Timeline
9 weeks
Role
Lead Designer
Team
Me
Toolkit
Figma
Adobe Illustrator
FigJam
Abstract
GemFinder is a mobile app designed to help users discover and explore small, local businesses in their area.
Created as part of a UX Experience course, this project involved designing a research-driven prototype from concept to high-fidelity solution. The app focuses on delivering a seamless and intuitive browsing experience, allowing users to easily find nearby spots such as cafés, bakeries, and boutiques.
GemFinder emphasizes location-based discovery, curated recommendations, and a user-friendly interface that encourages exploration of local communities.
Problem
People want to support and explore small, local businesses, but discovering them is often difficult using existing platforms. Many current tools prioritize large chains, lack personalized recommendations, and make it challenging to uncover unique or lesser-known spots.
Users struggle to find e-commerce experiences that balance a strong, meaningful brand identity with a clear and intuitive shopping journey, often leading to visually appealing sites that sacrifice usability or functional sites that lack emotional connection.
Analysis
Users need to trust.
Current searching platforms favor sponsored companies leading to a general skepticism in the places that show up.
Solution
Introducing GemFinder, a community-driven app that helps you discover and support local small businesses.
Outcome