PanPalz
A Code for Dallas Project
PanPalz is a social networking platform that eases isolation among vulnerable populations by fostering genuine human connections.
Role
UI/UX Designer
Timeline
Ongoing Project
September 2023 ~
Tools
Figma
Adobe Firefly
Project Overview
This project is a part of Code for America (in Dallas), an organization that brings together designers, developers, and problem solvers to work on projects with government and community partners to help solve social and civic problems through technology.
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The design team consisted of 24 UX designers and 10 developers who collaborated to build the interface for PanPalz's app and website. I ideated design solutions through discussions with teammates during weekly team meetings. I also worked on creating new screens, redesigning ineffective pages, and prototyping throughout the week.
What is PanPalz?
In this generation, people have become lonelier than ever. This unfortunate fact inspired the founder, Joe Thomas, to create a platform that could connect people looking for a casual chat, a supportive conversation, or simply someone to vent to.
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Check out "The Squad" tab on the website below to see my team!
My Work
I helped complete a variety of tasks, especially with the mobile app. Here are some of the tasks I was responsible for and what I learned from it!
Visual Identity
During the first design sprint, we brainstormed a variety of color palettes to use for PanPalz's brand image. I created this green color scheme that the project leader ended up selecting for the app.
I later helped develop a variety of color themes, including light and dark modes, that the user could choose based on preference.
Animation
Prior to PanPalz, I had little experience working with animation in Figma. But after reaching out to a team member who is an expert in animation, I learned a lot about how to use the smart animate feature and began exploring it in my other Figma projects as well.
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Here is my work on the light vs. dark mode selector screen for the PanPalz app, which utilizes smart animate, as well as image color and size changes.
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Design Systems
I collaborated with the Design Lead to establish PanPalz's design systems, especially for the icon buttons, which are used in almost every part of the design. I discussed with the Design Lead about which design style is most suitable for the PanPalz brand. Throughout my designs, I adhered to this design system to keep the prototype consistent in style.
Reflections
Working with real UX professionals and learning from their design process was a really amazing experience! I also got lots of practice communicating my design ideas to a large team. Overall, it was a really rewarding experience that gave me a sense of what it would be like to work as a junior UX designer!
An endorsement from PanPalz's executive director:
"In her role at Panpalz, she consistently demonstrated exceptional creativity, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of user experience principles. Sydnie helped establish the look and feel of Panpalz. In mental health spaces, color is crucial to drive the experience. I am not sure if Sydnie herself realized how important of a role she played. I can say with certainty without Sydnie Panpalz would be in a darker place. Sydnie brought out the spark that we were missing and filled it with color.
Sydnie’s ability to translate complex concepts into intuitive and visually appealing designs is truly impressive. She has a keen eye for aesthetics and a knack for creating engaging user interfaces that prioritize usability and functionality.
Furthermore, Sydnie is a pleasure to work with, always collaborative, proactive, and responsive to feedback. She brings positivity, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic to every project, making her an invaluable asset to any team. She has stepped up and helped us many times when we were in a pinch.
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In conclusion, I have no doubt that Sydnie will excel in any UI/UX design role she undertakes. She is a talented designer with a passion for creating exceptional user experiences, and I highly recommend her without hesitation."
- Joe Thomas, Executive Director of PanPalz
