Vibe Check: a Y2K-inspired safety app that empowers urban nightlife explorers with real-time safety ratings, live alerts, and community-driven tools to ensure confident, connected nights out.
OVERVIEW
Nightlife should be fun, exciting, and safe, but for many women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and newcomers, it often feels daunting. Navigating nightlife without reliable safety information can lead to anxiety and missed opportunities for connection. That’s where Vibe Check comes in — a Y2K-inspired safety app that provides real-time safety ratings, live alerts, and community-driven tools to empower nightlife enthusiasts to explore confidently and connect meaningfully. Vibe Check transforms nightlife into a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
ROLE
UX/UI Design
TYPE & TIMELINE
Side Hustle Project
12 weeks (Fall 2024)
TOOLS
Figma
Photoshop
Illustrator
Canva
TEAM
Zofia Farley
Sandra Sanchez
Olivia Koerner
Alyssa Black
BACKGROUND
Exploring nightlife in urban areas can feel intimidating, especially for women and LGBTQ+ individuals. The absence of real-time safety insights and a community-driven platform leaves many in uncertainty. Our survey findings underscore this challenge: 85% of women reported feeling at least somewhat unsafe when going out. Surprisingly, while 58% of men claimed to be unconcerned with their safety, 92% still took precautions, revealing a universal need for safety tools, regardless of gender. These insights highlight the need for a platform like Vibe Check, designed to provide actionable safety information and empower nightlife enthusiasts to explore with confidence.
CHALLENGE
How might we help urban nightlife explorers access reliable safety insights and community-driven safety tools to confidently explore their city?
OPPORTUNITY
The rising demand for safety-conscious platforms and real-time updates makes it the perfect moment to introduce Vibe Check. By leveraging trending technology and
user-driven insights, we can create an indispensable tool for navigating nightlife safely.
MISSION STATEMENT
Enabling nightlife enthusiasts to confidently and safely explore their cities, knowing they can assess safety and pass the vibe check.
MANIFESTO
Hey Bestie. Let us paint you a picture. It’s 9:48 PM on a Friday night. You’re leaving the restaurant you met your friends at in an unfamiliar area. Street lighting is practically nonexistent (ugh, a pain), and as you approach your car, you double-check to make sure no one’s lurking nearby. You shouldn’t feel like the star of a low-budget horror film just because you’re out enjoying yourself. We GET it. That’s why we created Vibe Check. With us, you’ll leave the house feeling confident, knowing which spots are safe. Because safety and enjoying your night are the vibes we’re all about.
SOLUTION
Introducing Vibe Check.
A Y2K-inspired safety app designed to provide urban nightlife explorers with the tools they need to feel confident and connected when going out.
KEY FEATURES
Photo Verification
Safety Ratings
Social Connect
Interactive Map
Connect with QR Code
Rewards
Venue Reviews
SOS Widget
Vibe Check: a Y2K-inspired safety app that empowers urban nightlife explorers with real-time safety ratings, live alerts, and community-driven tools to ensure confident, connected nights out.
OVERVIEW
Nightlife should be fun, exciting, and safe, but for many women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and newcomers, it often feels daunting. Navigating nightlife without reliable safety information can lead to anxiety and missed opportunities for connection. That’s where Vibe Check comes in — a Y2K-inspired safety app that provides real-time safety ratings, live alerts, and community-driven tools to empower nightlife enthusiasts to explore confidently and connect meaningfully. Vibe Check transforms nightlife into a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
ROLE
UX/UI Design
TEAM
Zofia Farley
Sandra Sanchez
Olivia Koerner
Alyssa Black
TYPE & TIMELINE
Side Hustle Project
12 weeks (Fall 2024)
TOOLS
Figma
Photoshop
Illustrator
Canva
Vibe Check: a Y2K-inspired safety app that empowers urban nightlife explorers with real-time safety ratings, live alerts, and community-driven tools to ensure confident, connected nights out.
OVERVIEW
Nightlife should be fun, exciting, and safe, but for many women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and newcomers, it often feels daunting. Navigating nightlife without reliable safety information can lead to anxiety and missed opportunities for connection. That’s where Vibe Check comes in — a Y2K-inspired safety app that provides real-time safety ratings, live alerts, and community-driven tools to empower nightlife enthusiasts to explore confidently and connect meaningfully. Vibe Check transforms nightlife into a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
TYPE & TIMELINE
Side Hustle Project
12 weeks (Fall 2024)
ROLE
UX/UI Design
TEAM
Zofia Farley
Sandra Sanchez
Olivia Koerner
Alyssa Black
TOOLS
Figma
Photoshop
Illustrator
Canva
BACKGROUND
Exploring nightlife in urban areas can feel intimidating, especially for women and LGBTQ+ individuals. The absence of real-time safety insights and a community-driven platform leaves many in uncertainty. Our survey findings underscore this challenge: 85% of women reported feeling at least somewhat unsafe when going out. Surprisingly, while 58% of men claimed to be unconcerned with their safety, 92% still took precautions, revealing a universal need for safety tools, regardless of gender. These insights highlight the need for a platform like Vibe Check, designed to provide actionable safety information and empower nightlife enthusiasts to explore with confidence.
CHALLENGE
How might we help urban nightlife explorers access reliable safety insights and community-driven safety tools to confidently explore
their city?
How might we help urban nightlife explorers access reliable safety insights and community-driven safety tools to confidently explore their city?
OPPORTUNITY
The rising demand for safety-conscious platforms and real-time updates makes it the perfect moment to introduce Vibe Check. By leveraging trending technology and user-driven insights, we can create an indispensable tool for navigating nightlife safely.
MISSION STATEMENT
Enabling nightlife enthusiasts to confidently and safely explore their cities, knowing they can assess safety and pass the vibe check.
MANIFESTO
Hey Bestie. Let us paint you a picture. It’s 9:48 PM on a Friday night. You’re leaving the restaurant you met your friends at in an unfamiliar area. Street lighting is practically nonexistent (ugh, a pain), and as you approach your car, you double-check to make sure no one’s lurking nearby. You shouldn’t feel like the star of a low-budget horror film just because you’re out enjoying yourself. We GET it. That’s why we created Vibe Check. With us, you’ll leave the house feeling confident, knowing which spots are safe. Because safety and enjoying your night are the vibes we’re all about.
SOLUTION
Introducing Vibe Check.
A Y2K-inspired safety app designed to provide urban nightlife explorers with the tools they need to feel confident and connected when going out.
A Y2K-inspired safety app designed to provide urban nightlife explorers with the tools they need to feel confident and connected when going out.
KEY FEATURES
Social Connect
Connect with QR Code
Rewards
Venue Reviews
SOS Widget
Photo Verification
Safety Ratings
Interactive Map
Photo Verification
To join Vibe Check, you’ll need to complete a quick photo verification process using a video selfie. This ensures a safe and authentic community by verifying your photos. Your data is securely handled and helps maintain trust and integrity within the app.
Real-time Safety Ratings
This feature helps you make informed decisions about where to go. Instantly see how crowded a bar is and share your own observations. Rate venues on key factors like staff approachability, outdoor lighting, parking accessibility, bathroom cleanliness, phone service, and security presence. You can also read reviews from others to get a clear picture of the venue’s vibe and safety, ensuring a fun and secure experience every time.
Social Connect
This feature enables users to discover and connect with people nearby in a social setting. Users can browse profiles that initiate connections. With the option to toggle their own visibility, users can choose whether they want to be discoverable or not, making it easy to engage with others on their own terms.
Interactive Map
The map allows users to discover nearby locations such as friends, bars, and clubs. Users can apply filters to focus on specific categories, helping them decide where to go and stay connected with their social circle in real-time.
Connect with QR code
The QR code makes it effortless to expand your social circle on the app. Simply scan a friend’s unique QR code to instantly add them or join their group. Share your code with others to connect seamlessly, whether you're building a group for a night out or adding new friends to your network. It’s quick, convenient, and ensures you stay connected with the people you meet.
Rewards
The rewards feature allows users to earn points by engaging with the app, which can then be redeemed for exclusive rewards. Users can track their available points and redemption history while browsing a variety of reward options, such as items, gift cards, and perks. This feature encourages interaction and provides tangible benefits, making the experience fun and rewarding.
SOS Widget
The SOS widget offers quick access to emergency assistance directly from the lock screen. With a single tap, the button contacts the user’s designated emergency contacts and prompts them to call 911. The user has the option to accept or decline the 911 prompt, ensuring a fast and reliable response in critical situations. This feature prioritizes safety and peace of mind, giving users the tools they need when it matters most.
Venue Reviews
Users can share their experiences by leaving reviews for venues, with the option to remain anonymous. They can provide written feedback, upload photos, and give ratings, helping others understand the vibe and quality of a venue. This fosters a community of shared insights for better decision-making.
KEY FEATURES
Photo Verification
Safety Ratings
Social Connect
Interactive Map
Connect with QR Code
Rewards
Venue Reviews
SOS Widget
Photo Verification
To join Vibe Check, you’ll need to complete a quick photo verification process using a video selfie. This ensures a safe and authentic community by verifying your photos. Your data is securely handled and helps maintain trust and integrity within the app.
To join Vibe Check, you’ll need to complete a quick photo verification process using a video selfie. This ensures a safe and authentic community by verifying your photos. Your data is securely handled and helps maintain trust and integrity within the app.
Safety Ratings
Safety Ratings
This feature helps you make informed decisions about where to go. Instantly see how crowded a bar is and share your own observations. Rate venues on key factors like staff approachability, outdoor lighting, parking accessibility, bathroom cleanliness, phone service, and security presence. You can also read reviews from others to get a clear picture of the venue’s vibe and safety, ensuring a fun and secure experience every time.
This feature helps you make informed decisions about where to go. Instantly see how crowded a bar is and share your own observations. Rate venues on key factors like staff approachability, outdoor lighting, parking accessibility, bathroom cleanliness, phone service, and security presence. You can also read reviews from others to get a clear picture of the venue’s vibe and safety, ensuring a fun and secure experience every time.
Social Connect
Social Connect
This feature enables users to discover and connect with people nearby in a social setting. Users can browse profiles that initiate connections. With the option to toggle their own visibility, users can choose whether they want to be discoverable or not, making it easy to engage with others on their own terms.
This feature enables users to discover and connect with people nearby in a social setting. Users can browse profiles that initiate connections. With the option to toggle their own visibility, users can choose whether they want to be discoverable or not, making it easy to engage with others on their own terms.
Interactive Map
Interactive Map
The map allows users to discover nearby locations such as friends, bars, and clubs. Users can apply filters to focus on specific categories, helping them decide where to go and stay connected with their social circle in real-time.
The map allows users to discover nearby locations such as friends, bars, and clubs. Users can apply filters to focus on specific categories, helping them decide where to go and stay connected with their social circle in real-time.
Connect with QR code
Connect with QR code
The QR code makes it effortless to expand your social circle on the app. Simply scan a friend’s unique QR code to instantly add them or join their group. Share your code with others to connect seamlessly, whether you're building a group for a night out or adding new friends to your network. It’s quick, convenient, and ensures you stay connected with the people you meet.
The QR code makes it effortless to expand your social circle on the app. Simply scan a friend’s unique QR code to instantly add them or join their group. Share your code with others to connect seamlessly, whether you're building a group for a night out or adding new friends to your network. It’s quick, convenient, and ensures you stay connected with the people you meet.
Rewards
Rewards
The rewards feature allows users to earn points by engaging with the app, which can then be redeemed for exclusive rewards. Users can track their available points and redemption history while browsing a variety of reward options, such as items, gift cards, and perks. This feature encourages interaction and provides tangible benefits, making the experience fun and rewarding.
The rewards feature allows users to earn points by engaging with the app, which can then be redeemed for exclusive rewards. Users can track their available points and redemption history while browsing a variety of reward options, such as items, gift cards, and perks. This feature encourages interaction and provides tangible benefits, making the experience fun and rewarding.
Venue Reviews
Venue Reviews
Users can share their experiences by leaving reviews for venues, with the option to remain anonymous. They can provide written feedback, upload photos, and give ratings, helping others understand the vibe and quality of a venue. This fosters a community of shared insights for better decision-making.
Users can share their experiences by leaving reviews for venues, with the option to remain anonymous. They can provide written feedback, upload photos, and give ratings, helping others understand the vibe and quality of a venue. This fosters a community of shared insights for better decision-making.
SOS Widget
SOS Widget
The SOS widget offers quick access to emergency assistance directly from the lock screen. With a single tap, the button contacts the user’s designated emergency contacts and prompts them to call 911. The user has the option to accept or decline the 911 prompt, ensuring a fast and reliable response in critical situations. This feature prioritizes safety and peace of mind, giving users the tools they need when it matters most.
The SOS widget offers quick access to emergency assistance directly from the lock screen. With a single tap, the button contacts the user’s designated emergency contacts and prompts them to call 911. The user has the option to accept or decline the 911 prompt, ensuring a fast and reliable response in critical situations. This feature prioritizes safety and peace of mind, giving users the tools they need when it matters most.
REFLECTION
We started as a group of women discussing how connecting with others became more difficult as we got older. Going through several varying ideas we dug deeper and discovered that a pain point we were really passionate about was how hard it is being a woman in a male-dominated world. Thus, the concept of a safety app was born. Starting out as a more broad idea that covered a lot of different environments we felt unsafe in, we narrowed it down to nightlife safety. After all, we’re just girls, and we wanna have fun.
Together, we created VibeCheck. An ambitious concept that we were determined to see through, and it taught us a lot along the way. Once an app catered to all genders, our research showed us that men’s idea of safety is vastly different than women’s. As we created an app with females and LGBTQ+ individuals in mind, we realized how important the user journey is in app development. Overall, we learned that building an app from the ground up is an incredibly tedious process that we’re glad we accomplished. But our biggest accomplishment, by far, was the friends we made along the way.
REFLECTION
We started as a group of women discussing how connecting with others became more difficult as we got older. Going through several varying ideas we dug deeper and discovered that a pain point we were really passionate about was how hard it is being a woman in a male-dominated world. Thus, the concept of a safety app was born. Starting out as a more broad idea that covered a lot of different environments we felt unsafe in, we narrowed it down to nightlife safety. After all, we’re just girls, and we wanna have fun.
Together, we created VibeCheck. An ambitious concept that we were determined to see through, and it taught us a lot along the way. Once an app catered to all genders, our research showed us that men’s idea of safety is vastly different than women’s. As we created an app with females and LGBTQ+ individuals in mind, we realized how important the user journey is in app development. Overall, we learned that building an app from the ground up is an incredibly tedious process that we’re glad we accomplished. But our biggest accomplishment, by far, was the friends we made along the way.
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