Project Overview  –  Mockups  –  Conclusion

Project Overview

Spark was created from the desire to have a conversation with someone in your vicinity. Spark was the first of its kind to use Bluetooth LE to detect and send messages to those near you. Instead of gathering up the nerve to approach a stranger at a bar or concert, while facing the fear of face-to-face rejection, you could “Spark” a conversation with someone else looking to create a “Spark” using the app. Best of all, because the app used Bluetooth, you could create a conversation without having any cell phone service. You could even create a message group to keep in contact with friends at events.

Role

I was the sole designer of the Spark mobile application. I created brand guidelines, workflows, mockups, and marketing materials. This application was relatively simple in its design complexity, which made it easier to make changes.

Problem

At the time when Spark was developed, there were many methods in which you could discover people with similar interests near you. Whether these were social networking applications or dating applications, they were all GPS Location based. A user would select their preferred range for discovery by mileage, and based on their location, and the app would populate related users. Spark aimed to have a more direct way of interaction between users near one another. This was solved by using Bluetooth LE, which meant you were not limited to limited accuracy provided by GPS.

Personas

Although users would find different ways to use this application, there was only one persona focused on while developing Spark. People would use Spark to message back and forth with friends, co-workers, and people located near you to meet new people.