PowpUp
PowpUp is a mobile app that allows users to create or join spontaneous events (called “PowpUps”) and discover bookable spaces instantly. It’s designed for people who want to enjoy real-life experiences without the pressure of extensive planning.
Role
Product Designer
Duration
March 2025 - July 2025
Credits
Tool
Figma
Tags
Design goals & Objectives
-
Enable users to easily create or join events in real time.
-
Make listing and booking spaces as effortless as calling a ride.
-
Match people based on mood, interest, and location.
-
Reduce planning stress through AI-powered suggestions.
User Persona
The Explorer (Powpper & Upper)
Name
Zainab
Location
Manchester, UK
Occupation
Software Engineer
Tech Know how
Vibe
Outgoing, Spontaneous
Style
Flexible
“I don’t always have plans but when something exciting pops up nearby, I want to be part of it instantly.”
Goals
-
Discover last-minute social events or creative hangouts nearby
-
Find spontaneous ways to unwind after work
-
Meet Like mind and fun people
-
Explore her city in a more social, authentic way
Pain Points
-
Gets overwhelmed by too many event options on platforms
-
Hate rigid RSVPs and formal event setup
-
Often feels like she is missing out on the real fun
-
Struggles to meet people outside her usual online circles
How PowpUp helps
-
Mood-based browsing to match her vibe
-
Real-time events she can join instantly
-
No pressure or commitment—just easy, spontaneous fun
-
Shows only nearby PowpUps, so she’s never too far from the action.
The Host
Name
Alex
Location
Manchester, UK
Occupation
High School Teacher
Tech Know how
Vibe
Intentional
Style
Flexible but thoughtful
“I have the perfect space. I just need an easy way to share it with the right people—without making it a big deal.”
Goals
-
Share his rooftop space for creative gatherings
-
Monetize unused spaces casually
-
Maintain privacy and safety while still earning passively
-
Offer his space flexibly. Only when it's convenient for him
Pain Points
-
Feels overwhelmed by rental platforms that expect professional hosting
-
Wants to avoid guests who misuse or disrespect the space
-
Needs clear boundaries—who comes, when, and how long they stay
-
struggles to describe or price his space competitively without help
How PowpUp helps
-
Gets overwhelmed by too many event options on platforms
-
Hate rigid RSVPs and formal event setup
-
Often feels like she is missing out on the real fun
-
Struggles to meet people outside her usual online circles
Hi-fi Mockups
1. Onboarding
From the moment a new user downloads PowpUp, they’re welcomed into an experience that feels fast, familiar, and personal. After a quick sign-up, the app introduces users to what tags. Users choose their interests (like “chill vibes,” “creative hangouts,” or “outdoor fun”) and preferred times (weekends, late nights, etc.). Based on these inputs, the app tailors suggestions and notifications—making sure each user sees Powps and Spaces that actually match their lifestyle.
2. Feed
The main feed is dynamic, constantly showing nearby Powps or Spaces that align with the user’s selected mood, time availability, and social interests. Cards are swipeable and easy to preview—users can tap into one to see more details, message the host, or RSVP instantly. The design encourages light interaction and instant discovery, making the app feel alive and spontaneous.
3. Create a PowpUp
Creating a powp is intentionally simple and expressive. The user begins by selecting a mood and giving their powp a name. If they’re stuck, the built-in AI Assistant can generate one. They choose a date and time, set the visibility (public or invite-only), and add a short description. They can also set rules like “no smoking” or “bring your own snacks.”
There’s a photo upload step to add personality and context, and once submitted, the powp is live. Friends can be invited directly, or it can go public and show up in feeds of nearby users.
The goal here is to reduce the friction of organizing something making it feel more like posting a story than planning an event.
4. List a space
For users who have a cool apartment, cozy rooftop, or backyard worth sharing, PowpUp allows them to list their space in just a few steps.
The process starts with uploading images of the space, then moves into entering key details:
- Space name
- Description (with optional AI help)
- Capacity
- Rules (e.g., noise levels, smoking policy)
- Availability windows
Users can set their own pricing (if applicable), or offer it for free to create community-driven powps. Each space listing can also include preset moods it fits (e.g., “Quiet,” “Loud,” “Creative”).
It’s built to be inclusive — you don’t need a big house to host. Even a well-lit corner or shared studio can become a vibe.
5. In-app Messaging
Once someone joins a powp or books a space, they’re added to a dedicated chat. This helps attendees coordinate quickly — share what to bring, confirm time, or ask last-minute questions.
Group chats feel lightweight and real-time, with message indicators and reactions. For hosts, it’s also a way to set expectations or share updates like “Running 10 minutes late.”
Users can also message a space host before booking, allowing for questions around accessibility or flexibility. All of this keeps communication off scattered DMs and inside the app experience.
6. AI Powered Assistant
- Catchy titles based on your mood
- Descriptions for events or locations
- Tags that help visibility in the feed
- Suggested rules or formats (e.g., “BYOB,” “No Loud Music After 10 PM”)
- It adapts suggestions based on time, location, and category, helping you go from idea to publish-ready in seconds.
Challenges
- Designing for spontaneous event creation meant removing friction while still offering enough control. Users needed to start a PowpUp in seconds but also wanted options for privacy, tags, and context.
- Designing for three very different user journey
- Users were hesitant to attend or host impromptu Powpups or make their spaces public without knowing what to expect or who would show up.
- The AI assistant had to feel smart but non-intrusive. I didn’t want users to feel like they were being auto-filled or taken over.
What I learnt
Designing Spontaneity Isn’t Easy, But It’s Worth It
Creating a product based on last-minute fun meant making flows that felt quick but not chaotic. I learned to streamline entry points, reduce decision fatigue, and make the interface feel responsive and welcoming—even for users who don’t plan ahead.Clear Communication Elevates New Ideas
Since PowpUp introduces unfamiliar concepts like “powping” and instant space listing, I had to make every word count. This taught me how to write microcopy and design interactions that explain without overwhelming—especially during onboarding.AI Should Empower, Not Overwhelm
Incorporating an AI assistant challenged me to think about how automation fits naturally into the user flow. I learned to use AI to help users create events or listings faster, while still letting them stay in control of their ideas.Visual Design Sets the Emotional Tone
Balancing vibrant colors, bold typography, and iconography helped me create a tone that was playful yet intentional. This experience improved my ability to design systems that align visually with the app’s personality and purpose.You’re Not Just Designing Features—You’re Shaping Moments
Every feature in PowpUp aimed to capture real social habits—like being impulsive, flexible, or just needing a quick way to hang out. This project reminded me that good design is rooted in empathy and human behavior, not just visuals.
Eyinla Blessing Damola
I'm a seasoned product designer with a passion for turning complex ideas into intuitive, impactful digital experiences.
Let’s create something Amazing
Blesssing Eyinla @ 2025