Just one call away.
So are we.
Can love go the distance?
Closer is an app to support individuals and couples in long-distance relationships (LDRs), designed to address the unique challenges they face. This app is not just a technological solution; it's a testament to the power of human connection.
My role: UX & UI Designer and UX Researcher
Project: Personal project
Timeline: 6 weeks
Methods: Market Research, Affinity Mapping, Competitor Analysis, User Interviews, User Persona, User Flows, Card Sorting, Sketching and Wireframing
The problem
LDRs and the negative stigma attached to it
58% of long-distance relationships are successful according to a study conducted by KIROO. Were you surprised?
There is a stigma in our society surrounding LDRs. They're often met with skepticism especially for couples who have never met each other, being told by their family and friends that it won't work out and their relationships are taken less seriously. However it was found that although long-distance couples interacted fewer times a day, their interactions were more meaningful (Jiang and Hancock, 2013).
Couples in LDRs deserve the same support and respect as anyone else and so it's important that we remove the stigma and promote understanding, to help tackle the unique issues they face in their relationships.
"...long-distance couples felt more intimate with each other in part because they disclosed more about themselves in their interactions"
Design Process
What do people in LDRs struggle with and what keeps them going?
To dive deeper into the problem, I conducted user interviews and online research, going through research papers and articles as well as analysing discussions on forums such as Reddit and Quora to help develop concepts. I then collated the answers and grouped them into themes.
There is a significantly lower support network for LDRs
There is a significantly lower support network for LDRs but no significant differences were found for relational well-being (Johnson and Hall, 2021). Despite the negative stigma and lack of support, LDR couples have strong emotional resilience.
Routine is crucial in maintaining intimacy, but variety is the spice of life
Maintaining daily communication at a set time is crucial for intimacy in LDRs. However, this routine can sometimes lead to a lack of excitement or new conversation topics. It highlights the need for a balance between routine and spontaneous experiences to keep the relationship from going stale.
Distance can enhance some types of communication
Long-distance couples have more time to reminisce about the positive times together and focus on "resetting" their emotions, causing less conflict and an increase in relationship quality (Jacobs and Lyubomirsky, 2013). However it is the time away from their partner that is when they need the most support in managing their emotions.
A strong desire and commitment to succeed
Because of the distance, LDR couples are determined to make their relationship work as despite the distance not being ideal, their choice to commit strengthens their resolve to succeed. They are more open and willing to explore various resources and support systems to navigate the complexities of their unconventional relationship.
"...my friends tell me that I'm not really in a romantic relationship, it's not real. I actually quit talking about my relationship, they assume I'm not in one anymore."
u/glowjelly, Reddit
"It's not just the distance; it's the challenge of understanding how to communicate effectively when miles apart. There's no guidebook for this, and it can be overwhelming."
Participant 2, Female
Apps for the heart: Managing LDRs
As part of my research, I analysed the apps that people in LDRs are using to manage their relationship and mental well-being.
Multipurpose apps for communication
LDR couples rely on multi-purpose communication apps like WhatsApp and Facetime for daily interaction. These apps are versatile tools for maintaining connection, sharing moments and experiences.
Building an emotional connection
Apps like Agape and Paired designed specifically for LDR couples help to develop a deep emotional connection through providing shared experiences such as couple quizzes and shared calendars.
Limited support and guidance
Individuals in LDRs often feel they have to resort to self-help apps and journalling to manage their feelings which can make a lonely experience with limited support and guidance.
So then,
How might we enhance the emotional well-being and support network of individuals in LDRs while bridging the gap in understanding and resources?
The solution
An all encompassing app created in partnership with Mind charity that provides individuals in LDRs a holistic support system, ensuring that the connection and encouragement they need are always just a tap away.
Form a deeper bond
Complete daily quizzes and games created by relationship experts to get to know your partner on an even deeper level.
Become a better partner
Access to articles, programmes, podcasts curated by relationship experts to help you navigate through the challenges of your relationship and how to be a better partner.
Support when you need it
Book a session with registered relationship therapists to provide expert support and guidance to help you navigate through your relationship as a team.
Be part of a community
Connect with others in similar situations on the community forum. Attend events for real life interaction and break the stigma through raising awareness and understanding.
Track your mood and important events
Self check-ins to track your progress. Shared calendar with your partner so you can look back on your memories and never miss an important date.
Meet Sarah,
Based on my research and user interviews, I developed a user persona as my reference point when building a solution.
User flows and information architecture
I created 6 user flows that address the main functions that users will need from the app and how they would ideally move through it.
Card sorting and site map
From there, I was able to construct my site map with the help of my participants through card sorting. The exercise showed that my original site map met most user expectations with the exception that users expected to be able to check notifications but this did not feature in any of the cards. One participant had also suggested to separate calendars and journal for a more focused user experience.
Starting with sketches
Based on my site map, I sketched out the primary screens sitting within navigation to lay the groundwork for the rest of my designs.
Digitising sketches
Moving on from my sketches, I digitised them into mid-fidelity wireframes according to the user flows I created.
Testing it out
I conducted usability tests using my mid-fidelity prototype with participants.
Their tasks included:
Complete the onboarding process
An essential part of the app as we require the information provided to share the most suitable recommendations for the user.
Users found that there were too many questions and felt question about their age is too personal.
Invite a partner to complete a quiz
This is a fun feature to help users feel more connected to their partners.
Users found this task straightforward and liked that there's an option to play solo.
Access a programme
Access to programmes and materials written by experts give users access to support and guidance in their own time.
Users found this task to be straightforward but a bit overwhelming when choosing a programme due to the amount of buttons on the homepage.
Book a therapist
Access to a relationship therapist when needed.
Users found this task to be simple and straightforward.
Write a journal entry
Keeping track of your mood to get a better understanding of how you manage your emotions.
Users found this task to be straightforward however it could be more interactive and personal.
Add an event to the couple calendar
Sharing a calendar with your partner can help with keeping track of important dates/events and look back on memories.
Users found this task to be simple and straightforward.
Iterations
Based on the usability tests, I developed iterations to rectify the problems.
When less is more
Avoid overwhelm by removing unnecessary buttons and navigation labels
Gamify the process
Apply gamification to the journalling process to break it into smaller more achievable steps
Keep track to keep up
The Endowed Progress Effect - Outlining timelines adds structure and increases user motivation to complete programmes and journal entries
Bringing it all together
Styling, inspiration and accessibility
Outcomes and Results
Though this project is conceptual, I would look for the following outcomes and results:
Looking forward
It doesn't end here, there is still a lot of work to be done! To begin with, I would conduct further usability testing and create more iterations across the different processes in order to find the most effective and user-friendly solution. I would also try to interview relationship therapists/experts to get their view on the app's offerings and partake in usability testing.
Having experienced being in a long distance relationship myself, I found this project very interesting and useful trying to understand more about the difficulties of LDRs and how we can address them in a more open and supportive way as it is unfortunately still a taboo in our technologically advanced world.
The main challenges I faced and what I've learnt:
Understanding user needs requires empathy
Conducting user research was essential to gain insights into their pain points, emotions, and desires.
There were so many features I could have included in the app it was difficult to filter and prioritise them. Conducting user interviews has made me more empathetic and actively listen to participants’ experiences in order to design an app that truly meets their needs.
Gamifying the process increases motivation
With features such as writing a journal entry, it was important to make the process as stress-free as possible to encourage users to do the task and not feel overwhelmed. It was also hard to think of ways to bring in their partner in the features to feel more connected.
Extending the support network to IRL reduces stigma and loneliness
Although the goal of the app was to provide support to people in LDRs 'just a tap away', I realised that we also had think of ways to extend the support network and bring the community together IRL, to raise awareness and reduce stigma and loneliness.