HeyChat
Interest based messaging that helps people connect beyond their existing social circles.
Context
Social Limitations
Messaging apps focus on existing relationships, making it hard for users to meet new people or explore shared interests. As a result, conversations often feel repetitive, and users rely on multiple platforms to discover communities.
My role
Tools
Product designer
Figma, Photoshop
Timeline
2024
The challenge
Discovery Gap
Users value interest groups but feel fragmented across platforms. The challenge was to design a messaging experience that supports interest-led discovery without adding complexity or forcing users to leave their chats.
The opportunity
Seamless communities
Research highlighted that embedding group discovery directly into conversations could provide natural, timely opportunities for connection. Early exploration considered separate discovery feeds, but these risked creating another social layer. Integrating discovery in-chat keeps the experience lightweight and contextual.
The solution
Rewarded connections
HeyChat shows relevant interest-based groups during conversations, helping users explore communities, join discussions, and connect with others in a way that feels timely and natural. The platform supports meaningful interactions without adding friction or extra apps.
Interest based group suggestions
Keywords in conversations trigger a subtle arrow that reveals relevant interest groups.
Users can explore groups, join discussions, and participate in meet-ups and comment threads centred around shared interests.
Community engagement
Meaningful connections
Profiles and connection requests allow deeper engagement beyond individual conversations.
Feature walkthrough
Tailored for you
Keywords in conversations trigger relevant interest group suggestions. Tap the arrow to explore.
Enter a group, become a member, browse topics, and join discussions and meet-ups.
Explore & engage
Explore profiles and send connection requests to build meaningful relationships.
Make connections
Impact & success measurement
Expanded connection
HeyChat shows how messaging apps could better support social discovery by embedding shared interests into everyday conversations. Rather than relying on multiple platforms, users are encouraged to explore, connect, and engage within one cohesive experience that feels familiar but more open.
Easier discovery of interest-based communities
More varied conversations beyond existing contacts
Stronger sense of belonging through shared interests
User impact
Increased group participation and engagement
Higher retention as users stay active in communities
Growth in network effects as communities expand
Platform impact
Group discovery rate – how often users join suggested groups
Conversation-to-group conversion – chats that lead to community participation
Community engagement – posts, replies, meet-up participation
User retention – weekly/monthly active users