THE CODE: BREAKING THE RULES

Amir

3 min read

Hello World

The Code is an AI-powered dating app designed for tech-savvy youth who crave innovation and authenticity. As the design partner, I took a bold approach to the UI, breaking away from traditional design norms and drawing inspiration from brutalism and code scripting. The result? A visually striking, unconventional interface that resonates with a generation that values creativity, individuality, and cutting-edge technology.

Problem: Too Generic

Traditional dating apps often feel generic and uninspired, especially to tech-savvy users who are drawn to unique, innovative experiences. The startup team wanted to create an app that stood out in a crowded market, one that not only matched users based on their unique definitions of beauty but also reflected their love for technology and creativity. My challenge was to design an interface that felt fresh, bold, and deeply connected to the app’s tech-driven ethos.

black blue and yellow textile
The Solution

The Code uses AI to analyze users’ favourite celebrities, map their facial features, and match them with people who share similar characteristics. To complement this innovative approach, I designed a UI inspired by brutalism and code scripting, creating a visual language that feels raw, edgy, and distinctly tech-forward. This unconventional design not only sets the app apart but also speaks directly to its target audience.

The process

1- Understanding the Audience

  • Collaborated with the startup team to define our target audience: tech-savvy youth aged 18–30 who value innovation, creativity, and authenticity.

  • Conducted user interviews to understand their preferences and pain points with existing dating apps.

Key Insight: Young, tech-savvy users are drawn to bold, unconventional designs that reflect their individuality and love for technology.

2- Ideation & Wireframing

  • Facilitated brainstorming sessions with the startup team to explore unconventional design concepts.

  • Drew inspiration from brutalism and code scripting to create a UI that feels raw, edgy, and tech-driven.

  • Developed wireframes that broke traditional design rules, using monospaced fonts, asymmetrical layouts, and code-like elements.

3- Visual Design

  • Created a bold, minimalist aesthetic with a monochromatic color palette and stark contrasts.

  • Used monospaced fonts and code-like typography to give the app a tech-forward vibe.

  • Incorporated asymmetrical layouts and raw, unpolished elements to embrace the essence of brutalism.

  • Designed interactive elements that mimic code scripting, such as loading animations that resemble lines of code.

Prototyping & Testing

  • Built interactive prototypes in Figma to test key flows, such as onboarding and match discovery.

  • Conducted usability testing with young, tech-savvy users to gather feedback on the unconventional design.

  • Iterated on designs based on user input, ensuring the interface felt intuitive and engaging despite its bold aesthetic.

Summary

Working as the design partner for The Code was an exhilarating experience. By breaking traditional design rules and drawing inspiration from brutalism and code scripting, we created an app that feels fresh, bold, and deeply connected to its tech-savvy audience. The Code isn’t just a dating app—it’s a statement, a reflection of how design can push boundaries and create meaningful connections in the digital age.

Role: Design Partner (Collaborating with Startup Team)
Tools: Figma, Adobe Suite, User Research, AI Integration
Timeline: 3 months