Overview
In this project case study, I will be sharing my experience designing a mobile app for Pickleball enthusiasts. The goal was to create an app that made it easy for players to connect with other Pickleball players, set up games, and find courts.
Throughout the design process, I focused on creating an intuitive user interface that would enhance the overall user experience and encourage engagement with the app.
My responsibilities
User research
Define personas
Identify problems
Information architecture
Wireframing
Prototyping
User testing
Iteration
Duration
2024
Process
Breaking down the project
The idea for Paddle Tap came from personal experience. After moving to a brand new city, I was searching for ways to connect with other people and ended up discovering pickleball. The challenge I ran into was that organizing games and finding players wasn't always easy. I started by researching common challenges other players face when trying to set up games, find courts, or connect with other enthusiasts nearby. This helped define the core features and pain points the app needed to solve.
Designing with Purpose
Based on these insights, I drew out key flows like setting up games, finding nearby courts, and matching with other players of similar skill levels. I focused on a clean and approachable interface that would feel easy for both casual and competitive players.
Refining through feedback
After building the initial prototype, I tested it with real pickleball players to gather feedback. The result was an intuitive, community driven app that helps players connect, compete, and grow the game.
Takeaways
Designing the Paddle Tap app reminded me how important it is to get user feedback. As a regular player myself, I assumed at first I had all the proper features laid out, but after testing I realized there were pain points I had not considered. Some of those became key parts of the final design, and others are ideas I'd explore further if the app continued to evolve.
This project taught me the value of designing with curiosity, empathy, and creating something that really reflects the needs of a growing community.