Liven had a bold vision: an app designed to reward dining experiences. But while the concept was innovative, there was a problem—users didn’t fully understand how to use the rewards system. What should have been a seamless experience became frustrating. The challenge was clear: Liven needed a transformation, a user interface that not only made the process intuitive but also engaging. As the UX/UI designer, it became my mission to bridge the gap between the app’s potential and its usability.
At the heart of the problem was simplicity. Users were getting lost in the complexity of Liven Rewards, unsure how it worked and overwhelmed by navigation challenges. My goal was to change that. The plan? Create visually appealing, easy-to-understand illustrations that would guide users through the reward process with ease and enjoyment. It wasn’t just about making things look good—it was about making the app work better for the people who used it.
The first step was research. I dove deep into user behavior, conducting interviews and gathering feedback directly from those who were most engaged with the app. The insights were invaluable: users were confused by how rewards functioned and found navigating the app frustrating. In addition to this, I studied competitors to see how other apps tackled similar challenges, and I found that clear, concise interfaces were the key to user satisfaction in reward-based systems. With this knowledge, we were ready to move forward.
Next came ideation. The brainstorming sessions were exciting as we explored different ways to communicate the rewards system clearly. We considered everything from interactive tutorials to simple, recognizable icons that could guide users visually. From these ideas, I sketched wireframes focused on clarity, with a user experience that flowed naturally and smoothly. I wanted the design to guide users effortlessly from their first interaction to understanding the full value of Liven Rewards.
With a clear direction, we moved into the design phase. Starting with low-fidelity prototypes, we experimented with different illustration styles, constantly testing to see what resonated most with users. Some designs felt too playful, while others were too formal. But through iterative testing, we found the right balance—a style that was approachable, yet informative. I translated these ideas into high-fidelity designs using tools like Adobe Illustrator and Figma. Every detail, from color choices to the layout of the illustrations, was carefully crafted to make the user’s journey as simple and enjoyable as possible.
But design alone wasn’t enough—the real challenge came in development. Working closely with the development team, I ensured that the illustrations and interface elements were smoothly integrated into the app. It was a collaborative effort, balancing the creative vision with the technical realities of maintaining the app’s performance and user flow. We focused on delivering a polished product that not only looked good but worked seamlessly for the end user.
Once the new design was implemented, we put it to the test. We conducted usability testing with real users to see how they interacted with the redesigned interface. Their feedback was encouraging: the illustrations made the rewards system much clearer, and users found navigating the app to be a more pleasant experience. There were small suggestions—tweaking colors for better contrast, simplifying some of the text—but these were quickly addressed through iterations, ensuring the design was as effective as possible.
Finally, the redesigned Liven app was ready. The transformation was remarkable. What had once been a confusing system was now intuitive and user-friendly, with clear, engaging illustrations that guided users through the rewards process effortlessly. The app felt fresh and inviting, and users responded immediately. They spent more time on the app, exploring its features, and—most importantly—they understood how to make the most of Liven Rewards.
Reflecting on the project, it was clear that the redesign had been a success. The app was no longer a source of frustration, but a tool that users genuinely enjoyed engaging with. The Liven team was thrilled with the outcome, noting how much the new illustrations and interface had improved the overall user experience. It wasn’t just about making the app look better—it was about making it function in a way that truly served its users.
In the end, the impact was undeniable. User engagement soared as more people understood and used the rewards system. The increase in app usage was a testament to the power of thoughtful design, transforming confusion into clarity and frustration into enjoyment. What began as a challenge had become a story of success—one that underscored the value of putting users at the heart of the design process.
Brief Description: Liven is an Australian app designed to reward dining experiences. Every time you use the app to pay, you earn Liven Rewards. These rewards can be saved to gift to friends or used for future purchases.
Role: UX/UI Designer
Mode: Internship
Date: March 2018