Bumble Geolocation New Feature: BuzzMap

Multi-media Interface Design | Data Awareness

I designed a geo-location-based event map for Bumble across app, laptop, and smartwatch platforms. Developed through three iterations and informed by data analysis, the map connects users attending the same events, featuring an anonymous chat for safety.

Timeline

1/2024 - 2/2024

5 weeks

My Role

UX Designer

Tool

Figma

Wondershare Filmora 13

Method

Data Analysis

User Flow 13

Design Showcase

Bumble, initially created to empower women to make the first move, now fosters confident connections for dating, friendships, and networking.

Bumble faces the challenge of converting non-paying users into subscribers. To address this, Bumble aims to improve conversion rates by encouraging more users to activate location services for a better experience and stronger connections. Given this goal, I designed an event map that connects users attending the same events, including an anonymous chat feature to ensure safety.

User Flow

App

Select Event

Request Match and Anonymous Chat

Edge Case

No Potential Match Currently

If no other users respond to the user’s match request, the users need to try again later.

Match

Select Event

  • Users can access BuzzMap from the bottom navigation bar. The feature requires geolocation to be enabled.

  • BuzzMao shows the user’s current location and nearby events on the map.

  • Users can switch to a list view by clicking the icon on the upper left.

  • Selecting an event displays its type, time, and location.

  • Once users confirm participation, the event is added to their "My Events" list.

Request Match and Anonymous Chat

  • The "Find an Event Partner" feature allows users to chat anonymously with a potential partner for five minutes. This ensures user safety during the interaction.

  • Users can end or report the chat at any time. They can also request to unveil profiles. Profiles are unveiled only if both users agree.

Match

  • When the time is up, premium+ users can choose to extend chat.

  • Once unveiled the profiles, the two users are matched on the platform.

Edge Case

Match Unsuccessfully

If one of the users disagrees with unveiling profiles, the match is unsuccessful.

Receive Match Invitation

The user may receive a match invitation when another user on the same event request finds an event partner.

Cancel Attendance

Unmatch

Unmatch will send the user’s event partner a message to inform them. After unmatching, the event page will return to the unmatched status. The unmatch status applies across the platform.

The Partner Unmatches

The user will receive a notification if their event partner unmatches them. Their event page will return to the unmatched status. The unmatch status applies across the platform.

Match Updated on Smart Watch

Bumble consists of multiple pages, and users can scroll the Digital Crown to navigate to their desired page.

Cancel Attendance

Cancel attendance will send the user’s event partner a message to inform them. After cancellation, the event page will return to the non-attendance status, and the user can reattend the event. The cancellation will not affect their match status.

Partner Cancel Attendance

The User will receive a notification if their event partner cancels the event attendance. Their event page will return to the unmatched status. The cancellation will not affect their match status.

The Partner Unmatches

Partner Cancel Attendance

Laptop

Smart Watch

Smart Watch User Flow

Receive Match Invitation

Match Unsuccessfully

Match Updated on Smart Watch

The chat feature is not supported on smartwatches due to the limitations of typing on these devices. However, if you match with an event partner on another platform, the update will be reflected on your smartwatch.

Umatch

No Potential Match Currently

Data Insights

A Bumble user expressed apprehension about safety when their profile and event attendance are known in the Map Integration Feature. Therefore, safety issues need to be addressed to develop the feature further. 

We analyzed the data of previous geolocation features: Proximity Alert and Map Integration for Nearby Events, and revealed several key insights.

Concept - Safety First Approach

With data analysis results and safety considerations, I proposed BuzzMap. It is a map that enables users to see local events and find partners to go to the event. It can be used for both dating and BFF.

To address the safety concerns, I've implemented an anonymous chat feature. This feature allows users to communicate safely before deciding to pair up as event partners for attending local events. The anonymous chat feature not only addresses safety concerns but also encourages people to start conversations, addressing the common issue where many Bumble users do not initiate communication after matching with someone.

Design Process

First Iteration

Peer Critique Feedback and adjustments in the next iteration

Second Iteration

Peer Critique Feedback and adjustments in the final iteration

Final Iteration

Please view the Design Showcase section.