UI/UX Designer
User research, UI design & prototyping
5 Days
Adobe XD, Photoshop, Illustrator
Android
2021
WhatsApp Messenger, or simply WhatsApp, is an internationally available freeware, cross-platform centralized instant messaging and voice-over-IP service owned by American company Meta Platforms.
WhatsApp initial release was on the 3rd of May 2009, that is more than sufficient time for a new look. Focusing on the saying “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”
How can I make WhatsApp interface more appealing without disrupting the current consumer journey?
Solution
Refine the app interface without compromising the original design.
Research, Sketch, Wireframe & UI design, UX development.
Research: I conducted research by asking my peers what they would like to see changed from the current design of WhatsApp on their devices.
Response: They wanted a modern look and feel similar to Instagram, Snapchat, and other instant messengers.
Applications researched: iMessage, Signal, Instagram messenger & Telegram
Wireframe: Although this was a personal challenge, I took my time to study the competition and develop wireframes that closely resembled the original design without disrupting the user flow. Users appreciate updates that appear familiar, so they do not have to spend much time learning them.
User Interface: I refined the wireframe to create an interesting yet similar look to the original WhatsApp interface.
User Experience: Finally, I created a prototype of the refreshed WhatsApp interface to give users a better idea of what it would look like.
User Testing: I used Adobe XD's companion app to prototype the refreshed WhatsApp interface and print out versions of the interfaces to test with users. This allowed me to observe how users interact with the new interface while completing tasks and I gathered feedback on how to improve it.
Zero Learning Curve Penalty: 100% of test participants navigated the refreshed prototype immediately without asking "Where did X go?" proving that visual modernization can coexist with strict habit preservation.
Ergonomic Validation: Testing on physical devices via the Adobe XD mobile companion revealed subtle thumb-zone adjustments that wouldn't have been obvious on a desktop monitor.
Senior Takeaway: Designing for mature products requires restraint. The best redesigns don't force users to relearn the product. They make the product they already love feel effortlessly modern.
View Prototype
© John Oranyeli