WE’RE HERE. WE’RE QUEER. Find your space.
PROJECT SCOPE: UX | UI | Deisgn Research| Brand Identity | Illustration | Copywriting
PROJECT DURATION: 4 Weeks | Spring 2023
TOOLS USED: Illustrator, Indesign, Procreate, Figma/Figjam
COMPLETED AS A SOLO PROJECT
PROJECT OBJECTIVE: Find a solution on how to provide better education and resources for the LGBTQ+ community.
GOAL: As a queer individual, I find myself subconsciously favoring LGBTQ+ owned spaces or spaces catered towards the community. The majority of discovering my identity came from social media - specifically Tumblr in 2014. The goal I had in mind was to have an all-in-one app that provided a variety of resources and suggestions provided from community members so it is authentic.
OUTCOME: I designed an app that features educational resources, recommended spaces, and media, all catered to the LGBTQ+ community.
Initial Problem Discovery
When the only gay bar in San Marcos, Stonewall, closed suddenly with no warning to the community or employees, it was truly a wake-up call in how few safe spaces it felt there were in the community. As a queer individual myself, the loss of Stonewall was quite a large blow, especially amongst the conversation of laws that are rising in Texas, Florida, and other States targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. Currently, it feels like you have to rely on word of mouth or articles on businesses that are genuine safe spaces and not just a front to try and bring in more money.
Pain Points
Problem Statement
SO WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
Locating varying businesses and brands that are LGBTQ+ owned or are genuinely a safe space currently relies on extra steps, creating a longer process, that may not come from an authentic voice. Additionally, navigating resources can be difficult especially when you don’t know where to begin.
WHY DOES THIS PROBLEM MATTER?
Safe spaces exist in order to allow individuals to freely be themselves, removing the fear that factors of their identity may be used in a harmful or violent manner. Finding businesses and brands that are authentically in support or owned by LGBTQ+ individuals is a struggle due to a lack of representation and voices in the workforce. Additionally, traveling as an LGBTQ+ individual can be difficult due to current and rising laws not only in the USA but around the world. This problem matters because safe spaces can not only allow for a celebration of the individual’s identity but bring in/welcome a level of normality that society may push against.
User Persona - Karlie and Taylor
“WE JUST WANT TO TRAVEL THE WORLD TOGETHER AND GET TO IMMERSE OURSELVES IN DIFFERENT CULTURES.”
Frustrations
Countries have varying laws regarding LGBTQ+ individuals and despite both being active travelers, they don’t want to have to hide their identities and each other to enjoy traveling together.
How Might We’s
Theme Customization
HOW MIGHT WE’S ADDRESSED:
It was crucial to include customization options to allow for the proper expression of one’s identity. Being able to take a resource and make it your own to better resonate with who you are helps form a safe space within the app itself.
While subtle, placing the flag option around the profile icon allows for flexibility of comfort among users. Some users may still be discovering their identity, while others have found one that best aligns with them. While all flag options would be available, regular colors would be there as well.
Education
HOW MIGHT WE’S ADDRESSED:
It was crucial to include customization options to allow for the proper expression of one’s identity. Being able to take a resource and make it your own to better resonate with who you are helps form a safe space within the app itself.
While subtle, placing the flag option around the profile icon allows for flexibility of comfort among users. Some users may still be discovering their identity, while others have found one that best aligns with them. While all flag options would be available, regular colors would be there as well.