Baalaabot

• Role: Product Designer
• Company: Nove
• Timeline: 2023
• Platform: Android (concept phase)
• Status: Prototype designed, launched in closed alpha

🚀 Overview

Baalaabot was a concept-stage mobile app designed for Instagram content creators who wanted to grow their reach through mutual engagement. The idea focused on connecting real users to like and save each other’s posts, fostering authentic interaction without relying on automation or bots.

🔍 The Problem

On Instagram, engagement drives visibility. Many creators struggle to gain traction due to limited reach and inconsistent engagement. Solutions like fake followers or automated tools risk harming credibility and are often penalized by the platform. Baalaabot sought to address this by offering a real, community-driven alternative.

💡 The Concept

The platform proposed a system of small, trusted groups where users would submit their latest posts and, in return, engage with posts from other group members. This mutual support model ensured every participant benefited equally, and it was designed to encourage regular, fair participation without requiring automation.

🎨 My Role and Process

As the product designer on the project, I was responsible for the entire UX and UI design process, from early concept definition to the final Figma prototype. My work included:

• Mapping out key user flows, including onboarding, post submission, and support actions

• Designing a clear and minimal mobile-first interface for fast, intuitive navigation

• Prototyping essential features, such as engagement tracking and group transparency tools

• Collaborating closely with the client to refine interaction models based on their goals

📱 Key Screens

• Action Flow: A simple form for adding an Instagram post URL for group engagement and uploading contribution video

• Support Queue: A checklist-style screen showing the posts users need to engage with

• Stats Dashboard: A personal summary of engagement earned and actions completed

• Group Insights: Visual feedback on group member activity and fairness

🧪 User Testing (Design Thinking: Test Phase)

I conducted a series of moderated usability tests with five early-stage content creators who matched the app’s target user profile. They interacted with a clickable Figma prototype and were asked to complete specific tasks. Here are the summarized insights:

1- Confusion with Group Rules

Finding: 4 out of 5 testers were unsure about the fairness mechanics (e.g., “Do I have to like every post? What if I miss one?”) Action: Added a simple onboarding explainer with visual diagrams and reworded tooltips on the group dashboard for clarity.

2. Submission Process Felt Too Hidden

Finding: 3 users had trouble locating the post submission feature and assumed the home screen was just a feed. Action: Moved the submission entry point to a more prominent CTA button labeled "Submit My Post" on the main screen.

3. Trust Concerns Around Visibility

Finding: Users wanted to know if others were actually supporting them. Without feedback, it felt risky to participate. Action: Designed a feedback mechanism showing someone from the group engaged with your post, and introduced a visual trust score for each group member.

4. Checklist Flow Was Intuitive

Finding: All testers found the support checklist easy to use and liked the sense of progress it provided. Action: No major changes made, but I added subtle microinteractions to reinforce completion feedback.

5. Dashboard Metrics Lacked Context

Finding: 2 users misinterpreted the engagement stats and asked, “Is this good?” Action: Added benchmark messages (e.g., "You're in the top 30% for group activity this week") to give meaning to the numbers.

6. "How do I join this group?"

The MVP phase had users join via a Telegram bot through referral which directed them to the app. This was a closed alpha method where users were invited manually to test the proof-of-concept.

⚠️ Challenges and Constraints

The product was designed to rely entirely on real, manual engagement, which created a unique UX challenge. Simplicity and clarity were essential to reduce friction and encourage ongoing participation. The Android development, handled by a third-party developer, was never completed, which left the project at the prototype stage.

🧠 Key Takeaways

This project deepened my experience in designing for trust-based user behavior and social collaboration. It also highlighted the importance of aligning product goals with platform limitations and ensuring that UX decisions support long-term user motivation. Looking back at the project, it could have been integrated into a Telegram Mini-app considering its functional ties to the Telegram bot.

📌 Project Status

The prototype was completed and approved by the client, but development was never finalized. Despite this, Baalaabot stands as a solid example of ethical growth design and community-first product thinking.