THE CHALLENGE
THE SOLUTION
By asking thoughtful questions about social preferences, comfort levels, and types of spaces they enjoy, the app tailors recommendations that align with their vibe.
The search bar offers quick access, the map view supports visual browsing, and the personalized feed suggests spots based on user preferences and past activity.
Users can create a scene by adding a location, time, and invite list. It reinforces belonging by making users feel like contributors to their social landscape.
The profile captures each user’s evolving relationship with the city. It showcases the places they’ve visited, the scenes they’ve planned or joined, and the rewards they’ve earned through exploration.
RESEARCH
I conducted interviews and distributed a survey to understand how newcomers experience social life in a new city. I focused on how they discover social spaces, what challenges they face in meeting new people, and what role technology plays in shaping their sense of belonging and exploration habits.
Organizing the notes, quotes, and data from my research through affinity mapping.
My research further led me to a few emerging patterns that guided my direction:
I want to find places where people similar to me like going
#2
I want a centralized platform where I can find all experiences relevant to me
#3
I want to discover places that match how I like to socialize, not just what’s popular.
#4
I want more info on different social spaces/experiences
From this, I concluded
places frequented by others like them, presented through a platform that feels personalized, centralized, and easy to navigate.
DESIGN
I designed the main flow with first-time users in mind, making exploration feel approachable while gradually introducing key features. Staying grounded in a clear set of product constraints helped me maintain focus throughout the process:
Every screen in ThirdPlace reflects intentional choices, grounded in both user research and a deep care for how people discover places and connect with people. While the product evolved through countless iterations, there are 2 design explorations that I want to walk through.
CONCLUSION
Learning & future plans
ThirdPlace took shape between January and May 2025, starting as a simple idea about helping newcomers feel more at home in their cities. Over the course of a semester, I went through the full product design process, right from early research and concept development to prototyping and testing. After sharing the first version, I reflected on what worked, what could go further, and how to sharpen the product's focus. This led to:
Reframing the problem through a stronger lens of belonging and community
Iterating on key flows like onboarding and exploration based on user feedback
Streamlining features to prioritize ease, warmth, and meaningful discovery
What’s next
ThirdPlace was designed for newcomers, but its core idea—making connection easier through place—has broader potential.
I’m curious to explore:
How might social features enhance exploration and help users feel part of something shared?
How would this experience translate for people in suburban or smaller town contexts?
What can we learn from user retention patterns to make the app more habit-forming and personal?
This project has deepened my understanding of how product thinking and UX come together and how design decisions ripple out into real-life moments. I'm excited to keep building on that!
