WhatsApp is a messaging app for smartphones created in 2009 by two former Yahoo employees, Brian Acton and Jan Koum.Facebook clearly saw WhatsApp as a potential threat to its own offering, and therefore flexed its muscles. In February 2014, it moved to acquire WhatsApp for $19 billion
Whatsapp is changing the way users consume content in their mobile, WhatsApp grew fast, it was loved by its users, it changed the way people talk, mostly on instant messaging and then some for calls.
How many people useWhatsApp vs. other messenger apps
Over the years, Facebook has expanded advertising opportunities across its ecosystem. Advertisers now have the ability to reach people across Facebook, Instagram, Audience Network and Messenger. WhatsApp however needed to drive business out of it by ad revenue and further expand their reach — especially with younger demographics.
Since WhatsApp is a highly personal, and very private communication tool, which many users feel brands should have no part of. With this prototype, we will test user reactions to personalized content and ads. Users could be averse to intrusiveness, but at the same time, if the algorithm is based on highly personalized contextual information, some users may find it helpful
To show ads from businesses that are interesting and relevant to users, show ads based on the people users follow and things they like on Instagram, Facebook, and the websites and apps they visit and create a significant role in driving growth for the company
To gather insights on the current chat experience and status feature from users, with a focus on how they use messenger and status/stories on Whatsapp, Instagram and Facebook.
Research Method:
User Interviews
Persona
Wireframes
Prototype testing
The Status tab seems like a very safe place for advertisers to work within a generally closed messaging app and community.
By changing the boring status screen into a more gallery-like format with relevant and targeted ads, I assume it will create an exciting engagement opportunity for users
Stories on Snapchat and Instagram
Asking open ended questions was critical for me to keep the conversation going and creating opportunity for the person to tell me stories about their life that could lead me to critical insights and ideas. The following is a list of questions that were asked to the users.
Fashion Blogger
She lives for what she loves and it is a 24-hour job for her. She only accepts those products that fit her style.
“I am a fashion blogger and an influencer so I give my honest opinion on products I use and recommend. I am always connected with people on social media, for me it is a 24-hours job”
Traveller
Jack is a 27 year old creative guy who is a self meditator, explorer, dreamer, and always looking for a travel partner.
"I am a frequent traveller who not only travel for holidays but also highly motivate to participate in global sporting, cultural or music events by providing all the details of my travel and best way to enjoy"
*The user persona of my project helped me to imagine what they need in the feature and how they will use it (scenario/context)
CHAT LISTING SCREEN
The new all-white design with a 'cleaner look and feel, the overhaul puts search, groups and broadcast lists front and top in the app.
You will notice that the bottom bar is much lighter now in terms of colour and visibility.
CHAT SCREEN
Much brighter with soothing colours used on this screen.
The bottom bar has a transparent blur background which gives a strong blur effect in the background. The chat field has emoji icon upfront for better accessibility.
CHAT SCREEN BOTTOM TAB CONTROLLER
The bottom bar has a better interaction, it just needs a swipe up to expand the message box and display Contact, Camera, Media, Location and File.
The bottom bar is also accessible by tap on chevron to the left of message box.
STORY SCREEN
450 million users use Whatsapp Status, still low because of the ignorance in design and experience.
The new design is more gallery-like format, large images and interesting copy/title given by the users with relevant and targeted ads.
This new design allows users to express users individual experiences in a seamless storytelling way. Users now can not only upload photos but also can write about their trip / product usage / dining / etc. experiences.
STORY DETAIL SCREEN
Beautiful large images and browsing controls for multiple images.
A showcase of their experience in writing forat where user can share their story with possibly giving an itinerary feature (in near future) for viewers to plan.
A unique way of displaying ads stichhed within the content, relevant ads will be displayed as this will generate a positive lead to the advertiser.
There’s a lot of actions that I thought about but didn’t have more time to develop as:
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