Clubhouse could add new features to enhance user experience without sacrificing their core values.
Technology has made it easier for us to connect and make friends, especially for Generation Z. As society spends more and more time virtually, dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, or Coffee Meets Bagel are becoming the default way people meet one another. There is no shortage of online apps that help you meet new people, and the list will only grow.
The latest entry into the social media landscape is Clubhouse, an iPhone app that lets people host and joins audio conversations with other users, just hit 10 million weekly active users this week. Crazy, right? What’s even more incredible than the number of users is the fact that you can only join by invitation (Clubhouse says it will eventually open up to everyone). Users create and join virtual “rooms” with different topics, and it has become one of the best new places to meet people online.
Article headlines of Clubhouse booming
Clubhouse joins an expanding universe of apps designed to bring people together, like Stereo (Live talk and podcast application), AmongChat, Yolo (Anonymous Q&A), Discord, GroupMe, Zoom, Houseparty, Twitch, and Fortnite.
Stereo - Join the Conversation
The Stereo app lets you find and explore new conversations and engage with the host. It’s an app where you can listen or talk to anyone, anywhere. You can listen to tons of different types of conversations, or start one of your own.
AmongChat - Voice Chat for Among Us Friends
AmongChat allows you to meet new friends and play together. You can talk and play with any players anywhere.
But why Clubhouse?
There are so many different conversation ranges which means there’s room for everyone to join and be a part of. Like Elon Musk had publicly invited Putin to have a conversation with him on Clubhouse.
Clubhouse was honestly something that was needed desperately especially during this time of pandemic and lockdowns. Through the application, it actually motivates us to stay more active and connected with our people. Clubhouse combines podcasts with a feeling of exclusivity like you get to eavesdrop on a really good conversation at the table next to you at a restaurant or happen to be at a small comedy club when a famous comedian shows up. The essence of Clubhouse seems to be that you listen in on more intimate, authentic conversations with celebrities and experts.
Honestly, Facebook should’ve done it first. But if you really look deeper into this application and pay closer attention you come to realize that this is basically a phone call that allows you to connect and meet people in a more creative yet simple way. So I thought what could Clubhouse possibly do next?
What's next?
Now that Clubhouse seems like the new place to hang out, Clubhouse should make an environment for the users to feel like they are actually in one sitting area together.
Rather than just providing the user a page of just profile photos during the conversation, Clubhouse should offer a friendlier environment by providing some type of mood.
Clubhouse is innovating by moving us back to the basics of a conversation. By stripping away the glitzy visuals and eye-catching U/X designs, it provides a better platform for human voices to take center stage.
Creating A Mood
Imagine if Clubhouse provided a setting like this. This would be the best way for people to feel like they are in one sitting together by creating some type of mood, like how people far apart can look at the same night sky. When in reality we’re just in our bed talking to one another. This could be a new place for people to come and not only talk about basically anything but a new place for people to come and actually hang out online. We can be as lazy as we want, but still, stay connected with people in a more intimate setting.
Sharing Special Moments
Clubhouse could also create an environment for those that are connecting online to celebrate. There could even be an option to send and receive gifts. Since large gatherings are not recommended and in some places, it is illegal to meet in a group with more than five people, Clubhouse can be the perfect place for people to come and gather.
Possibly even a function where you can have a sidebar conversation with friends while the chat is ongoing.
✨Clubhouse could add new features to enhance the user experience without sacrificing its core values.✨
Follow for more cool ideas & projects:
https://lilycykim.substack.com/p/design-for-the-heart-not-the-eye
