The Butterfly app helps people transform their social skills through an approachable, growth-focused user experience.

Project Components

Research & Strategy
UI/UX
Branding
Illustration
Copywriting

*SCAD MFA Group Project

The Butterfly app was created through a thoughtful design thinking process aimed at helping people navigate social settings, especially when it comes to public speaking and small talk. We dove into surveys, interviews, and secondary research, discovering that over 50% of respondents work in jobs where socializing is key.

Research Process & Takeaways
Our research revealed that many of our research participants avoided social situations despite working in people-focused roles. We found that neurodivergence and social phobia were the most common barriers to socializing, while making small talk caused the most stress. Our respondents shared that the most helpful features for an app would be conversation starters and a body language coach, which shaped the foundation of Butterfly.

Design Process
The app features bug-themed language and illustrations to create a friendly, growth-focused experience. Recognizing the high prevalence of neurodivergence and social phobia, we aimed to make the app as calming and approachable as possible. Users can personalize their settings to prevent overstimulation by adjusting contrast, brightness, and color palette.

Based on the prevalence of people-focused careers, the app experience incorporates both work and social scenarios. We used our research to develop learning paths for socializing, and public speaking, with bite-sized lessons and tips that use machine learning to adapt to each individual’s needs and goals. The app includes exercises in starting conversations, and includes a body language coach to help users practice posture, hand gestures, and eye contact. It also allows users to upload scripts for planned speeches and rehearse with AI-powered feedback.

As individuals move through different learning paths, they earn badges for their progress and achievements along the way. Throughout the experience, one overarching message is key: the goal is not to change yourself, but to grow into confidence.