A Mingle with love.
A Mingle with love.
A Mingle with love.
Project Overview
Project Overview
Project Overview
Real connection shouldn’t feel like a grind.
Real connection shouldn’t feel like a grind.
Real connection shouldn’t feel like a grind.
Dating apps were supposed to help people connect but most just leave users burnt out and stuck in toxic swipe cycles. Statistics reflect this as Tinder's user base shrunk by 8% in 2024. I set out to explore why that’s happening and design a solution that ensures people actually meet, not just match.
Dating apps were supposed to help people connect but most just leave users burnt out and stuck in toxic swipe cycles. Statistics reflect this as Tinder's user base shrunk by 8% in 2024. I set out to explore why that’s happening and design a solution that ensures people actually meet, not just match.
Dating apps were supposed to help people connect but most just leave users burnt out and stuck in toxic swipe cycles. Statistics reflect this as Tinder's user base shrunk by 8% in 2024. I set out to explore why that’s happening and design a solution that ensures people actually meet, not just match.
When Swiping Fails Us
When Swiping Fails Us
When Swiping Fails Us
I started noticing people around me growing disillusioned with dating apps. It didn’t add up. In a world more connected than ever, finding a partner should be easier, right? That confusion pushed me into a deeper dive, and what I uncovered was far more alarming than I expected.
I started noticing people around me growing disillusioned with dating apps. It didn’t add up. In a world more connected than ever, finding a partner should be easier, right? That confusion pushed me into a deeper dive, and what I uncovered was far more alarming than I expected.
I started noticing people around me growing disillusioned with dating apps. It didn’t add up. In a world more connected than ever, finding a partner should be easier, right? That confusion pushed me into a deeper dive, and what I uncovered was far more alarming than I expected.
So, was it them or the apps?
So, was it them or the apps?
So, was it them or the apps?
To understand the real effects of modern dating apps, I turned to peer-reviewed academic research.
To understand the real effects of modern dating apps, I turned to peer-reviewed academic research.
To understand the real effects of modern dating apps, I turned to peer-reviewed academic research.
While dating apps promise connection, they often contribute to greater loneliness and declining mental health. Users report higher levels of social isolation, anxiety, and depressive symptoms compared to non-users.
While dating apps promise connection, they often contribute to greater loneliness and declining mental health. Users report higher levels of social isolation, anxiety, and depressive symptoms compared to non-users.
While dating apps promise connection, they often contribute to greater loneliness and declining mental health. Users report higher levels of social isolation, anxiety, and depressive symptoms compared to non-users.
“According to Scott Hurff… it’s the gambling-like reward, that dopamine rush of the ‘It’s a match’ screen… a variable reward that encourages continued swiping to experience this again.”
“According to Scott Hurff… it’s the gambling-like reward, that dopamine rush of the ‘It’s a match’ screen… a variable reward that encourages continued swiping to experience this again.”
“According to Scott Hurff… it’s the gambling-like reward, that dopamine rush of the ‘It’s a match’ screen… a variable reward that encourages continued swiping to experience this again.”
— Wright, 2024
— Wright, 2024
— Wright, 2024
“Tinder gamifies dating by inviting users to focus on matching with as many people as possible… Even though the platform promises this will lead to meaningful connections, its monetization strategies suggest that maximizing matches is a goal in itself.”
“Tinder gamifies dating by inviting users to focus on matching with as many people as possible… Even though the platform promises this will lead to meaningful connections, its monetization strategies suggest that maximizing matches is a goal in itself.”
“Tinder gamifies dating by inviting users to focus on matching with as many people as possible… Even though the platform promises this will lead to meaningful connections, its monetization strategies suggest that maximizing matches is a goal in itself.”
— Nader, 2024
— Nader, 2024
— Nader, 2024
“Dating apps... slowly started to not facilitate offline encounters but rather feed into the user’s desire of accumulating matches.”
“Dating apps... slowly started to not facilitate offline encounters but rather feed into the user’s desire of accumulating matches.”
“Dating apps... slowly started to not facilitate offline encounters but rather feed into the user’s desire of accumulating matches.”
— Balkhi, 2025
— Balkhi, 2025
— Balkhi, 2025
The numbers don't lie
The numbers don't lie
The numbers don't lie
To validate what the academic research uncovered, I went directly to the users themselves.
To validate what the academic research uncovered, I went directly to the users themselves.
To validate what the academic research uncovered, I went directly to the users themselves.
Academic papers painted a bleak picture of the dating app experience, so I turned to 40 real users who have used dating apps within the last six months. Their experience matched the research: fatigue, ghosting, and shallow interactions were the norm.
Academic papers painted a bleak picture of the dating app experience, so I turned to 40 real users who have used dating apps within the last six months. Their experience matched the research: fatigue, ghosting, and shallow interactions were the norm.
Academic papers painted a bleak picture of the dating app experience, so I turned to 40 real users who have used dating apps within the last six months. Their experience matched the research: fatigue, ghosting, and shallow interactions were the norm.
95% feel apps don’t prioritize connection.
95% feel apps don’t prioritize connection.
95% feel apps don’t prioritize connection.
Suggests most apps focus on engagement over real relationships.
Suggests most apps focus on engagement over real relationships.
92% say convos rarely lead to real dates.
92% say convos rarely lead to real dates.
92% say convos rarely lead to real dates.
Confirms a gap in digital interaction and real-world outcomes.
Confirms a gap in digital interaction and real-world outcomes.
83% say matches rarely lead to convos.
83% say matches rarely lead to convos.
83% say matches rarely lead to convos.
Shows a lack of genuine interest or follow-through post-match.
Shows a lack of genuine interest or follow-through post-match.
80% say they have ghosted or been ghosted.
80% say they have ghosted or been ghosted.
80% say they have ghosted or been ghosted.
Shows the need for deterrents to bad user behaviour.
Shows the need for deterrents to bad user behaviour.
65% of users report emotional or mental fatigue.
65% of users report emotional or mental fatigue.
65% of users report emotional or mental fatigue.
Highlights burnout from current dating app experiences.
Highlights burnout from current dating app experiences.
56% want a serious romantic connection.
56% want a serious romantic connection.
56% want a serious romantic connection.
Demand for meaningful, long-term outcomes.
Demand for meaningful, long-term outcomes.
So, what exactly is the issue?
So, what exactly is the issue?
So, what exactly is the issue?
Before designing anything, I needed to understand why modern dating apps leave so many users feeling frustrated, fatigued, and disconnected.
Before designing anything, I needed to understand why modern dating apps leave so many users feeling frustrated, fatigued, and disconnected.
Before designing anything, I needed to understand why modern dating apps leave so many users feeling frustrated, fatigued, and disconnected.
The academic literature and the insights gathered from the surveyed users revealed the same three major underlying issues with modern dating apps. The three that most adversely affected user well-being and success rates were:
The academic literature and the insights gathered from the surveyed users revealed the same three major underlying issues with modern dating apps. The three that most adversely affected user well-being and success rates were:
The academic literature and the insights gathered from the surveyed users revealed the same three major underlying issues with modern dating apps. The three that most adversely affected user well-being and success rates were:
Burnout Loops
Burnout Loops
Burnout Loops
Swiping mimics addictive game mechanics exhausting users emotionally.
Swiping mimics addictive game mechanics exhausting users emotionally.
Swiping mimics addictive game mechanics exhausting users emotionally.
Too Many Options
Too Many Options
Too Many Options
Abundance makes it harder to commit, encouraging indecision and flaking.
Abundance makes it harder to commit, encouraging indecision and flaking.
Abundance makes it harder to commit, encouraging indecision and flaking.
No Accountability
No Accountability
No Accountability
Ghosting and poor behavior go unchecked, eroding trust and user experience.
Ghosting and poor behavior go unchecked, eroding trust and user experience.
Ghosting and poor behavior go unchecked, eroding trust and user experience.
To bring the data to life and better understand users, I mapped out a typical user journey on a dating app. It revealed an experience identical to what the data clearly demonstrated: initial excitement fades into frustration, ghosting, and burnout.
To bring the data to life and better understand users, I mapped out a typical user journey on a dating app. It revealed an experience identical to what the data clearly demonstrated: initial excitement fades into frustration, ghosting, and burnout.
To bring the data to life and better understand users, I mapped out a typical user journey on a dating app. It revealed an experience identical to what the data clearly demonstrated: initial excitement fades into frustration, ghosting, and burnout.
Stage
Sign-Up
Swiping
Matching
Messaging
Burnout
Emotion
Pain Point
Overwhelmed by choices
Burnout loops
Matches rarely lead to conversation
Low effort replies
No user accountability
User Quote
“I don’t even know where to start.”
“I’m not even reading bios anymore.”
“nothing really happens after matching.”
“I’m always ghosted after 2 messages.”
“Why dm me if you’re going to disappear?”
Opportunity
Advanced match filters: User preferences
Match limit: focus on one person at a time
Icebreaker prompts; mutual interest filters
One active chat limit; timeout penalty for ghosting
Ghosting penalties and feedback system
Stage
Sign-Up
Swiping
Matching
Messaging
Burnout
Emotion
Pain Point
Overwhelmed by choices
Burnout loops
Matches rarely lead to conversation
Low effort replies
No user accountability
User Quote
“I don’t even know where to start.”
“I’m not even reading bios anymore.”
“nothing really happens after matching.”
“I’m always ghosted after 2 messages.”
“Why dm me if you’re going to disappear?”
Opportunity
Advanced match filters: User preferences
Match limit: focus on one person at a time
Icebreaker prompts; mutual interest filters
One active chat limit; timeout penalty for ghosting
Ghosting penalties and feedback system
Stage
Sign-Up
Swiping
Matching
Messaging
Burnout
Emotion
Pain Point
Overwhelmed by choices
Burnout loops
Matches rarely lead to conversation
Low effort replies
No user accountability
User Quote
“I don’t even know where to start.”
“I’m not even reading bios anymore.”
“nothing really happens after matching.”
“I’m always ghosted after 2 messages.”
“Why dm me if you’re going to disappear?”
Opportunity
Advanced match filters: User preferences
Match limit: focus on one person at a time
Icebreaker prompts; mutual interest filters
One active chat limit; timeout penalty for ghosting
Ghosting penalties and feedback system
A market & competitor analysis I conducted soon highlighted that these issues were systemic. With Match Group owning the three largest dating platforms, I started to suspect that consistently negative user outcomes were actually a feature.
A market & competitor analysis I conducted soon highlighted that these issues were systemic. With Match Group owning the three largest dating platforms, I started to suspect that consistently negative user outcomes were actually a feature.
A market & competitor analysis I conducted soon highlighted that these issues were systemic. With Match Group owning the three largest dating platforms, I started to suspect that consistently negative user outcomes were actually a feature.
Core Features
Swipe-based matching, lifestyle tags, activity suggestions, video calls
Women message first, voice notes, interest prompts, strict filters
Extensive prompts, audio/video intros, “likes” on content, prompt-focus
Business Model
Subscription & pay-per-feature
Subscription & pay-per-feature
Subscription & pay-per-feature
Paying Users
9M
2.3M
1.3M
Global Market Share
29.16%
26.03%
18.75%
Revenue /User
$50
$40
$123
Core Features
Swipe-based matching, lifestyle tags, activity suggestions, video calls
Women message first, voice notes, interest prompts, strict filters
Extensive prompts, audio/video intros, “likes” on content, prompt-focus
Business Model
Subscription & pay-per-feature
Subscription & pay-per-feature
Subscription & pay-per-feature
Paying Users
9M
2.3M
1.3M
Global Market Share
29.16%
26.03%
18.75%
Revenue /User
$50
$40
$123
Core Features
Swipe-based matching, lifestyle tags, activity suggestions, video calls
Women message first, voice notes, interest prompts, strict filters
Extensive prompts, audio/video intros, “likes” on content, prompt-focus
Business Model
Subscription & pay-per-feature
Subscription & pay-per-feature
Subscription & pay-per-feature
Paying Users
9M
2.3M
1.3M
Global Market Share
29.16%
26.03%
18.75%
Revenue /User
$50
$40
$123
Time to Start Over
Time to Start Over
Time to Start Over
The frustration, the ghosting, the endless swiping loops; they’re all by design and meant to keep paying users addicted to the apps, not help them find love. Trying to fix apps built on those mechanics was clearly not the right approach. Instead, I focused on creating an experience that puts people first.
The frustration, the ghosting, the endless swiping loops; they’re all by design and meant to keep paying users addicted to the apps, not help them find love. Trying to fix apps built on those mechanics was clearly not the right approach. Instead, I focused on creating an experience that puts people first.
The frustration, the ghosting, the endless swiping loops; they’re all by design and meant to keep paying users addicted to the apps, not help them find love. Trying to fix apps built on those mechanics was clearly not the right approach. Instead, I focused on creating an experience that puts people first.
What Users Want
What Users Want
What Users Want
To move beyond purely statistics, I engaged users in real conversations to understand how they feel.
To move beyond purely statistics, I engaged users in real conversations to understand how they feel.
To move beyond purely statistics, I engaged users in real conversations to understand how they feel.
I conducted 10 user interviews using the Guerrilla Design method, keeping the format casual and open-ended. These conversations allowed me to uncover the emotional and behavioral patterns like ghosting and the causes behind them.
I conducted 10 user interviews using the Guerrilla Design method, keeping the format casual and open-ended. These conversations allowed me to uncover the emotional and behavioral patterns like ghosting and the causes behind them.
I conducted 10 user interviews using the Guerrilla Design method, keeping the format casual and open-ended. These conversations allowed me to uncover the emotional and behavioral patterns like ghosting and the causes behind them.
“People disappear and ghost like it’s nothing. There’s no repercussions, and it makes dating feel pointless sometimes.”
“People disappear and ghost like it’s nothing. There’s no repercussions, and it makes dating feel pointless sometimes.”
“People disappear and ghost like it’s nothing. There’s no repercussions, and it makes dating feel pointless sometimes.”
— Supports the need for consequences to ghosting.
— Supports the need for consequences to ghosting.
— Supports the need for consequences to ghosting.
“I’m not here to collect matches, I want something meaningful. Most of these conversations never go anywhere.”
“I’m not here to collect matches, I want something meaningful. Most of these conversations never go anywhere.”
“I’m not here to collect matches, I want something meaningful. Most of these conversations never go anywhere.”
— Highlights frustration with shallow or unproductive conversations.
— Highlights frustration with shallow or unproductive conversations.
— Highlights frustration with shallow or unproductive conversations.
“It’s exhausting. The constant swiping, the effort for nothing, I just want an app that helps me actually meet someone.”
“It’s exhausting. The constant swiping, the effort for nothing, I just want an app that helps me actually meet someone.”
“It’s exhausting. The constant swiping, the effort for nothing, I just want an app that helps me actually meet someone.”
— Points to emotional fatigue and the desire for real-world outcomes.
— Points to emotional fatigue and the desire for real-world outcomes.
— Points to emotional fatigue and the desire for real-world outcomes.
What Users Value
What Users Value
What Users Value
I needed to understand what things users actually prioritized.
I needed to understand what things users actually prioritized.
I needed to understand what things users actually prioritized.
I once again turned to users who have used dating apps within the last six months and ran a card sorting activity in which they categorized issues and desires into high and low priority. This helped me identify which challenges felt most urgent to them and guided which problems to focus on first.
I once again turned to users who have used dating apps within the last six months and ran a card sorting activity in which they categorized issues and desires into high and low priority. This helped me identify which challenges felt most urgent to them and guided which problems to focus on first.
I once again turned to users who have used dating apps within the last six months and ran a card sorting activity in which they categorized issues and desires into high and low priority. This helped me identify which challenges felt most urgent to them and guided which problems to focus on first.
High Priority Issues:
High Priority Issues:
High Priority Issues:
MOST matches lead to nothing at all
MOST matches lead to nothing at all
MOST matches lead to nothing at all
hard to know if someone is serious
hard to know if someone is serious
hard to know if someone is serious
People disappear without saying anything
People disappear without saying anything
People disappear without saying anything
finding GENUINE connections is hard
finding GENUINE connections is hard
finding GENUINE connections is hard
cant TALK TO multiple people AT ONCE
cant TALK TO multiple people AT ONCE
cant TALK TO multiple people AT ONCE
No one actually wants to meet up
No one actually wants to meet up
No one actually wants to meet up
Low Priority Issues:
Low Priority Issues:
Low Priority Issues:
Profiles all feel the same after a while
Profiles all feel the same after a while
Profiles all feel the same after a while
Swiping gets repetitive very fast
Swiping gets repetitive very fast
Swiping gets repetitive very fast
Feels like people are just on for attention
Feels like people are just on for attention
Feels like people are just on for attention
basic features are locked behind a paywall
basic features are locked behind a paywall
basic features are locked behind a paywall
I don’t always feel safe meeting up
I don’t always feel safe meeting up
I don’t always feel safe meeting up
The app can feel overwhelming sometimes
The app can feel overwhelming sometimes
The app can feel overwhelming sometimes
Designing With Purpose
Designing With Purpose
Designing With Purpose
It was clear that users were craving something deeper than the status quo.
It was clear that users were craving something deeper than the status quo.
It was clear that users were craving something deeper than the status quo.
Across both conversations and exercises, one theme kept repeating: users were tired of shallow engagement, disrespectful behavior, and platforms that felt more like games than tools for genuine connection. The feedback shaped three core design principles for Mingle.
Across both conversations and exercises, one theme kept repeating: users were tired of shallow engagement, disrespectful behavior, and platforms that felt more like games than tools for genuine connection. The feedback shaped three core design principles for Mingle.
Across both conversations and exercises, one theme kept repeating: users were tired of shallow engagement, disrespectful behavior, and platforms that felt more like games than tools for genuine connection. The feedback shaped three core design principles for Mingle.
Intentionality
Intentionality
Intentionality
Promoting mindful swiping and purposeful interactions.
Promoting mindful swiping and purposeful interactions.
Promoting mindful swiping and purposeful interactions.
Accountability
Accountability
Accountability
Discouraging ghosting and rewarding follow-through.
Discouraging ghosting and rewarding follow-through.
Discouraging ghosting and rewarding follow-through.
Real Connection
Real Connection
Real Connection
Shifting focus from endless chats to real-world dates.
Shifting focus from endless chats to real-world dates.
Shifting focus from endless chats to real-world dates.
Insights Into Solutions
Insights Into Solutions
Insights Into Solutions
After talking to real users and watching how they moved through the app, it was clear where things needed to improve. These insights didn’t just inform tweaks, they actively shaped the core of each solution, making sure every change actually solved a real need.
After talking to real users and watching how they moved through the app, it was clear where things needed to improve. These insights didn’t just inform tweaks, they actively shaped the core of each solution, making sure every change actually solved a real need.
After talking to real users and watching how they moved through the app, it was clear where things needed to improve. These insights didn’t just inform tweaks, they actively shaped the core of each solution, making sure every change actually solved a real need.
SOLVED swipe fatigue & shallow chats by limiting users to one active conversation.
SOLVED swipe fatigue & shallow chats by limiting users to one active conversation.
SOLVED swipe fatigue & shallow chats by limiting users to one active conversation.
Users can only talk to one person at a time after matching, removing the noise of multiple talking stages. This helps minimize swipe fatigue and encourage focus and intention in each match to garner real connections.
Users can only talk to one person at a time after matching, removing the noise of multiple talking stages. This helps minimize swipe fatigue and encourage focus and intention in each match to garner real connections.
Users can only talk to one person at a time after matching, removing the noise of multiple talking stages. This helps minimize swipe fatigue and encourage focus and intention in each match to garner real connections.
Discouraged ghosting with a pay-to-unfreeze system for unmatched accountability.
Discouraged ghosting with a pay-to-unfreeze system for unmatched accountability.
Discouraged ghosting with a pay-to-unfreeze system for unmatched accountability.
The Ghost Busters are here. Ghosting has consequences now. If a user ghosts, their account freezes until they pay to unlock it, reinforcing accountability and discouraging behaviour for a better user experience.
The Ghost Busters are here. Ghosting has consequences now. If a user ghosts, their account freezes until they pay to unlock it, reinforcing accountability and discouraging behaviour for a better user experience.
The Ghost Busters are here. Ghosting has consequences now. If a user ghosts, their account freezes until they pay to unlock it, reinforcing accountability and discouraging behaviour for a better user experience.
Boosted trust and safety TO ENCOURAGE DATES with a mutual post-date rating system.
Boosted trust and safety TO ENCOURAGE DATES with a mutual post-date rating system.
Boosted trust and safety TO ENCOURAGE DATES with a mutual post-date rating system.
Post-date, both users are asked to rate the experience based on safety, punctuality, and vibe. It builds a trust system from the ground up, creating a community where users are held accountable for any bad behaviour.
Post-date, both users are asked to rate the experience based on safety, punctuality, and vibe. It builds a trust system from the ground up, creating a community where users are held accountable for any bad behaviour.
Post-date, both users are asked to rate the experience based on safety, punctuality, and vibe. It builds a trust system from the ground up, creating a community where users are held accountable for any bad behaviour.
Pushed matches toward real-world dates & outcomes with a 7-day date deadline.
Pushed matches toward real-world dates & outcomes with a 7-day date deadline.
Pushed matches toward real-world dates & outcomes with a 7-day date deadline.
No more endless talking stages. Once a match is made, users have seven days to plan a date or the chat disappears. It’s a gentle push toward being accountable, turning sparks into plans before they fizzle out.
No more endless talking stages. Once a match is made, users have seven days to plan a date or the chat disappears. It’s a gentle push toward being accountable, turning sparks into plans before they fizzle out.
No more endless talking stages. Once a match is made, users have seven days to plan a date or the chat disappears. It’s a gentle push toward being accountable, turning sparks into plans before they fizzle out.
Made planning seamless and decreased flaking with a collaborative date setup tool.
Made planning seamless and decreased flaking with a collaborative date setup tool.
Made planning seamless and decreased flaking with a collaborative date setup tool.
Users can propose a date, choose the time and place, and collaborate on the details. It’s a small feature with a big impact making plans feel intentional, reducing flaking, and helping matches turn into real-life moments.
Users can propose a date, choose the time and place, and collaborate on the details. It’s a small feature with a big impact making plans feel intentional, reducing flaking, and helping matches turn into real-life moments.
Users can propose a date, choose the time and place, and collaborate on the details. It’s a small feature with a big impact making plans feel intentional, reducing flaking, and helping matches turn into real-life moments.
deeper connections by locking new matches when both users opt IN AFTER THEIR DATE.
deeper connections by locking new matches when both users opt IN AFTER THEIR DATE.
deeper connections by locking new matches when both users opt IN AFTER THEIR DATE.
If both users want to see each other again, they enter “Meet Again” mode, pausing new likes and matches. It’s built around the Real Connection, giving users space for something meaningful to grow out of their match.
If both users want to see each other again, they enter “Meet Again” mode, pausing new likes and matches. It’s built around the Real Connection, giving users space for something meaningful to grow out of their match.
If both users want to see each other again, they enter “Meet Again” mode, pausing new likes and matches. It’s built around the Real Connection, giving users space for something meaningful to grow out of their match.
Empathizing with Users
Empathizing with Users
Empathizing with Users
With the designs in place, I needed to know if they actually made a difference. So I brought users back in, watched how they moved through the app, listened to where they got stuck, and where things clicked. This part wasn’t just about testing, it was about understanding how the work landed in the hands of real people.
With the designs in place, I needed to know if they actually made a difference. So I brought users back in, watched how they moved through the app, listened to where they got stuck, and where things clicked. This part wasn’t just about testing, it was about understanding how the work landed in the hands of real people.
With the designs in place, I needed to know if they actually made a difference. So I brought users back in, watched how they moved through the app, listened to where they got stuck, and where things clicked. This part wasn’t just about testing, it was about understanding how the work landed in the hands of real people.
User Testing Insights
User Testing Insights
User Testing Insights
So how did these features go from ideas to effective solutions?
So how did these features go from ideas to effective solutions?
So how did these features go from ideas to effective solutions?
Guided by humane design, each feature reflects feedback-driven decisions that prioritize real connection over infinite engagement. To ensure my concepts held up in practice, I used a combination of several usability and testing methods.
Guided by humane design, each feature reflects feedback-driven decisions that prioritize real connection over infinite engagement. To ensure my concepts held up in practice, I used a combination of several usability and testing methods.
Guided by humane design, each feature reflects feedback-driven decisions that prioritize real connection over infinite engagement. To ensure my concepts held up in practice, I used a combination of several usability and testing methods.
Which button encourages better post-date follow through?
I used A/B testing to understand how seemingly miniscule things could impact user behavior during a critical moment in the flow. By comparing two versions of the post-date screen, I wanted to see which phrasing better communicated the need to take action to stay matched. I asked users the following:
Which label makes it clearer that your match will expire if you don’t respond: ‘Leave a Review’ or ‘Meet Again?’
Version A
Version B
Version B was the clear winner, but I wanted to make sure that this wasn’t just tied to familiarity or repeated exposure so I turned to task-based testing to make sure it worked for first-time users with no context.
Which button encourages better post-date follow through?
I used A/B testing to understand how seemingly miniscule things could impact user behavior during a critical moment in the flow. By comparing two versions of the post-date screen, I wanted to see which phrasing better communicated the need to take action to stay matched. I asked users the following:
Which label makes it clearer that your match will expire if you don’t respond: ‘Leave a Review’ or ‘Meet Again?’
Version A
Version B
Version B was the clear winner, but I wanted to make sure that this wasn’t just tied to familiarity or repeated exposure so I turned to task-based testing to make sure it worked for first-time users with no context.
Which button encourages better post-date follow through?
I used A/B testing to understand how seemingly miniscule things could impact user behavior during a critical moment in the flow. By comparing two versions of the post-date screen, I wanted to see which phrasing better communicated the need to take action to stay matched. I asked users the following:
Which label makes it clearer that your match will expire if you don’t respond: ‘Leave a Review’ or ‘Meet Again?’
Version A
Version B
Version B was the clear winner, but I wanted to make sure that this wasn’t just tied to familiarity or repeated exposure so I turned to task-based testing to make sure it worked for first-time users with no context.
Did the testing results reflect user preference for Version B?
To validate the A/B testing results, I conducted task-based usability sessions with new users unfamiliar with Mingle. The goal was to see if Version B still held up when users experienced it as part of a live, goal-driven task without context or prior explanation.
Element
Version A
Version B
Clarity of Intent
Users thought it was optional and unrelated to matching
Users understood it determined if they stayed matched
Completion Rate
38% completed the flow
76% completed the flow
User Reaction
“I didn’t realize this affected the match”
“It makes sense to be honest”
Time to Complete
Slower, with hesitation and drop-off
Faster and more confident flow
Design Change Needed
Required explanatory text
Worked as-is with minimal guidance
Version B saw a 76% completion rate, compared to just 38% for Version A. Users clearly understood that choosing “Yes” would keep them matched, while Version A caused confusion as many didn’t realize a review was required to maintain the connection.
Did the testing results reflect user preference for Version B?
To validate the A/B testing results, I conducted task-based usability sessions with new users unfamiliar with Mingle. The goal was to see if Version B still held up when users experienced it as part of a live, goal-driven task without context or prior explanation.
Element
Version A
Version B
Clarity of Intent
Users thought it was optional and unrelated to matching
Users understood it determined if they stayed matched
Completion Rate
38% completed the flow
76% completed the flow
User Reaction
“I didn’t realize this affected the match”
“It makes sense to be honest”
Time to Complete
Slower, with hesitation and drop-off
Faster and more confident flow
Design Change Needed
Required explanatory text
Worked as-is with minimal guidance
Version B saw a 76% completion rate, compared to just 38% for Version A. Users clearly understood that choosing “Yes” would keep them matched, while Version A caused confusion as many didn’t realize a review was required to maintain the connection.
Did the testing results reflect user preference for Version B?
To validate the A/B testing results, I conducted task-based usability sessions with new users unfamiliar with Mingle. The goal was to see if Version B still held up when users experienced it as part of a live, goal-driven task without context or prior explanation.
Element
Version A
Version B
Clarity of Intent
Users thought it was optional and unrelated to matching
Users understood it determined if they stayed matched
Completion Rate
38% completed the flow
76% completed the flow
User Reaction
“I didn’t realize this affected the match”
“It makes sense to be honest”
Time to Complete
Slower, with hesitation and drop-off
Faster and more confident flow
Design Change Needed
Required explanatory text
Worked as-is with minimal guidance
Version B saw a 76% completion rate, compared to just 38% for Version A. Users clearly understood that choosing “Yes” would keep them matched, while Version A caused confusion as many didn’t realize a review was required to maintain the connection.
Are users easily able to navigate the dating process from start to finish?
I ran tree testing to make sure new users could find what they needed without getting lost. Since Mingle has some unique flows, like planning a date or ending a chat, I wanted to see if the structure made sense on its own.
Task
Success Rate
Avg. Time
Insight
Plan a date
92%
14 seconds
Users found the correct path via Conversations.
Submit Review
91%
22 seconds
Most reached it quickly after confirming the date.
End Chat
90%
11 seconds
Users located this option from multiple points.
Find Date
94%
12 seconds
Understood it followed the date prompt.
Tree testing showed that over 90% of users completed key tasks like planning a date or ending a chat in under 25 seconds. The high success rate and speed confirmed the navigation was intuitive, even without visual cues.
Are users easily able to navigate the dating process from start to finish?
I ran tree testing to make sure new users could find what they needed without getting lost. Since Mingle has some unique flows, like planning a date or ending a chat, I wanted to see if the structure made sense on its own.
Task
Success Rate
Avg. Time
Insight
Plan a date
92%
14 seconds
Users found the correct path via Conversations.
Submit Review
91%
22 seconds
Most reached it quickly after confirming the date.
End Chat
90%
11 seconds
Users located this option from multiple points.
Find Date
94%
12 seconds
Understood it followed the date prompt.
Tree testing showed that over 90% of users completed key tasks like planning a date or ending a chat in under 25 seconds. The high success rate and speed confirmed the navigation was intuitive, even without visual cues.
Are users easily able to navigate the dating process from start to finish?
I ran tree testing to make sure new users could find what they needed without getting lost. Since Mingle has some unique flows, like planning a date or ending a chat, I wanted to see if the structure made sense on its own.
Task
Success Rate
Avg. Time
Insight
Plan a date
92%
14 seconds
Users found the correct path via Conversations.
Submit Review
91%
22 seconds
Most reached it quickly after confirming the date.
End Chat
90%
11 seconds
Users located this option from multiple points.
Find Date
94%
12 seconds
Understood it followed the date prompt.
Tree testing showed that over 90% of users completed key tasks like planning a date or ending a chat in under 25 seconds. The high success rate and speed confirmed the navigation was intuitive, even without visual cues.
Measuring the Impact
Measuring the Impact
Measuring the Impact
What stood out most was how often conversations on Mingle actually went somewhere. In testing, users were 11.5x more likely to start meaningful conversations and follow through with a date compared to what they reported on other apps. With matching made more intentional and clear consequences for ghosting, people treated matches more seriously.
What stood out most was how often conversations on Mingle actually went somewhere. In testing, users were 11.5x more likely to start meaningful conversations and follow through with a date compared to what they reported on other apps. With matching made more intentional and clear consequences for ghosting, people treated matches more seriously.
What I Learned
What I Learned
What I Learned
In the end, it wasn’t about features or flows, it was about how the product made people feel.
In the end, it wasn’t about features or flows, it was about how the product made people feel.
In the end, it wasn’t about features or flows, it was about how the product made people feel.
After everything, one thing stood out: when you put people first, everything else follows. The more I focused on clarity, comfort, and real connection, the more users responded. It turns out, designing for well-being doesn’t get in the way of success, it drives it. People stay longer, feel better, and actually want to come back. In the end, building something human is what makes it work.
After everything, one thing stood out: when you put people first, everything else follows. The more I focused on clarity, comfort, and real connection, the more users responded. It turns out, designing for well-being doesn’t get in the way of success, it drives it. People stay longer, feel better, and actually want to come back. In the end, building something human is what makes it work.
After everything, one thing stood out: when you put people first, everything else follows. The more I focused on clarity, comfort, and real connection, the more users responded. It turns out, designing for well-being doesn’t get in the way of success, it drives it. People stay longer, feel better, and actually want to come back. In the end, building something human is what makes it work.