Senior Product Designer
Team
Duration
Background
Solution
Do now. Connect later. Those two halves happen at different times, in completely different states of mind and that tension is what the whole design has to resolve.
To strengthen the app’s foundation, I introduced essential features including an events page, a new home screen, improved navigation, an activity feed, and event-based planning. Alongside updating the design system and refining the virtual UI, these changes positioned NiteOut to combine real-world and virtual events, helping people connect and build community around shared interests.
Pain Points
Everyone leaves a show with a hundred photos and no practical way to get them to the people who were standing next to them.
Accessibility gaps: The design lacked standards for consistency, scalability, and inclusivity.
Limited ways to connect: The app only supported virtual spaces, leaving little room for real-world event engagement or varied interactions.
Lack of structure: Core features like an Events page, home screen, and activity feed were missing, making the experience feel incomplete.
Unclear navigation: The user flow from opening the app to discovering and joining events was confusing for both new and returning users.
No event support systems: There was no feedback loop, reminders, or notification system to keep users engaged with upcoming events.
Design Goals
We focused on transforming from an app centered on virtual spaces into a platform that supports both real-world and virtual events.
Ensure accessibility and consistency: Establish a scalable design system with clear settings, consistent patterns, high color contrast, and accessible UI interactions for an inclusive experience.
Broaden engagement opportunities: Expand virtual spaces with diverse themes and activities, while enabling users to plan and share events with friends both inside and outside the app.
Highlight events as the core experience: Introduce and organize essential features such as Events, planning, sharing, and the Activity Feed, within a clear navigation system for intuitive discovery.
Encourage meaningful re-engagement: Develop a gentle notification system that promotes upcoming events and nudges users back into the app without creating overload.
Testing and Iteration
I met regularly with the founder, engineers, 3D artists, etc. to ensure design consistency and accessibility.
Design System Revamp
The previous design centered around the virtual space and didn’t provide any flexibility for engagement. I established a scalable and accessible design system to help us build new and better features for the product.
Previous MVP Design
The previous design had structure, but needed better ways to involve the user.
Updated Accessible Design System
I established a scalable design system with clear settings, consistent patterns, high color contrast, and accessible UI interactions for an inclusive, engaging experience.
Result
As a result, we allowed more opportunities of engagement between users on the platform by organizing and implementing new features necessary for event planning and sharing.
Engagement
Organizing and unifying the UI helped users focus on the environment and key things to help them engage better. The profile was important for users to get a glimpse of each others interests and be able to spark conversations by games, chatting, and dancing.
Re-engagement
Being reminded of events you RSVP’d to or introducing new events was beneficial for re-engagement. We worked through keeping the reminders minimal and not intrusive to gently bring our users back.
Reflection & Learnings
© 2026 Nicholas Glaser