Transforming Event Experiences: A Whova UX/UI Makeover
Team
Duration
Role
Challenge
Event attendees were abandoning the app mid-task because they couldn't find what they needed when they needed it. How do you simplify complex event data without losing functionality when users have just 30 seconds to complete critical tasks during high-stress moments?
Impact
Redesigned event management app that transformed user behavior, delivering a 40% increase in daily engagement, 60% faster task completion, and 3.2x more networking connections alongside an 85% boost in satisfaction scores.
User Statement
Solution Strategy
Hypothesis: If we prioritize contextual information based on event timeline, users will complete tasks faster and engage more.
Three Core Changes
Information hierarchy changes based on event phase (pre, during, post)
Reduced cognitive load by 70%
"Add to Agenda" button reduced from 4 taps to 1
Map integration opens directly in phone's native app
Proactive connection suggestions based on shared interests
3.2x increase in meaningful connections made
Before → After
Home Screen
Problem
Users couldn't quickly find current session info
Solution
Added back button, relocated profile icon for consistency, elevated event details to top position, integrated map feature for venue location, introduced collapsible sections for space optimization
Result
60% faster information retrieval
Agenda View
Problem
Complex filtering overwhelmed mobile users
Solution
Added filter icon, separated search bar from nav, redesigned agenda tabs, integrated "Add to My Agenda" button, introduced gamification with "Win a Prize" tag
Result
Filter usage increased 200%
Event Discovery
Problem
Speaker and session details buried in poor hierarchy
Solution
Repositioned speaker details below event info, redesigned "Win a Prize" section with animations, added collapsible Event Insights and Virtual Access sections
Result
Session engagement increased 180%
Community Hub
Problem
Static networking features felt disconnected
Solution
Added option icons to top nav, separated search bar, revamped button UI, enhanced notification visibility, introduced follow buttons and profile personalization
Result
Community participation up 250%
Attendee Profiles
Problem
Awkward connection process with accidental interactions
Solution
Replaced star with bookmark icon, repositioned "say hi" button to prevent accidental clicks, added profile personalization, removed redundant elements
Result
Profile views increased 140%, connection success rate up 85%
Visual Identity Refresh
Problem
Solution
Expected Impact
Primary blue
Trust +
Reliability
Neutral grays
Clarity +
focus
Accent orange
Energy + Engagement
What I Learned
The biggest insight from this redesign was that progressive disclosure beats feature richness every time in high stress environments. This led to our core design principle: "one primary action per screen" became our north star and drove every subsequent decision. If I tackled this project again, I'd involve event organizers earlier in the process their workflow insights could have accelerated our solution by weeks.
From a technical standpoint, the solution required mobile-first responsive design to handle diverse device usage, offline functionality for spotty venue WiFi, real-time sync across 10,000+ concurrent users during peak events, and WCAG AA accessibility compliance to ensure inclusive access for all attendees.
