YouMe is a discreet social messaging app designed to prioritize privacy, control, and intentional interaction. It empowers users to decide what, when, and with whom they share - reshaping the typical dynamics of mobile communication. The founders brought me on board from day one to help bring their vision to life, from strategic UX thinking to a complete, user-ready MVP.
The Challenge. How do you build a messaging experience that feels intimate, secure, and under the user's control?
How do you simplify the UI to highlight privacy tools without adding friction?
How do you establish a unique visual identity in a saturated messaging app market?
1. MVP with a Privacy-First Mindset
From the start, I focused on crafting core features that validated YouMe’s differentiator - privacy and control.
Key UX patterns:
Granular chat settings per contact (e.g. message hiding, screen capture blocking).
Timed messages and encryption as baseline features.
Swipe-based actions and light visual language to reduce perceived complexity.
2. Designing for Trust and Ease
I created a minimalist interface that kept user agency front and center:
Chat screen with editable message visibility and dynamic toolbars.
Settings organized by intent: sharing, control, visibility.
Onboarding flows focused on reassurance, not noise.
3. Scalable UX Architecture
Though minimal, the system was built with future growth in mind:
Modular settings, icons, and interaction zones.
Profile customization and media management built into the tabbed navigation.
Framework ready to scale to group chats, voice, and integrations.
4. Visual and Brand Identity
I developed the visual identity to reflect discretion, warmth, and emotional intelligence:
Logo and UI language built around subtlety - not overt branding.
A calming cyan/gray color palette with soft edge elements.
Typography and iconography that reinforce simplicity and safety.
The overall look was intentionally quiet—focusing the user on their relationships, not the app itself. White space, minimal contrast, and unobtrusive transitions made the app feel like a sanctuary from social noise.
Outcomes
MVP design completed and delivered—ready for investor demos and pilot testing.
User testing showed high emotional clarity, with users calling the app “refreshingly private” and “in my control.”
Visual identity established for future brand development and pitch decks.
Reflection
YouMe was about designing restraint—pulling back from feature bloat and instead creating digital space for real, private interaction. I helped shape a brand and product that gives users not just tools, but peace of mind.