Lugo Channels, Groups & Bots Redesign

A streamlined, intuitive messaging hub that makes discovering channels, joining groups, and engaging with bots simple, seamless, trustworthy, and enjoyable every day

Role

UX/UI Designer

Role

UX/UI Designer

Role

UX/UI Designer

Industry

Public Transport Commuter

Industry

Public Transport Commuter

Industry

Public Transport Commuter

Duration

3 months

Duration

3 months

Duration

3 months

a cellphone leaning against a wall
a cellphone leaning against a wall
a cellphone leaning against a wall

Stage 1 – Usability Audit & Research

  • Objective:

    Understand how users navigate and interact with the existing Channels & Bots feature.


  • Methods:

    Conducted heuristic evaluation, competitor benchmarking (popular messaging and community apps), and quick user interviews.


  • Findings:

    • Users found the All / Bots / Channels / Groups tabs visually similar, making filtering less obvious.

    • Inconsistent iconography and typography hindered quick scanning of messages.

    • Lack of verification or trust markers caused hesitation when joining new channels or starting bot conversations.


Stage 2 – Design Strategy

  • Defined a product strategy focused on clarity, discoverability, and trust.

  • Prioritized:

    • Streamlined navigation with stronger visual hierarchy for the top tabs.

    • Verified badges for official bots/channels to build confidence.

    • Improved message preview and date readability for faster decision-making.

  • Created a roadmap separating quick wins (icon consistency, accessible colors, improved microcopy) from long term enhancements (loyalty programs, multi-language support, in-app help).


Stage 3 – Prototype Development

  • Wireframes:

    Mapped out new layouts with larger tap targets, clearer message previews, and a dedicated Discover Channels area to encourage exploration.


  • High-Fidelity Prototypes:

    Built interactive screens in Figma, applying Lugo’s vibrant purple brand palette while improving contrast and readability.


  • UI Design:

    • Updated typography and spacing for better scan-ability.

    • Introduced subtle dividers and badges for unread messages and verified channels.

    • Refined icon set to visually differentiate bots, channels, and groups.

Stage 1 – Usability Audit & Research

  • Objective:

    Understand how users navigate and interact with the existing Channels & Bots feature.


  • Methods:

    Conducted heuristic evaluation, competitor benchmarking (popular messaging and community apps), and quick user interviews.


  • Findings:

    • Users found the All / Bots / Channels / Groups tabs visually similar, making filtering less obvious.

    • Inconsistent iconography and typography hindered quick scanning of messages.

    • Lack of verification or trust markers caused hesitation when joining new channels or starting bot conversations.


Stage 2 – Design Strategy

  • Defined a product strategy focused on clarity, discoverability, and trust.

  • Prioritized:

    • Streamlined navigation with stronger visual hierarchy for the top tabs.

    • Verified badges for official bots/channels to build confidence.

    • Improved message preview and date readability for faster decision-making.

  • Created a roadmap separating quick wins (icon consistency, accessible colors, improved microcopy) from long term enhancements (loyalty programs, multi-language support, in-app help).


Stage 3 – Prototype Development

  • Wireframes:

    Mapped out new layouts with larger tap targets, clearer message previews, and a dedicated Discover Channels area to encourage exploration.


  • High-Fidelity Prototypes:

    Built interactive screens in Figma, applying Lugo’s vibrant purple brand palette while improving contrast and readability.


  • UI Design:

    • Updated typography and spacing for better scan-ability.

    • Introduced subtle dividers and badges for unread messages and verified channels.

    • Refined icon set to visually differentiate bots, channels, and groups.

a cellphone leaning against a wall
a cellphone leaning against a wall
a cellphone leaning against a wall
a cell phone on a rock
a cell phone on a rock
a cell phone on a rock

Stage 4 – User Feedback & Iteration

Conducted remote usability sessions with existing Lugo users.

  • Feedback:

    • Users loved the cleaner look and clearer tabs but wanted more context in message previews.

    • Some requested stronger emphasis on official/verified channels.


  • Iterations:

    Adjusted spacing, enhanced preview snippets, and enlarged verification badges to reinforce trust.


Stage 5 – Implementation & Launch Support

  • Delivered a component-based design system and developer handoff specs in Figma.

  • Partnered closely with the engineering team during QA to ensure pixel-perfect alignment with prototypes across Android and iOS.

  • Supplied marketing visuals and updated app-store screenshots highlighting the redesigned Channels & Bots experience.


a cell phone on a ledge
a cell phone on a ledge
a cell phone on a ledge
a cell phone on a table
a cell phone on a table
a cell phone on a table
a cell phone on a bench
a cell phone on a bench
a cell phone on a bench

Outcomes

  • Simplified Discovery:

    Users can now filter and locate channels or bots faster, reducing time-to-interaction.


  • Increased Trust:

    Verified badges and consistent iconography boosted confidence in joining new conversations.


  • Consistent Brand Experience:

    A refreshed, modern interface strengthened Lugo’s identity and improved overall usability.


Takeaway
This project strengthened my expertise in designing messaging and bot ecosystems for a consumer app. Through user-centered research, iterative prototyping, and close developer collaboration, the updated Lugo interface offers a cleaner, more intuitive way to discover channels and engage with bots demonstrating how thoughtful design can drive adoption and trust.

Outcomes

  • Simplified Discovery:

    Users can now filter and locate channels or bots faster, reducing time-to-interaction.


  • Increased Trust:

    Verified badges and consistent iconography boosted confidence in joining new conversations.


  • Consistent Brand Experience:

    A refreshed, modern interface strengthened Lugo’s identity and improved overall usability.


Takeaway
This project strengthened my expertise in designing messaging and bot ecosystems for a consumer app. Through user-centered research, iterative prototyping, and close developer collaboration, the updated Lugo interface offers a cleaner, more intuitive way to discover channels and engage with bots demonstrating how thoughtful design can drive adoption and trust.

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