Thru Friends
UX/UI Design for a Socially-Driven Dating App
Helping people find love through people they already trust.
Client:
Concept Project
Role:
UX Designer, UI Designer, Researcher
Tools:
Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop, Miro
Timeline:
18 weeks
Screen for Friends to suggest matches between their single friends, with optional personalized messages.
Project Overview
Thru Friends is a mobile dating app designed to foster deeper, more authentic relationships by connecting users through mutual friends. The goal is to help people find meaningful connections with someone their friends already know and trust.
The Problem
Most modern dating apps prioritize convenience over quality, leading to endless swiping, shallow connections, and user burnout. While 39% of couples still meet through friends, opportunities for these trusted introductions are rare.
The Solution
Thru Friends blends traditional matchmaking with modern UX patterns. Whether users are looking to meet someone (Seeker) or help others find love (Friend), the app facilitates trusted, less awkward interactions via mutual friend introductions.
User Types
Seeker (Looking To Find Love): Singles ready to connect with people through friends
Friend (Helping Friends Find Love): Friends who want to suggest matches for people they know
User Persona & Empathy Map
Persona: Samantha
Samantha is a smart, busy professional in NYC who's tired of the typical dating app experience. She prefers trusted intros through friends and values safety, privacy, and meaningful conversation.
Top Needs:
Trusted, vetted matches
More meaningful conversations
Easier ways to meet people through her network
Top Pain Points:
Poor-quality dates
App fatigue
Awkward setups
Task Flows Seeker (Looking To Find Love)
Sign up and create a profile
Browse suggested matches through mutual friends
Swipe, match, and chat
Plan a date
Friend (Helping Friends Find Love)
Sign up and link contacts
Browse friends’ profiles
Suggest a match between two friends
Add an optional message or voice intro
Chat screen where matched users can message each other and build a real connection.
Onboarding screen introducing new users to the app’s unique concept and encouraging them to set up their profile.
Core Features
Filter-based search (age, location, friend tiers)
Swipe-based match flow
Profile with interests, fun facts, prompts
Mutual friend indicators
Match suggestions from friends
Optional voice intros
Matchmaking success screens
Conversation starters based on common interests
Lo-Fi Wireframes
Page where a Friend selects which single friends to suggest as a potential match.
Discover page for Seekers to browse potential matches who share mutual friends and start swiping.
Mockups
Screen for Friends to suggest matches between their single friends, with optional personalized messages.
Page where a Friend selects which single friends to suggest as a potential match.
Role selection screen where users choose to either meet someone (Seeker) or help friends find love (Friend).
Role selection screen where users choose to either meet someone (Seeker) or help friends find love (Friend).
Chat screen where matched users can message each other and build a real connection.
Onboarding screen introducing new users to the app’s unique concept and encouraging them to set up their profile.
Discover page for Seekers to browse potential matches who share mutual friends and start swiping.
UX Considerations
Friendly, calming visual identity (soft teal, minimal layout)
Toggle between Seeker and Friend with simple navigation
Permission settings for privacy control
Conversation support for first-time matches
Events page (future feature) to encourage in-person interactions
Reflection
This project challenged me to design for two different user mindsets — Seekers looking for love and Friends playing matchmaker. It helped me think deeply about trust, privacy, and how to create a friendly, non-awkward experience in dating apps.