LAN: An app Connecting people
An entertainment seeking idea, aims to build connection for activities, event organization and participations
Role
Product Designer
Industry
Entertainment
Duration
2 months
Problem Statement
In many local communities, outdoor enthusiasts struggle to find like-minded people, discover nearby events, or share their adventures. Existing platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook aren’t built for this purpose—they’re fragmented, generic, and lack relevant discovery tools. This leads to missed opportunities, social disconnect, and limited engagement for people who crave real-world experiences. There's a clear need for a focused, community-driven platform that makes it easy to connect, explore, and share within the local outdoor scene.
Objective
To design a mobile-first platform that empowers outdoor enthusiasts to seamlessly discover local activities, connect with like-minded individuals, and share their experiences. All within a focused, community-driven environment. The goal is to reduce reliance on scattered tools and build a centralized space that fosters real-world engagement, spontaneous adventures, and lasting connections.
Competitive Analysis
Platform
Strengths
Weaknesses
Strava
Performance-focused (athletes, stats, progress)-
Strong global community- Syncs with wearables
Not beginner/casual-friendly
Social feed is athlete-dominated
Not event or community-first
AllTrails
Best for discovering hiking trails- Ratings, reviews, photos, maps
Offline trail access
Solo-user focused- No "community meet" system
More about where to go, less about who to go with
Meetup
Local events engine
Structured groups and recurring meetups
Real-life networking focus
Inconsistent activity in outdoor category
Feels outdated to Gen-Z
Playo
Sports-based booking + team matching
Verified venues- Event-based matching for indoor sports
Focused on organized sport, not exploration
Limited to metros
No outdoor-friendly categories
There’s a clear gap between event discovery and meaningful social connection, especially for smaller, casual, spontaneous gatherings.
User Persona
User Persona 1: Rishabh Mehta
Age: 24
Location: Pune, India
Occupation: Software Engineer at a startup
Goals
Discover easy-to-moderate outdoor events he can join without planning weeks ahead
Meet low-key, chill people who aren’t overly competitive
Join hiking/trekking groups without the pressure of long-term commitments
Pain Points
WhatsApp trek groups are cliquish or inactive
Meetup feels too structured and corporate
Finds it hard to trust who’s organizing the event (safety concerns)
Doesn’t want to message 10 people just to confirm a plan
User Persona 2: Anya Sharma
Age: 21
Location: Bengaluru, India
Occupation: Design Student
Explorer Type: Social Seeker + Nature Lover
Goals
Find safe and women-friendly outdoor events nearby
Connect with people who appreciate nature, not just thrill-seekers
Attend curated events
Pain Points
Safety and trust: worries about joining random events alone
Dislikes spammy group chats with too many unknown guys
Doesn’t want to keep switching between apps just to plan one outing
Most apps focus on sports or hardcore trekking, not casual fests/art festivals.
Affinity Mapping
Goals & Aspirations
Looking to discover outdoor events spontaneously, without heavy planning.
Want to meet new, like-minded people through shared outdoor experiences.
Prefer social, fun, and light activities over competitive ones.
Seek unique and curated experiences (e.g., sunset hikes, group cycles, photo walks).
Interested in exploring lesser-known or local outdoor spots.
Barriers to Participation (Softer, more empathetic phrasing)
Fear of being the only new person in a group.
Anxiety around group dynamics or being judged.
No easy way to get event context or past feedback.
Intimidating vibe from existing outdoor communities.
Behaviors & Usage Patterns
Frequently join events at the last minute, based on current mood or weather.
Tend to invite friends or check with their circle before attending.
Browse photos, ratings, or feedback before committing to an event.
Prefer casual RSVP options — “interested” or “maybe” — without committing fully.
4. Expectations from a Platform like LAN
A curated, clutter-free space dedicated solely to outdoor group events.
Filters for location, mood, difficulty, activity type, and vibe (chill, adventure, social).
Seamless joining process with easy RSVP, directions, and contact info.
Ability to discover events happening “this weekend” or “near me” with minimal clicks.
Comfortable onboarding for new users, especially solo participants.
Wireframes
The user gets the idea of the application by just downloading it
Phone number as Sign Up option, now they will have to put the phone number
UI Screens for a new user
Here the user will be able to create an account, a carousel will let the user know about the app
The user can create the profile then and there, or skip for later
Selecting the categories of the interests (inspired from bumble) to show them content accordingly
The homepage, here the the user can see the local events going on
What does the (+) button does? It helps you create a community
Here, the user can create a community based on the preferences and the user's likes
This is the community screen, here the user will be able to find multiple community posts
Clicking on View All will give you multiple choices to choose from
Ah, a cool screen, what for? For Events. This screens shows the event details
Click on the community name, or explore community, you will be able to see posts
Not your type? Or maybe yours only. Join chat or just leave the community. Totally up to you
Since you are a new user, the calendar looks quite empty, wait for some time and you will spend your time her more ofter
Awww. No messages so far? Just join a communityreal quick and see how this boring screen turns to a master
Worry not, this will be flooded real soon
This is your profile section, your achievements will be visible here and lots of other things, God Promise.
GAMIFICATION!! Alas, the app is kinda interesting.
UI screens for a user who is familiar with the app
Here we go again, Just click on login, within a few backend things, you will be In in no time
The old OG screen. Events. The name itself solves the puzzle.
So you are telling me, if you have a community you can create events too? Nice!
Put basic details of how your event gonna rock this world
See, the app is very humble. It shows you how you can earn more points.
See. Now your calendar does not look boring at all. Join more and more and it will flood out
Damn! Message screen. That too where events can be sent? Cool cool cool.
Payment Screen too…you know. Pay and say thank you maybe?
You in? WooHoo, lets get this event running. Like wayyyy too good for the posts
See, it looks very empty without you. But it's your choice.
Payment Screen too…you know. Pay and say thank you maybe?
Payment Screen too…you know. Pay and say thank you maybe?
Not a sand castle anymore is it?
Your profile, your rules.
Never forget your rivalry. You need to be the best in the business, keep an eye on the leaderboards.
This is your community. You decide what you have to do with it (following the guidelines)
This is your community. You decide what you have to do with it (following the guidelines)
This is your community. You decide what you have to do with it (following the guidelines)
