Event based local app
Austin's Personalized Event Recommender
Product Design · Mobile App Redesign · Cross-functional Collaboration · Client Work
Project description
WhatsGoodATX is a social exploration app designed to help people discover events, food, and experiences in Austin. This project was a client-based redesign focused on improving the existing mobile app experience by reducing cognitive overload and making city exploration feel more motivating, accessible, and human.
Timeline
August – December 2025
Tools
Figma · Mobile UI Design · User Research · Cross-functional collaboration · Adobe Creative Suite
Background
WhatsGoodATX already had a strong audience, with over 3,000 users subscribed to their newsletter and Instagram, showing clear demand for curated local content. However, the existing app experience did not reflect the strength of the brand or the needs of its users. Screens felt visually overwhelming, unstructured, and difficult to navigate, which created friction instead of excitement around exploring the city.
Process
This project followed an end-to-end design process, from problem definition to solution refinement.
Research & Planning
We began by auditing the existing app to identify usability issues. Initial findings showed:
Overstimulating color usage
Confusing navigation and unclear hierarchy
Disconnected features (maps, events, discovery)
A lack of emotional motivation to explore
Ideation & Low Fidelity
Based on research insights, we focused on restructuring the app around clear task delegation and emotional intent. I led the redesign of core screens, prioritizing simplicity, familiarity, and motivation. Wireframes and prototypes were iterated collaboratively with the team and refined through feedback loops.
New Feature Problem
Our client wanted a feature that would set her app apart from other similar event finding apps. Specifically, she recommended using a memento mori calendar.
Development and High Fidelity
The high-fidelity phase translated research insights into a cleaner, more intentional interface. I refined the visual system by reducing visual noise, clarifying hierarchy, and using color more purposefully to support motivation and exploration.
Results
We reframed the app as a motivational exploration tool, not just a directory. The core question guiding the solution was:
How might we design a connection between the feeling of being left out of life and the desire to explore the city?
