80% of our test users that signed up, created several groups and local events. Emma organized her hike, bringing together five new friends. Jake found his gaming crew, bonding over late-night sessions. Both felt a sense of belonging they had craved.
The Future for Peeps
With a successful testing and an engaged user base, we’re excited to expand Peeps. Future features will include:
1
Feature Expansion
Introduce new features based on user feedback and evolving needs.
2
Partnerships
Explore collaborations with local businesses and event organizers.
3
Continuous Improvement
Ongoing usability testing and performance optimization for high-quality user experience.
The Heart of Peeps
Peeps isn’t just an app; it’s a lifeline for those seeking connection in a disconnected world. By transforming how people find friends and engage in their communities, we empower individuals like Emma and Jake to embrace new adventures and friendships. Together, we’re redefining social interactions—one hangout at a time.