Project Overview

Contineo is a dynamic mobile app designed to seamlessly connect individuals with diverse casual and professional groups. It empowers users to discover like-minded individuals who share their unique hobbies and interests, while also facilitating effortless networking opportunities for professional connections.

The Problem

How can adults network and expand their social circles with like-minded individuals?

As a 25-year-old, I've noticed the increasing difficulty of finding meaningful connections in the world outside of college. In light of this challenge, how can we collectively make it easier for young adults to forge and sustain meaningful relationships?

Initial Research

• In a survey of 2,000 adults, it “reveals that 45% of adults admit they find it hard to make new friends, and they haven’t made a friend in the last five years” (NY Post)

• When researchers interviewed adults about making friends in a recent study, the most important challenge cited was a lack of trust. (www.theconversation.com)

• Adults with jobs, kids, and a collection of other responsibilities also simply have less time available for making friends. And research shows making a casual friend takes 50 hours on average, while close friendships take 200 hours. (www.inc.com)

• They key is not to rely on chance and instead to organize regularly scheduled group activities like a book club, rotating potluck, or biweekly Saturday hike. (www.WBUR.org)

• “Researchers also find that when we develop groups, our friendships are more sustainable than they are with individuals. Because there's multiple touch points now, right? Someone else in the group could reach out to all of us, and then we all keep in touch,” she notes. (www.WBUR.org)

User Interviews

I interviewed several users (ranging from 21-33 years old) to gain their input on the difficulties of forming and maintaining adult friendships. I quickly learned that:

• Most of the users consider themselves lonely and have fewer than 2 close friends

• Several users note that they made most of their friends from school and don’t know where to find new potential friends.

• 60% of the users noted that they were once part of a group/club and 90% of the users would be open to rejoining one as an adult.

• 33% of the users rely on LinkedIn to try and find professional connections, but they rarely connect well with these individuals.

User Persona

With a primary focus on young adult professionals ranging from ages 18 to 38, this target audience is predominantly composed of individuals eager to kickstart or advance their careers. Additionally, as many young adults relocate to new cities for job opportunities, they actively seek both professional connections and casual friendships to foster a sense of community.

User Journey

Initial Design

I crafted a brand identity for my client, envisioning a cohesive collective group identity and exploring various design concepts. To evoke a welcoming and amiable tone, I incorporated vibrant elements and rounded shapes into the overall design.

Design Decisions

The Final Product