RBL Dating APP
Goodbye Ghosting
THE GOAL RBL (Real Black Love), formerly 5Questions or 5Q, is a dating app designed to make online dating less painful and more engaging. The initial app was designed as a general dating app, but later adapted at the request of the creators of RBL. It offers it's users a unique experience by allowing them to engage in in-app video chats with prompts and opportunities to speak freely before meeting in person. The app also creates dates for users, making the process less stressful and more enjoyable. To increase the likelihood of engagement, the app has imposed time limits, making it easier to move from online interactions to real-life dates. Additionally, RBL simplifies communication, making it easy for users to connect and start building relationships. With RBL, dating is a more streamlined, enjoyable experience that takes the pain out of online interactions.
MY ROLE Interaction design, visual design and user research/testing
More is More
THE BRIEF RBL app represents the next chapter in app and online dating. Rather than reinventing the wheel, RBL builds on what works in online dating usability while making drastic improvements. The app features enhancements to already successful functions, as well as incorporating more technology that hasn't yet been integrated into dating apps. In addition, RBL incorporates common-sense, psychology-based elements that promote healthier dating protocols, making it a more positive and safe space for users. RBL's commitment to innovation and user experience sets it apart from other dating apps, offering a unique and refreshing approach to online dating that truly moves the field forward.
Objective
Online dating can be frustrating.
You can match with many people and have great conversations, but still struggle to actually meet in person. After all, the ultimate goal is to end up on a real-life date, right? That's where RBL comes in. The app is designed to be your virtual wingman in your dating journey. It not only sets up the date upfront but also gets the conversation going and allows both parties to respectfully back out if they change their mind. No more ghosting! RBL is a no-nonsense yet friendly way to online date that helps users find meaningful connections by weeding out the flakes and time wasters.
Concept
There are more than 7500 dating apps worldwide, including popular ones like Tinder, Bumble, POF, CMB, Match, eHarmony, and OkCupid. These apps all follow a similar model of creating a persona and connecting with others, but they often fall short when it comes to actually getting users to meet in person. That's where RBL comes in.
RBL is driven by the idea that in real life, people get to know each other first and develop feelings afterward. The app acknowledges the common problem of lying on dating profiles and the disappointment that can come from not knowing what you're really getting until you meet in person. RBL sets up the date upfront, takes the initiative to get people to engage, and gives both parties the opportunity to respectfully back out if they change their mind.
RBL understands that algorithms can only do so much when it comes to determining chemistry, and that in-person meetings are crucial for seeing if there's a real connection. It acts as a virtual wingperson, matchmaker, and confidence booster, taking care of the planning and eliminating the burden of breaking the ice. RBL is the solution for those who want to engage in meaningful conversations and meet people with similar intentions, without the fear of wasting time on those who don't. With RBL, users can go to places they actually want to go and socialize in real life, leading to more genuine connections and a greater chance of finding love.
Users
Users: Although this app can be used by anyone of dating age, this app is geared towards single users ages 25-45.
Key Features
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Users select a date activity upfront. The date activity is a real date, an actual location in their town, not hypothetical.
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Users set availability on their calendar upfront. The calendar automatically coordinates a day and time. Users can confirm, or change this later if necessary.
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Users select 5 questions to ask and answer with their matches, with time limits for each question. Users can pick their own questions or choose from a list of questions provided by RBL. Questions are asked/answered one at a time, to encourage conversation.
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Questions are answered via video. This allows users to confirm that they are who they say they are, that they look like their photos and also gives both users an opportunity to see the other's mannerisms, hear them speak, and engage on a more personal level.
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After all questions have been answered, users then determine if they want to go on the date. A simple 'yes' or 'no' selection. Time limits are set, and if the users doesn't answer within the time frame, 'No' is automatically selected.
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If no is automatically selected due to user not answering in time, users have the option to change their mind once after each question.
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Users check in on the app to confirm whether the date was carried out. Flake rating is shown to other potential matches.
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User gives date 'Thumbs Up', 'Thumbs Down' or 'Jury's Still Out' after date. There is a time limit for this. If nothing is selected 'Thumbs Down' is automatically chosen. Users are given the chance to change their mind if 'Thumbs Down' is chosen due to time limit. This makes it easy for users to determine next move.
RESEARCH & COMPARISON Since online and app dating have been around longer than some users have been alive, there was plenty of opportunity for research and comparison. I carefully studied other sites, what made them unique, what features were common across the board and which features users of those sites, and potential users of RBL valued most and found to be most useful. Here are some screenshots of how other apps compare.
NAVIGATION I wanted this platform to be as fun, curious and entertaining as it is to meet someone new. I wanted the layout to follow that of the most popular dating apps, but I wanted to add elements of other social apps that people enjoy using. As much as I wanted to introduce new items to the app dating world, I wanted these items to be familiar so that novelty didn't clash with function or cause confusion.
USER FLOW DIAGRAM
LOW-FI WIREFRAMES
MID-FI WIREFRAMES
GESTURES
The Final Product
RBL Dating App A dating app with accountability.