Cahoot
Our client was an Android programmer who wanted an app that would show nearby friends who wanted to hang out. Our designers conducted research with friends and family to understand how most people currently initiate hangouts. We found that people generally message 1-2 friends to see if they want to hang out. We felt like there might be an opportunity to facilitate creating more spur-of-the moment and serendipitous meet-ups, outside of your closest circle of friends.
We started sketching possible interfaces for an app designed for walkable metropolitan areas. Since the app would use location tracking, I wanted to be sure that we were being conscious of safety and privacy issues associated with sharing such personal information. The client originally wanted to put every user on the map for everyone to see. The idea sounds great in theory, but its implications are serious.
To address privacy concerns, we created an idea of a “Cahoot." Sending a Cahoot is like saying, “I’m ready to hang out!” to other users of the app who are in your phone's address book. We also designed further filters and ways to ensure that only select people can see your location at any point. While composing your Cahoot, you can suggest an activity you’re interested in doing. Your nearby friends can see what you're up to, and they can message you if they want to join.
To address privacy concerns, we created an idea of a “Cahoot." Sending a Cahoot is like saying, “I’m ready to hang out!” to other users of the app who are in your phone's address book. We also designed further filters and ways to ensure that only select people can see your location at any point. While composing your Cahoot, you can suggest an activity you’re interested in doing. Your nearby friends can see what you're up to, and they can message you if they want to join.
How do we envision people using the app? Let's say you’re headed downtown to grab a drink. You might wonder if any of your friends are already downtown. You could open the Cahoot app, and you would see who’s nearby on a map. The people on the map are your friends who have elected to share their location. You can message them directly or broadcast your own Cahoot. Your friends nearby will get a notification saying you're interested in seeing them.
We want to improve the likelihood of in-person experiences, and we think a service like this could really help friends see each other more often.
We want to improve the likelihood of in-person experiences, and we think a service like this could really help friends see each other more often.
The logo was a natural evolution of the "Cahoot" moniker. We put a bird on it, and our logo became an owl.
This project was an exercise in crafting a user experience defined by its push notifications and privacy concerns. We don’t want (or anticipate) users looking at our app much. Instead, they’ll rely on smart and timely notifications if a friend is nearby. Cahoot will connect you with nearby people in an unobtrusive way that heightens your personal experiences.
The team at Neutral Design Studio was hired to design the app and branding.
The team at Neutral Design Studio was hired to design the app and branding.