Spectacular

Spectacular is a social network for architects. They help architects thrive in their careers, across the globe.

Roles

Product designer

Project type

UX, UI, Product design

Task

Reinventing how architects connects

Overview

Spectacular opens avenues for networking and mentors and reinvents how architects and firms connect with each other through a shared appreciation of their work. Our goal was to implement a strategy where users could; connect and follow each other. I also created a notification system where users can control this activity.

Challenge

As Spectacular grew, we recognized a lack of ways in which users could meaningfully connect with each other. But how do we continue to build a system fueled by trust – where strangers feel comfortable connecting with each other?

Defining my role

As the lead designer on an agile project team, I conducted research, created wireframes, prototypes, UI design and documentation of functional specifications, ensuring visual cohesion and engineering efficiency.

Process

Many of these pages were already delivered, I was brought in to determine where to implement these specific features in a seamless way.

Discover

My first step was to take a closer look at other social and creative networks, exploring these apps and learning how we could leverage them to grow Spectacular. My focus was finding the similarities and differences between following and connecting, documenting successful processes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Following is a way to stay up-to-date on those who inspire you

Display indicators of trust and reputation to help decide whom to interact with

Connecting is a way to build a network and intentionally engage

Notifications related to connecting are actionable and should be followed by a user action

Connections generally know and trust each other

Notifications related to following are informational and do not require any action from the user

SOLUTION

Connect

Spectacular makes it easy to connect with other architects. A connection is a two-way relationship that requires one user to send an invitation and another user to accept. There are several ways to connect with people on Spectacular:

Member's profile

Click or tap the blue Connect button on profile page or click blue Connect link in contact information box – they are then prompted to confirm the request being sent.

Project details page

Click or tap the Connect button next to the profile image in the right column.

Notification panel

I built a notification center within the website and mobile application, where amongst many things, users can accept and manage pending connection invitations. Notifications related to a connection are actionable, they are caused or should be followed by a user action.

Follow

Spectacular makes it easy to follow another design or firm. Following allows one user to see and interact with another user’s content and activity without being connected. There are several ways to follow another user on Spectacular: