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Platonic

UX & Product Design — Aug – Sep 2020 — Paul Heuschmidt & Mez Dumas — Berlin

Overview

Platonic is a networking platform MVP designed to help young professionals build social connections when relocating to new cities. The app focuses on community-driven event organisation rather than algorithmic personalisation.

Problem

Young professionals often face challenges in building a social network when relocating to a new city. Safety concerns emerge when meeting strangers from apps, and awkwardness frequently accompanies online introductions.

Research

70 survey responses collected via Google Forms and 10 user interviews conducted.

Key insights:

Major finding: Survey respondents showed a preference for meeting around a common interest rather than as complete strangers, signalling demand for interest-aligned networking.

Ideation

Initial crazy-eights exercises proved insufficient. The breakthrough concept emerged through extended brainstorming: enable users to create topic-specific events addressing shared challenges — for example, expats needing administrative help in Germany.

Features Designed

Process

Low-to-mid fidelity wireframes → iterative refinement → final high-fidelity prototype ready for investor pitch.

Outcomes

Delivered polished MVP prototype enabling the client to present the business concept to investors while demonstrating a functional user experience.

Key Takeaways

Tools

Figma, Wireframing, Design Thinking, Prototyping