The idea for Folks was simple: to be a go-to fun contact and social app.

Since this is a concept, I already had my problem statement, and I wanted to start my design process with a philosophy. This helps me think about value for the product and customers.

The below tweet acted as a philosophy and was a massive inspiration for my design.

I needed a design direction and scrummaged through Twitter and Dribbble designs. Many designs and designers inspired me.

Discovery of problems

I took to Reddit to search for real life contacts app problems. This particular thread did have a lot of issues with the basic contacts app of iOS

Some jarring issues found on the r/apple subreddit regarding the contacts app:

• Lack of social media presence in profile picture and birthday sync up.

• Grouping/Labelling of contacts based on how we met them,

• Mundane list of contacts in every device

• No visual delight
  
  

Wireframes

Quick wireframes to get started with the idea. Many of the below changed massively in designs cause of multiple iterations.

Warmup of Visuals

I usually go through a visual warmup phase where I test the waters with what visual direction would i like. It is at this moment I also decide on how can I possibly make the best delightful app out there.

Approach taken:

• Simplicity. Playing with white space was important.

• Playful font but good in readability. The font should pair well with the ideology of fun and delight.

• Colors that are smooth to the eyes.

• Try to implement Skeumorphism in elements to bring in the fun factor.

• Playing with shadows and light to bring in the little details to life.

• Interactions in prototypes should feel organic.

  
  

Visuals ✨

Distinct functional layers like a glass nav bar to give you a sense of context and depth.

The Groups section help you spend time with the folks you love, doing the things you really love.

Some details I absolutely loved designing in the app.