Kindred - Mobile Dating App
Kindred is a mobile dating app designed to foster meaningful connections based on astrological compatibility and shared values.
Goal
Design a user-centric dating app that uses birth chart compatibility, core values, and personality traits to create deeper, more aligned connections.
Problem
Modern dating apps are saturated with swipe fatigue, lack of emotional depth, and overemphasis on appearance. Users crave compatibility-driven matches that reflect who they are at a soul level — not just who looks good in photos.
My Role
Product Designer (solo)
UX Researcher
Frontend MVP Developer (React Native)
Process
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Conducted surveys and interviews with 20+ singles frustrated with dating apps.
Key insights:
People want matches aligned with their emotional needs and long-term goals.
Many are interested in astrology but don’t know how to apply it meaningfully in dating.
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Created 2 core personas:
Intentional Romantic – emotionally self-aware, seeks deep connection.
Astrology Enthusiast – believes in cosmic compatibility and emotional energy.
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Studied apps like Hinge, Bumble, and Coffee Meets Bagel.
Found a gap: no seamless UX that combines birth chart syncing + value-based prompts + aesthetic personalization.
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Astrological Match Sync: Users input birth date, time, and location to auto-generate their chart.
Compatibility Meter: Highlights romantic chemistry across key placements like Moon, Venus, Mars.
Core Values Match: Swipe based on values first, not photos.
Voice Intros: Add depth to profiles with personal audio clips.
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Mobile-first wireframes were created for:
🪐 Onboarding flow: Date of birth → Sync chart → Set values
✨ Discovery screen: Shows % compatibility + shared values
🎙 Profile screen: Includes natal chart summary + voice intro
💬 Connection screen: Prompts based on birth chart traits
✅ Status: Wireframes developed in Figma. Next step: clickable prototype.
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Color palette: Cosmic neutrals with pops of constellation gold and moody plum.
Typography: Elegant serif + clean sans serif pairing.
UI elements: Soft shadows, rounded buttons, gentle animations to evoke ease and trust.
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Conducted 5 unmoderated tests on mobile wireframes.
Findings:
Users loved seeing their birth chart visualized in a dating context.
4/5 testers said they'd prefer this method over photo-first apps.
Why Kindred?
In today’s fast-paced digital dating landscape, users often swipe endlessly through profiles without making meaningful connections. Many feel emotionally exhausted, misled by surface-level attraction, or frustrated by partners who aren’t aligned with their values or life goals. Despite a rise in niche dating apps, few prioritize emotional depth, spiritual alignment, or holistic compatibility.
Astrology is already used by millions to better understand themselves and others—but no major dating app has meaningfully integrated it to help users match based on alignment, not just appearance.
Customer Needs
A deeper, more intentional way to date rooted in values, energy, and compatibility.
Help filtering emotionally unavailable or mismatched partners before investing time.
A safe, intuitive space where they feel seen, heard, and aligned.
Business Needs
Leverage a $5B+ global online dating market with a distinct edge through astrology-based matchmaking.
Tap into the rapidly growing spiritual/self-awareness movement, especially among Gen Z and Millennial women.
Position Kindred as the go-to dating platform for emotionally intelligent singles seeking genuine connection.
Wireframe
The low-fidelity wireframes for Kindred were designed with a mobile-first approach, reflecting how users interact with dating apps on the go. Each screen prioritizes clarity, emotional resonance, and ease of use, while subtly integrating astrology-driven guidance.
Screens included:
Astro-Based Discovery Screen – Surfaced compatible matches based on birth chart alignment and shared values.
Profile Screen – Shows key info like core values, moon/sun sign compatibility, and audio memos to encourage deeper connection.
Match Preview Screen – Highlights alignment strengths, date potential, and voice-first interactions before deciding to connect.
Astrology Insight Modal – Gives quick-glance compatibility summaries using zodiac-based logic to explain emotional and mental alignment.
Each wireframe supports Kindred’s mission: to reinvent dating with a soul-centered lens, empowering users to find emotionally available matches in a more intuitive, aligned way.
Results & Takeaways
Successfully validated that astrology + values-first UX creates stronger engagement.
Users felt seen, curious, and excited — even before viewing a match’s photo.
Demonstrated ability to ideate, wireframe, test, and iterate solo.
Tools Used
Figma · Notion · Canva