Hinge
Redesign
Hinge
Redesign
Year
Year
January 2024
January 2024
Discipline
Discipline
User Research, User Interaction Design
User Research, User Interaction Design



My Role
My Role
This project took place in January 2025 as part of my UX design studies at MIT ADT University.
I worked with three other designers. My role involved conducting user research, analyzing pain points, and designing solutions to enhance the user experience of the app.
This project took place in January 2025 as part of my UX design studies at MIT ADT University.
I worked with three other designers. My role involved conducting user research, analyzing pain points, and designing solutions to enhance the user experience of the app.
Objective
Objective
The objective of this project is to understand users of a system in depth through their feelings and emotions in order to be able to in-cooperate their needs and wants in our solution. Our primary focus is to conduct research not only based on preferences but also read between the lines to empathize with the user to capture their experiences and story.
The objective of this project is to understand users of a system in depth through their feelings and emotions in order to be able to in-cooperate their needs and wants in our solution. Our primary focus is to conduct research not only based on preferences but also read between the lines to empathize with the user to capture their experiences and story.
About Hinge
About Hinge
Hinge is a dating app focused on meaningful connections. Unlike swipe-based apps, it encourages users to interact through detailed profiles and prompts, making conversations more natural and engaging.
Hinge is a dating app focused on meaningful connections. Unlike swipe-based apps, it encourages users to interact through detailed profiles and prompts, making conversations more natural and engaging.
Research
Research
I started by exploring Hinge’s design system and identifying elements that could be improved. I also analyzed similar dating apps to understand common patterns.
To gain insights, I interviewed Hinge users about their experiences, how they interact with the app, and the challenges they face.
I started by exploring Hinge’s design system and identifying elements that could be improved. I also analyzed similar dating apps to understand common patterns.
To gain insights, I interviewed Hinge users about their experiences, how they interact with the app, and the challenges they face.
Important Insights from Interviews.
Important Insights from Interviews.
Based on discussion with people, the pain points were pinpointed
Based on discussion with people, the pain points were pinpointed

“I went on multiple dates but did not connect with anyone for a long time”
“I went on multiple dates but did not connect with anyone for a long time”
- Aryan / Male, 19
- Aryan / Male, 19
“Although I haven't found what I’m looking for, dating online helped me get over my attachment issues”
“Although I haven't found what I’m looking for, dating online helped me get over my attachment issues”
- Saanvi / Male, 19
- Saanvi / Male, 19


“I find it difficult to talk to men in real life “
“I find it difficult to talk to men in real life “
- Yashvi / Female, 21
- Yashvi / Female, 21
“ I am not the one who takes initiative”
“ I am not the one who takes initiative”
- Bhumika / Female, 22
- Bhumika / Female, 22

User Persona
User Persona
Based on the interviews we conducted with several potential users, I formulated personas:
Based on the interviews we conducted with several potential users, I formulated personas:
Name: Samay Nair
Name: Samay Nair
Gender:
Age:
Location:
Occupation:
Gender:
Age:
Location:
Occupation:
Male
22
Delhi, India
Student
Male
22
Delhi, India
Student
GOALS
GOALS
To build a meaningful relationship at his own pace.
To feel comfortable expressing himself without pressure.
To find a platform where conversations are more structured and engaging.
To build a meaningful relationship at his own pace.
To feel comfortable expressing himself without pressure.
To find a platform where conversations are more structured and engaging.
MOTIVATIONS
MOTIVATIONS
Feels pressure from peers to date but dislikes the fast-paced nature of modern dating apps.
Wants to meet someone who understands his personality and respects his comfort zone.
Hopes to build confidence in social interactions
Feels pressure from peers to date but dislikes the fast-paced nature of modern dating apps.
Wants to meet someone who understands his personality and respects his comfort zone.
Hopes to build confidence in social interactions
PAIN POINTS
PAIN POINTS
Felt nervous about opening up to strangers.
Had to overcome fear of letting her guard down.
Knows many people use dating apps just for fun, making serious dating hard.
Felt nervous about opening up to strangers.
Had to overcome fear of letting her guard down.
Knows many people use dating apps just for fun, making serious dating hard.
Design Direction
Design Direction
Through understanding the emotions, issues and interpreting user needs, we were able to empathize with them.
Common emotions and feelings we derived from our interpretations :
Many users found it difficult to approach their matches and initiate conversation.
Keeping interactions interesting and engaging was difficult and users were prone to getting bored quickly.
Many users had multiple matches they talked to but rarely went on dates with any of them
The negative stigma around online dating for teenagers in India made it difficult to be open and free on dating apps, hence causing awkwardness.
As mostly dating apps are a resort for finding love for shy, introverted people who may not be able to approach people spontaneously, there were many users relating to the experience of shyness and anxiety.
Questions that we intend on finding answers to -
How can we reduce anxiety in online dating?
How can we cater to women who are not used to initiating conversations?
How can we reduce the stigma of online dating in India, but making the initial experience easier and helpful, hence attracting more users?
How can we make dating apps inclusive and interesting without the dopamine and attention affecting mental health and self image?
Through understanding the emotions, issues and interpreting user needs, we were able to empathize with them.
Common emotions and feelings we derived from our interpretations :
Many users found it difficult to approach their matches and initiate conversation.
Keeping interactions interesting and engaging was difficult and users were prone to getting bored quickly.
Many users had multiple matches they talked to but rarely went on dates with any of them
The negative stigma around online dating for teenagers in India made it difficult to be open and free on dating apps, hence causing awkwardness.
As mostly dating apps are a resort for finding love for shy, introverted people who may not be able to approach people spontaneously, there were many users relating to the experience of shyness and anxiety.
Questions that we intend on finding answers to -
How can we reduce anxiety in online dating?
How can we cater to women who are not used to initiating conversations?
How can we reduce the stigma of online dating in India, but making the initial experience easier and helpful, hence attracting more users?
How can we make dating apps inclusive and interesting without the dopamine and attention affecting mental health and self image?
Narrative
Narrative
Old Narrative
Old Narrative
"Connect with a world of possibilities! Our dating app brings together diverse individuals seeking love, friendship, and meaningful connections. Swipe, match, and embark on a journey to find your perfect match. Discover the excitement of meeting new people and exploring shared interests. Your next great love story begins here!"
"Connect with a world of possibilities! Our dating app brings together diverse individuals seeking love, friendship, and meaningful connections. Swipe, match, and embark on a journey to find your perfect match. Discover the excitement of meeting new people and exploring shared interests. Your next great love story begins here!"
New Narrative
New Narrative
"Embrace meaningful connections on our dating app designed exclusively for introverts. Escape the social noise and connect with like-minded individuals who appreciate the depth of quiet moments. Take your time, engage in thoughtful conversations, and build connections at your own pace. Welcome to a space where introversion is celebrated, and genuine connections thrive. Connect quietly, love deeply."
"Embrace meaningful connections on our dating app designed exclusively for introverts. Escape the social noise and connect with like-minded individuals who appreciate the depth of quiet moments. Take your time, engage in thoughtful conversations, and build connections at your own pace. Welcome to a space where introversion is celebrated, and genuine connections thrive. Connect quietly, love deeply."
Features
Features
01
Struggling to Keep the Chat Going?
These AI prompts are here to save the day (and maybe your date!)
Struggling to Keep the Chat Going?
These AI prompts are here to save the day
(and maybe your date!)
Prompts during conversations can save you from those awkward silences, so you don’t end up debating the weather... again
Prompts during conversations can save you from those awkward silences, so you don’t end up debating the weather... again
What's a hidden talent you have?
What's your dream travel destination?
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
If you had a superpower, what would it be?


02
Perfect Dates and Double Dates
Perfect Dates and Double Dates
Double Dates
With double dates, awkward silences don’t stand a chance!
Double Dates
With double dates, awkward silences don’t stand a chance!
Double Dates
With double dates, awkward silences don’t stand a chance!
Recommendations
Find great cafes, drink spots, or places to eat—perfect for a casual, relaxed date.
Recommendations
Find great cafes, drink spots, or places to eat—perfect for a casual, relaxed date.
Recommendations
Find great cafes, drink spots, or places to eat—perfect for a casual, relaxed date.



Things to do
Stuck on what to do for your date?
You can find the perfect activity to match your vibe.
Things to do
Stuck on what to do for your date?
You can find the perfect activity to match your vibe.
03
Games for when small talk runs out!
Games for when small talk runs out!
LUDO. PICTIONARY. CAR RACING
LUDO. PICTIONARY. CAR RACING
Interesting games that can be played together to make the flow of conversations more fun and interactive.
Interesting games that can be played together to make the flow of conversations more fun and interactive.


04
Quiet Mode & Break Reminders
: Even Flirting Needs a Time-Out!
Quiet Mode & Break Reminders
: Even Flirting Needs a Time-Out!



Feeling Drained?
Hit Quiet Mode!
For when you need to recharge without making your match think you've ghosted them—it's like hitting "snooze" on socializing!
For when you need to recharge without making your match think you've ghosted them—it's like hitting "snooze" on socializing!



Reminder: Don’t Forget to Take a Break!
Reminder: Don’t Forget to Take a Break!
Reminder: Don’t Forget to Take a Break!
Even pros need a timeout—grab a snack, stretch, and get back to charming your matches with full energy!
Even pros need a timeout—grab a snack, stretch, and get back to charming your matches with full energy!
Reflection
Reflection
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
This project helped me empathize with users and understand their unmet needs. I learned to look beyond surface-level preferences and focus on the emotions and challenges they face. Thinking beyond just the app, I explored how different touchpoints shape the overall experience and how design can create more meaningful interactions.
It also reinforced the importance of research and continuous improvement. Every insight led to changes that made the design better, showing that good design evolves over time. Overall, this experience deepened my understanding of user-centered design and what it takes to build solutions that truly impact users.
This project helped me empathize with users and understand their unmet needs. I learned to look beyond surface-level preferences and focus on the emotions and challenges they face. Thinking beyond just the app, I explored how different touchpoints shape the overall experience and how design can create more meaningful interactions.
It also reinforced the importance of research and continuous improvement. Every insight led to changes that made the design better, showing that good design evolves over time. Overall, this experience deepened my understanding of user-centered design and what it takes to build solutions that truly impact users.