Gesture – A Dating App for the Deaf Community

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Category:

Web Design

Company:

HealthWell Inc.

Duration:

2 days

🧠 Problem Statement

There are over 6 million deaf and speech-impaired people in India, yet they remain excluded from the online dating landscape. Current platforms fail to provide inclusive experiences that cater to visual and non-verbal communication needs.


🎯 Objective

Design an inclusive dating app that empowers deaf and speech-impaired individuals to form genuine connections—without relying on spoken or written language.

🔍 Research

👤 Understanding the Users

I began by familiarizing myself with the lifestyles, challenges, and communication preferences of:

  • People who can’t hear

  • People who can’t speak

  • People who can’t hear and speak

📚 Primary & Secondary Research Insights

  • Many users understand basic alphabets but rely more on visuals, facial expressions, and sign language.

  • Reading proficiency varies; hence, text-heavy UIs can become barriers.

  • Users feel alienated by platforms that don't recognize Deaf culture.

  • Representation, sign language avatars/videos, and gesture-based interfaces are preferred.

Sources included:
Academic articles, accessibility blogs, and inclusive design research papers from St. Andrews
University
, Springer, and others.


🔎 Benchmarking

Reviewed existing apps like:

  • Glimmer

  • Hiki

  • Sign language learning platforms

Observation: No existing dating app truly catered to the nuanced communication and cultural needs of the Deaf community. I therefore referenced Bumble and Hinge for structural inspiration, while evolving the experience around visual-first interactions.


😓 Identified Pain Points

  1. Communication barriers and incompatible preferences

  2. Lack of respect or understanding of Deaf identity

  3. Profiles treating deafness as a flaw

  4. Difficulty finding partners fluent in sign language

  5. Limited options for emotional expression through text


💡 UX Solutions

  • Big, clear fonts and minimal text

  • Sign language mascot/avatars for translations

  • Visual onboarding with icons, gestures, and videos

  • Inclusive language promoting confidence and identity

  • Video-based help or interaction cues


🔄 User Flow

Designed a smooth, low-friction onboarding and matching experience:

  • Simple splash screen & value props

  • Visual Q&A to understand communication style and interests

  • Optional login to reduce friction

  • Profile suggestions with full visual clarity

  • Matchmaking and gesture-based chatting

(Include screenshots of user flows and wireframes here)


🎨 UI Design

Moodboard

Aimed for a romantic yet calming tone—using soft colors, round edges, and expressive imagery.


Visual Highlights

  • Option 1 UI chosen for being emotionally resonant and easier on the eyes

  • Emphasis on connection through expression, not words

  • Sections: Connect, Feel, Belong—tailored to reflect emotional depth beyond language

(Include images of the final UI screens and microinteractions)

📱 Prototype

Live Figma link: Gesture Prototype


🙌 Outcome

Gesture isn’t just a dating app—it’s a bridge for expression. A safe space where silence doesn’t mean invisibility, and every gesture speaks volumes. It redefines how technology can empower communities often left behind.


🧠 Learnings

  • Designing for unfamiliar user needs requires humility, empathy, and constant iteration.

  • Inclusivity isn't optional—it needs to be baked into the product’s foundation, not tacked on.