Aug 16, 2024
TAP'N
Tapn is a location-first social product built to surface what’s happening in the real world - not what’s trending online. Instead of feeds and followers, Tapn uses place as the primary signal.
Content lives where it happens.
Category
UI/UX DESIGN
Client
TAP'N
Product Duration
6 Months
WHERE?
WHO?
WHAT?
Tapn helps people answer three questions instantly:
• Where is something happening?
• Who’s involved?
• What is it about?
No scrolling.
No guessing.
Just context.
MAP-FIRST EXPERIENCE
The map isn’t a background.
It is the interface.
Users explore their surroundings the same way they move through the city — spatially, intuitively, and selectively.
Discovery happens by looking around, not digging through feeds.
ADAPTIVE UI, NOT FIXED SCREENS
Tapn adapts based on intent.
Widgets, cards, and signals change depending on:
• Zoom level
• Density
• Location context
The interface reshapes itself to stay relevant without overwhelming the user.
WHAT TAPN IS GOOD FOR
Tapn works for:
Events
Streets
Cafes
Situations
Local businesses
Unplanned moments
If it happens somewhere, it belongs here.
SMART LAYERING
Information is layered deliberately.
• High-signal content appears first
• Low-signal content stays out of the way
• Density rules prevent clutter
The goal is clarity, not completeness.
PERFORMANCE AS A DESIGN DECISION
Map tile loading, data density, and transitions were treated as UX problems — not engineering afterthoughts.
The experience is designed to feel immediate, even when the city is busy.
BALLOONS — LIGHTWEIGHT ATTENTION
Balloons are Tapn’s way of letting users say “something’s happening here”.
They’re:
• Visible
• Temporary
• Contextual
No long posts.
No commitment.
Just a signal.
PARTICIPATION, WITHOUT PRESSURE
Users can:
• Observe
• React
• Join conversations
• Share moments
• Recommend places
Everything is optional.
Nothing demands performance.
MY BUZZ
My Buzz reflects how someone participates over time.
It’s not a popularity score.
It’s a footprint of presence.
CURRENT SOCIAL LANDSCAPE
Most social platforms optimise for:
• Reach
• Engagement
• Content velocity
But everyday users increasingly look for:
• Relevance
• Proximity
• Low-effort interaction
This gap is where Tapn begins.
WHO IS ON SOCIAL MEDIA TODAY?
People don’t behave like “creators” all the time.
They move between modes:
• Watching
• Exploring
• Reacting
• Sharing
Tapn supports all of these without forcing creation.
WHO IS ON SOCIAL MEDIA TODAY?
People don’t behave like “creators” all the time.
They move between modes:
• Watching
• Exploring
• Reacting
• Sharing
Tapn supports all of these without forcing creation.
“NEAR ME” IS INTENT, NOT A TREND
Search behavior shows a clear shift toward:
Near me
Around me
Nearby now
Tapn turns this intent into a visual, spatial experience, instead of lists and filters.
DO PEOPLE TALK ABOUT NEIGHBORHOODS?
They already do — just not in one place.
People discuss:
• Streets
• Cafes
• Events
• Local incidents
• Hidden spots
Tapn anchors these conversations to geography, so context isn’t lost.
WHY DO PEOPLE SHARE AT ALL?
People share when:
It feels timely
It feels useful
It doesn’t require effort
It feels safe from judgment
Tapn lowers the cost of sharing by making it situational, not performative.
BEHAVIOR-LED PERSONAS
Tapn isn’t built around demographics.
It’s built around behavior.
Adventurer — explores places
Admirer — observes activity
Explorer — looks for experiences
Street Scholar — knows the area
Creator — expresses moments
One product.
Multiple natural ways to use it.
See what’s happening around you.
Join when it matters.
Move on when it doesn’t.
Tapn is designed for moments, not feeds.
Initial focus:
Dense urban areas
Youth and early professionals
Places with strong street-level activity
Adoption is local first — virality comes later.
BRAND DIRECTION
Tapn’s identity is:
Bold
Expressive
Local
Instantly recognisable
The brand is meant to stand out on maps, not blend into app stores.
VISUAL SYSTEM
Colors, typography, and icons are chosen for:
High contrast
Small-screen clarity
Fast recognition
The system is flexible enough to evolve city by city.
DESIGNING WITH DEVELOPERS IN MIND
People share when:
It feels timely
It feels useful
It doesn’t require effort
It feels safe from judgment
Tapn lowers the cost of sharing by making it situational, not performative.
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Over 300+ clients complete high-impact projects.
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Over 300+ clients complete high-impact projects.
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Over 300+ clients complete high-impact projects.
