Designing a hobby app that helps users find mentors, join local groups, and grow through community

As someone passionate about languages, learning, and self-development, I wanted to explore how people can engage in meaningful learning without pressure or perfectionism. This personal project stems from my own experiences and frustrations with traditional learning methods. I saw an opportunity to design an app that empowers users to learn visually, track habits, and reflect on their growth.

The solution

A mobile app that helps users find mentors and hobby groups in their area, fostering connections with like-minded people through a flexible subscription model.

Individuals wanting to explore new hobbies but lacking guidance and resources.

The users

Establish a strong user base, drive premium conversions, build brand trust, and enhance engagement through feature development and community growth.

Business goals

How might we create a platform that makes learning new hobbies easier, more engaging, and community-driven?

The challenge

DESIGNING THE EXPERIENCE

I designed a user-centered mobile app that combines gamification with emotional design to support people learning new skills. The core focus was helping users find mentors and join a like-minded community, both online and in person. Features like progress streaks and encouraging messages were included to create a motivating experience. In future iterations, I envisioned adding personalized learning plans, feedback tools, and peer challenges to enhance engagement and structure.

WIREFRAMING & DESIGN

UNDERSTANDING THE USER

To guide the design process, we started by interviewing 6 potential usersof ages between 24-58 years old who have tried to learn or were currently trying to learn new hobbies. The goal was to learn what they value while learning and what they need.