OVERVIEW

Identify a Problem with Instagram... and Design a Solution

This project was a 2 day design excercise where I was given the prompt to identify a problem with Instagram and design a solution. I chose to focus on the current challenges of event sharing and discovery on Instagram.

As a college student involved in many clubs and activities, I often find myself struggling to keep track of all the events being shared on Instagram. Important event details are often buried in captions and often forgotten, and remembering to RSVP to each even can be a hassle. I wanted to design a solultion that would streamline the event discovery and participation process.

SOLUTION

Using Metadata to Power Event Sharing and Discovery

Through the new event creation flow, users can add data such as event name, date, location, and important links. This data is then used to power features such as calendar & third-party integration, location-based event discovery, and a shortened user flow of event discovery to event participation.

REFLECTION

How Does it Fit Into Instagram's Design System?

After designing my proposed Events feature, I took the time to reflect on how my designs fit into Instagram's existing design system. Where does it fit well, and more importantly how does it break from existing patterns?

One design choice that I reconsidered was the RSVP link on feed posts. This design choice uses Instagram's link banner component, which is typically seen only on ads and paid content posts. If this UI is now seen on free, non-ad posts, how would it interfere with current user expectations, and Instagrams business model?