The Project
"Now: Austin" is a mobile app concept designed to connect Austin residents and visitors with real-time, trending events happening in their city. Functioning as a live feed that refreshes every 24 hours, "Now: Austin" leverages user-generated content and a dynamic, location-based system to provide an instant snapshot of "what's happening now" in Austin.
My Role
Conceptualizer, Designer, and Prototyper. I utilized AI-powered tools (v0) for vibe coding to create a functional prototype.
Process & Challenges
The development of 'Now: Austin' was driven by a strong focus on user feedback. I identified key challenges through usability testing and iterated on the design to create a more user-friendly and valuable experience.
Ensuring Location Legitimacy and Safety
Problem: Users expressed concerns about the legitimacy and safety of event locations, fearing potential scams or unsafe environments.
Solution: To address this, I implemented a location policy restricting event postings to known, public locations such as restaurants, venues, and parks. This ensures that users are directed to verified and safe places.
Verifying Event Attendance
Problem: Users wanted to gauge the popularity and attendance of events in real-time.
Solution: I introduced a 'Check-In' button, allowing users to indicate their presence at an event. This feature displays the current and past attendance, providing users with a sense of the event's activity.
Collaborative Event Content
Problem: Users wanted to contribute to existing event postings by adding their own photos, even if they didn't create the original post.
Solution: Add an 'Add Photo' feature, enabling users to contribute their own visuals to any event posting. This fosters a collaborative environment and provides a more comprehensive view of the event.
Addressing Inappropriate Content
Problem: Users expressed concerns about potential spam or inappropriate content on the platform.
Solution: Implement a 'Report' button to empower users to flag any content that violates community guidelines. This allows for prompt moderation and ensures a safe and positive user experience.
Photo by Megan Bucknall - Photo by Jens Thekkeveettil - Photo by Tomek Baginski - Photo by Alex George - Unsplash