Feature Introduction

I developed and added a custom napkin notes icon to the below screens, which were provided as a starting point for the design.

When first introduced to the app, the napkin notes icon appears with a subtle glow and animation (bounce + spin) to gain the user’s attention.

After the feature is used once, the glow and animations are removed. These would potentially be reintroduced if the user doesn’t use napkin notes for a period of time.

Additional incentivization could be provided to boost utilization, such as additional likes or discounts at Lox Club events.

Initial Interactions

After clicking the icon, users are given a brief introduction to the new feature. Likes sent via napkin notes are routed to a priority inbox separate from regular likes, incentivizing use of the feature by giving users a higher chance of matching with the person they like.

The text box for napkin notes is an enlarged version of the napkin icon, with a slight angle. I opted for this over a more standard text box to give the feature a more personal and organic feeling while differentiating it from competitors such as Hinge.

Icon Development

The below sketches and preliminary prototypes show a bit of my process for developing the napkin notes icon. Again, I wanted to differentiate the feature by making it feel more organic and stressing the imagery of passing a napkin to someone at a deli, coffee shop, or bar.

I chose the square icon because I felt it was a more recognizable napkin shape than the triangular icon below it.

I also felt the square icon was more recognizable as a clickable button than the triangular one with the latter feeling more decorative than functional.

If I were to take this project further, I’d show a larger group of icons to potential users to determine which icon is most recognizable as a clickable feature.