UX Research · Information Architecture · UI Design
Uneed – Smart Content Discovery App
Uneed – Smart Content Discovery App
Personalized content recommendations based on emotional context.
Goal: Transform an underperforming recommendation app into a personalized, engaging experience that users love returning to. The mission: make content discovery fast, relevant, and emotionally connected.
Goal: Transform an underperforming recommendation app into a personalized, engaging experience that users love returning to. The mission: make content discovery fast, relevant, and emotionally connected.
Challenge!
During early research, several critical issues emerged:
- -1-No Clear PositioningUsers didn’t understand what made the app unique or why they should return.
- -2-Weak PersonalizationRecommendations felt generic and didn’t reflect user mood or preferences.
- -3-High Cognitive LoadToo many steps to get relevant content. No emotional context in the flow.
- -4-Low RetentionUsers abandoned the app after 1–2 sessions because the experience felt “empty.”
Research & Key Insights
Main discovery:
Users want quick, mood-based recommendations without endless searching. They want suggestions that feel personal, not generic.
Users want quick, mood-based recommendations without endless searching. They want suggestions that feel personal, not generic.
- Analyzed reviews on App Store
- Conducted 17 in-depth interviews with movie, series, and book lovers
- Mapped pain points and behaviors
Summary table of user interviews
Point of View
These insights shaped our design hypotheses
- How do we help Herman, a tired office worker, find a relaxing movie in seconds?
- How do we help Irina, a film lover, learn and feel inspired by what she watches?
- How do we help Peter pick the next audiobook without scrolling forever?
Hypothesis Testing
I created 4 prototypes, each exploring different approaches:
- Mood-based filters
- Quick swipe selection
- CJM-driven personalization flow
- Contextual recommendation cards
We tested these ideas to answer:
What makes content discovery feel effortless and engaging?
What makes content discovery feel effortless and engaging?
Final Design
- Streamlined onboarding with interest tags
- Mood-based selection integrated into the main flow
- Visual recommendation cards with contextual hints
- Reduced cognitive load through simplified UI patterns
Built a clear User Flow in Figma covering all scenarios: onboarding, filtering, empty states, and recommendations.
Impact
- 87% of users preferred mood-driven discovery
- Feedback highlights:
“It feels like the app understands me.”
“Finally, I don’t waste time deciding.” - Increased engagement by 63% during testing
Reflection
I turned a generic content app into a personalized discovery experience by focusing on emotions, speed, and simplicity.
When design speaks the user’s language, the product starts working.
I turned a generic content app into a personalized discovery experience by focusing on emotions, speed, and simplicity.
When design speaks the user’s language, the product starts working.
