Vennio is a small-scale social media app on iOS and Android, bringing fans closer to their favourite athletes. It strives to be the best place for an athlete's top 1% fans to easily connect with their idol, enjoy exclusive content, interact with other fans and earn exclusive rewards.

In a social media landscape where athletes feel like they can't express their true selves and endure constant negativity from their detractors, Vennio instead focuses on positive and encouraging contributions from the athlete's top fans, resulting in a healthier community.

The idea was born and matured at ioconic, a venture studio I joined as Product Design Lead. I was put in charge of the venture's entire end-to-end Product Design.

Vennio is a small-scale social media app on iOS and Android, bringing fans closer to their favourite athletes. It strives to be the best place for an athlete's top 1% fans to easily connect with their idol, enjoy exclusive content, interact with other fans and earn exclusive rewards.

In a social media landscape where athletes feel like they can't express their true selves and endure constant negativity from their detractors, Vennio instead focuses on positive and encouraging contributions from the athlete's top fans, resulting in a healthier community.

The idea was born and matured at ioconic, a venture studio I joined as Product Design Lead. I was put in charge of the venture's entire end-to-end Product Design.

Vennio is a small-scale social media app on iOS and Android, bringing fans closer to their favourite athletes. It strives to be the best place for an athlete's top 1% fans to easily connect with their idol, enjoy exclusive content, interact with other fans and earn exclusive rewards.

In a social media landscape where athletes feel like they can't express their true selves and endure constant negativity from their detractors, Vennio instead focuses on positive and encouraging contributions from the athlete's top fans, resulting in a healthier community.

The idea was born and matured at ioconic, a venture studio I joined as Product Design Lead. I was put in charge of the venture's entire end-to-end Product Design.

As I joined, the broad concept of Vennio was being defined as a community in which fans and athletes could share the same positive & intimate space, and interact freely. To that end, the team had already formed a partnership with a young rising football star, Spain's Ansu Fati. They had also decided to set up a Discord server dedicated to him, to confirm some initial hypotheses. Grown organically through the footballer's social media following, the server reached 3000+ total users.

To kick off our product discovery, we wanted to confirm our main hypothesis: athletes and their top fans would greatly benefit from a smaller-size, intimate and 2-way community - in contrast to the typical one-to-many experience currently offered by the largest social media platforms.

Thanks to the very active and engaged Discord community, I started out my research with in-depth surveys and user interviews, to better identify our core users' needs, their frustrations with fandom on social media, and their hopes to connect with their idols on a deeper level through Vennio. The server and its users were regularly used for user research throughout my time working on the venture.

As I joined, the broad concept of Vennio was being defined as a community in which fans and athletes could share the same positive & intimate space, and interact freely. To that end, the team had already formed a partnership with a young rising football star, Spain's Ansu Fati. They had also decided to set up a Discord server dedicated to him, to confirm some initial hypotheses. Grown organically through the footballer's social media following, the server reached 3000+ total users.

To kick off our product discovery, we wanted to confirm our main hypothesis: athletes and their top fans would greatly benefit from a smaller-size, intimate and 2-way community - in contrast to the typical one-to-many experience currently offered by the largest social media platforms.

Thanks to the very active and engaged Discord community, I started out my research with in-depth surveys and user interviews, to better identify our core users' needs, their frustrations with fandom on social media, and their hopes to connect with their idols on a deeper level through Vennio. The server and its users were regularly used for user research throughout my time working on the venture.

As I joined, the broad concept of Vennio was being defined as a community in which fans and athletes could share the same positive & intimate space, and interact freely. To that end, the team had already formed a partnership with a young rising football star, Spain's Ansu Fati. They had also decided to set up a Discord server dedicated to him, to confirm some initial hypotheses. Grown organically through the footballer's social media following, the server reached 3000+ total users.

To kick off our product discovery, we wanted to confirm our main hypothesis: athletes and their top fans would greatly benefit from a smaller-size, intimate and 2-way community - in contrast to the typical one-to-many experience currently offered by the largest social media platforms.

Thanks to the very active and engaged Discord community, I started out my research with in-depth surveys and user interviews, to better identify our core users' needs, their frustrations with fandom on social media, and their hopes to connect with their idols on a deeper level through Vennio. The server and its users were regularly used for user research throughout my time working on the venture.

In parallel to this user research, I kicked off ideation sessions with teammates from both the core and other venture teams, to consider as many perspectives as possible. Among these sessions, I facilitated the exploration of some early design problems (distilled into 'How Might We' statements), some affinity mapping exercises, as well as sketching sessions in a 'Crazy 8s' format.

The team collectively voted on their favourite ideas for us to further explore as a group, before I would start fleshing them out further.

In parallel to this user research, I kicked off ideation sessions with teammates from both the core and other venture teams, to consider as many perspectives as possible. Among these sessions, I facilitated the exploration of some early design problems (distilled into 'How Might We' statements), some affinity mapping exercises, as well as sketching sessions in a 'Crazy 8s' format.

The team collectively voted on their favourite ideas for us to further explore as a group, before I would start fleshing them out further.

In parallel to this user research, I kicked off ideation sessions with teammates from both the core and other venture teams, to consider as many perspectives as possible. Among these sessions, I facilitated the exploration of some early design problems (distilled into 'How Might We' statements), some affinity mapping exercises, as well as sketching sessions in a 'Crazy 8s' format.

The team collectively voted on their favourite ideas for us to further explore as a group, before I would start fleshing them out further.

By blending the results of our ideation sessions with user research findings, I could craft low-fidelity wireframes, to start visualising what the platform could look and feel like. In parallel, I worked with the venture studio's branding and graphic design team, who were setting up Vennio's tone of voice and visual identity. Collaboratively, we defined a set of colours & gradients, fonts, shapes and logos for the product.

The wireframes were regularly discussed & improved with the core team, and presented to our most dedicated users to implement their feedback, iteratively. The team and I decided to prioritise the B2C-focused fan experience in the first instance, rather than the athlete experience. Our close relationship with Ansu Fati and his team meant that we could hold their hand for the initial app launch.

Our discovery work showed us that our members were craving more content posted by both the athlete and the wider community. We set out to create a bespoke Vennio feed, where any user could create their own posts, or react & comment on any other piece of content, encouraging 2-way conversations.

By blending the results of our ideation sessions with user research findings, I could craft low-fidelity wireframes, to start visualising what the platform could look and feel like. In parallel, I worked with the venture studio's branding and graphic design team, who were setting up Vennio's tone of voice and visual identity. Collaboratively, we defined a set of colours & gradients, fonts, shapes and logos for the product.

The wireframes were regularly discussed & improved with the core team, and presented to our most dedicated users to implement their feedback, iteratively. The team and I decided to prioritise the B2C-focused fan experience in the first instance, rather than the athlete experience. Our close relationship with Ansu Fati and his team meant that we could hold their hand for the initial app launch.

Our discovery work showed us that our members were craving more content posted by both the athlete and the wider community. We set out to create a bespoke Vennio feed, where any user could create their own posts, or react & comment on any other piece of content, encouraging 2-way conversations.

By blending the results of our ideation sessions with user research findings, I could craft low-fidelity wireframes, to start visualising what the platform could look and feel like. In parallel, I worked with the venture studio's branding and graphic design team, who were setting up Vennio's tone of voice and visual identity. Collaboratively, we defined a set of colours & gradients, fonts, shapes and logos for the product.

The wireframes were regularly discussed & improved with the core team, and presented to our most dedicated users to implement their feedback, iteratively. The team and I decided to prioritise the B2C-focused fan experience in the first instance, rather than the athlete experience. Our close relationship with Ansu Fati and his team meant that we could hold their hand for the initial app launch.

Our discovery work showed us that our members were craving more content posted by both the athlete and the wider community. We set out to create a bespoke Vennio feed, where any user could create their own posts, or react & comment on any other piece of content, encouraging 2-way conversations.

Circular UI

We embraced the athlete's 'inner circle' idea in this initial concept, where each community post would be represented by its own circle or bubble floating up the screen.

Circular UI

We embraced the athlete's 'inner circle' idea in this initial concept, where each community post would be represented by its own circle or bubble floating up the screen.

Circular UI

We embraced the athlete's 'inner circle' idea in this initial concept, where each community post would be represented by its own circle or bubble floating up the screen.

Circles vs Widgets

I simplified our Circular approach, and designed a more traditional rectangular 'Widgets' UI in parallel, as one of the top-voted ideation options.

When pitted against each other in user interviews and surveys, the Widgets approach came out as the clear winner.

Circles vs Widgets

I simplified our Circular approach, and designed a more traditional rectangular 'Widgets' UI in parallel, as one of the top-voted ideation options.

When pitted against each other in user interviews and surveys, the Widgets approach came out as the clear winner.

Circles vs Widgets

I simplified our Circular approach, and designed a more traditional rectangular 'Widgets' UI in parallel, as one of the top-voted ideation options.

When pitted against each other in user interviews and surveys, the Widgets approach came out as the clear winner.

Community Feed

At the heart of the Vennio experience, the community feed would surface content created by both the athlete and the fan community.

I explored the idea of implementing a modular UI, adapting the list layout to the types of content the user wanted to see most.

Community Feed

At the heart of the Vennio experience, the community feed would surface content created by both the athlete and the fan community.

I explored the idea of implementing a modular UI, adapting the list layout to the types of content the user wanted to see most.

Community Feed

At the heart of the Vennio experience, the community feed would surface content created by both the athlete and the fan community.

I explored the idea of implementing a modular UI, adapting the list layout to the types of content the user wanted to see most.

An important part of the concept was its gamification aspect. Our users were particularly receptive to the idea of earning points by contributing to Vennio, as well as interacting with other users' content. These points would in turn allow them to get special statuses, and even redeem exclusive rewards over time.

I worked on setting up a gamification ecosystem intrinsically tied to the Vennio experience & features.  At its core were three types of points:

• Experience Points (XP) — obtained by taking part in all activities, and contributing to the community.
• Fan Points (FP) — obtained by receiving likes or replies on one's own posted content. Any engagement from the athlete would result in even more FP being awarded.
• Coins — obtained alongside any XP or FP. These could in turn be spent to redeem special rewards in Vennio's own in-app marketplace.

Based on the amount of XP & FP obtained over time, fans would climb up the ranks, from Bronze to Diamond. These ranks would later be renamed "Circles", with the last attainable one being the athlete's Inner Circle.

An important part of the concept was its gamification aspect. Our users were particularly receptive to the idea of earning points by contributing to Vennio, as well as interacting with other users' content. These points would in turn allow them to get special statuses, and even redeem exclusive rewards over time.

I worked on setting up a gamification ecosystem intrinsically tied to the Vennio experience & features.  At its core were three types of points:

• Experience Points (XP) — obtained by taking part in all activities, and contributing to the community.
• Fan Points (FP) — obtained by receiving likes or replies on one's own posted content. Any engagement from the athlete would result in even more FP being awarded.
• Coins — obtained alongside any XP or FP. These could in turn be spent to redeem special rewards in Vennio's own in-app marketplace.

Based on the amount of XP & FP obtained over time, fans would climb up the ranks, from Bronze to Diamond. These ranks would later be renamed "Circles", with the last attainable one being the athlete's Inner Circle.

An important part of the concept was its gamification aspect. Our users were particularly receptive to the idea of earning points by contributing to Vennio, as well as interacting with other users' content. These points would in turn allow them to get special statuses, and even redeem exclusive rewards over time.

I worked on setting up a gamification ecosystem intrinsically tied to the Vennio experience & features.  At its core were three types of points:

• Experience Points (XP) — obtained by taking part in all activities, and contributing to the community.
• Fan Points (FP) — obtained by receiving likes or replies on one's own posted content. Any engagement from the athlete would result in even more FP being awarded.
• Coins — obtained alongside any XP or FP. These could in turn be spent to redeem special rewards in Vennio's own in-app marketplace.

Based on the amount of XP & FP obtained over time, fans would climb up the ranks, from Bronze to Diamond. These ranks would later be renamed "Circles", with the last attainable one being the athlete's Inner Circle.

With both our latest wireframing & gamification concept iterations testing well with our users, and the brand's visual identity reaching maturity, it was time for me to move onto UI design and prototyping.

As part of the roadmap agreed with the team, we would launch an initial, fan-facing pilot phase of the mobile app, referred to as 'MLP' - minimum lovable product. I set out to design and usability test this first version, focusing on four specific product areas:

• The Vennio Feed — where the athlete and Vennio members alike post their content for the whole community to see and engage;
• The Post creation screen — providing members with the tools to publish their own posts on Vennio, with the option of adding images, polls, or links;
• The Post detail screen — allowing members to engage in deeper conversations with both their idol and other fans;
• Profiles, Circles, points & notifications — focusing on each member's latest activity, their current rank on the platform, and notifications from the community;
• The Vault — a rewards marketplace where members could spend their Vennio Coins, in order to redeem exclusive prizes.

With both our latest wireframing & gamification concept iterations testing well with our users, and the brand's visual identity reaching maturity, it was time for me to move onto UI design and prototyping.

As part of the roadmap agreed with the team, we would launch an initial, fan-facing pilot phase of the mobile app, referred to as 'MLP' - minimum lovable product. I set out to design and usability test this first version, focusing on four specific product areas:

• The Vennio Feed — where the athlete and Vennio members alike post their content for the whole community to see and engage;
• The Post creation screen — providing members with the tools to publish their own posts on Vennio, with the option of adding images, polls, or links;
• The Post detail screen — allowing members to engage in deeper conversations with both their idol and other fans;
• Profiles, Circles, points & notifications — focusing on each member's latest activity, their current rank on the platform, and notifications from the community;
• The Vault — a rewards marketplace where members could spend their Vennio Coins, in order to redeem exclusive prizes.

With both our latest wireframing & gamification concept iterations testing well with our users, and the brand's visual identity reaching maturity, it was time for me to move onto UI design and prototyping.

As part of the roadmap agreed with the team, we would launch an initial, fan-facing pilot phase of the mobile app, referred to as 'MLP' - minimum lovable product. I set out to design and usability test this first version, focusing on four specific product areas:

• The Vennio Feed — where the athlete and Vennio members alike post their content for the whole community to see and engage;
• The Post creation screen — providing members with the tools to publish their own posts on Vennio, with the option of adding images, polls, or links;
• The Post detail screen — allowing members to engage in deeper conversations with both their idol and other fans;
• Profiles, Circles, points & notifications — focusing on each member's latest activity, their current rank on the platform, and notifications from the community;
• The Vault — a rewards marketplace where members could spend their Vennio Coins, in order to redeem exclusive prizes.

Vennio Feed

The heart of the Vennio experience, where members could browse through either the most active or latest posts on Vennio, open post galleries, respond to polls, and more.

Vennio Feed

The heart of the Vennio experience, where members could browse through either the most active or latest posts on Vennio, open post galleries, respond to polls, and more.

Vennio Feed

The heart of the Vennio experience, where members could browse through either the most active or latest posts on Vennio, open post galleries, respond to polls, and more.

Post Creation

Vennio members could easily publish their own content to the Vennio Feed, with the ability to share images, polls and links for the athlete and the wider community to see and engage with.

Post Creation

Vennio members could easily publish their own content to the Vennio Feed, with the ability to share images, polls and links for the athlete and the wider community to see and engage with.

Post Creation

Vennio members could easily publish their own content to the Vennio Feed, with the ability to share images, polls and links for the athlete and the wider community to see and engage with.

Post & Replies

Any post added to the Vennio Feed has its own dedicated section, where all members can react, comment, and take part in the conversation. Some XP is earned for publishing posts and replies.

Post & Replies

Any post added to the Vennio Feed has its own dedicated section, where all members can react, comment, and take part in the conversation. Some XP is earned for publishing posts and replies.

Post & Replies

Any post added to the Vennio Feed has its own dedicated section, where all members can react, comment, and take part in the conversation. Some XP is earned for publishing posts and replies.

Profile & Circle

At any given moment, members could check their own profile, showing their current Vennio Circle, how many points and Coins they have, and how much more they require to reach the next rank.

Profile & Circle

At any given moment, members could check their own profile, showing their current Vennio Circle, how many points and Coins they have, and how much more they require to reach the next rank.

Profile & Circle

At any given moment, members could check their own profile, showing their current Vennio Circle, how many points and Coins they have, and how much more they require to reach the next rank.

Notifications

Members receive in-app notifications whenever the athlete or other members interacted with their own content. Some FP is earned for each notification the member receives.

Notifications

Members receive in-app notifications whenever the athlete or other members interacted with their own content. Some FP is earned for each notification the member receives.

Notifications

Members receive in-app notifications whenever the athlete or other members interacted with their own content. Some FP is earned for each notification the member receives.

The Vault

Members could explore to the Vault, a marketplace where exclusive digital or physical rewards can be redeemed, by using their hard-earned Vennio Coins. Once redeemed, all rewards were added to the member's inventory within the Vault.

The Vault

Members could explore to the Vault, a marketplace where exclusive digital or physical rewards can be redeemed, by using their hard-earned Vennio Coins. Once redeemed, all rewards were added to the member's inventory within the Vault.

The Vault

Members could explore to the Vault, a marketplace where exclusive digital or physical rewards can be redeemed, by using their hard-earned Vennio Coins. Once redeemed, all rewards were added to the member's inventory within the Vault.

Embedded within our small but mighty Product team, I worked closely with the CEO, product & engineering leads, and front/backend developers on implementing the Vennio app as designed. Working as this tight cross-functional squad allowed us to succesfully take last minute technical limitations into account, and improve most user flows along the way.

The Vennio MLP pilot was successfully launched on iOS and Android at the end of February 2024. A waitlist had been set in place, to ensure the stability of the platform while signed-up members would join in batches. Ansu Fati joined the platform from launch, and has been regularly interacting with the rest of the community since.

I set up and released a post-launch survey on the platform. The results revealed that Vennio was ranked first by our users as their new app of choice to not only be noticed, but further connect with Ansu Fati and other like-minded fans.

Embedded within our small but mighty Product team, I worked closely with the CEO, product & engineering leads, and front/backend developers on implementing the Vennio app as designed. Working as this tight cross-functional squad allowed us to succesfully take last minute technical limitations into account, and improve most user flows along the way.

The Vennio MLP pilot was successfully launched on iOS and Android at the end of February 2024. A waitlist had been set in place, to ensure the stability of the platform while signed-up members would join in batches. Ansu Fati joined the platform from launch, and has been regularly interacting with the rest of the community since.

I set up and released a post-launch survey on the platform. The results revealed that Vennio was ranked first by our users as their new app of choice to not only be noticed, but further connect with Ansu Fati and other like-minded fans.

Embedded within our small but mighty Product team, I worked closely with the CEO, product & engineering leads, and front/backend developers on implementing the Vennio app as designed. Working as this tight cross-functional squad allowed us to succesfully take last minute technical limitations into account, and improve most user flows along the way.

The Vennio MLP pilot was successfully launched on iOS and Android at the end of February 2024. A waitlist had been set in place, to ensure the stability of the platform while signed-up members would join in batches. Ansu Fati joined the platform from launch, and has been regularly interacting with the rest of the community since.

I set up and released a post-launch survey on the platform. The results revealed that Vennio was ranked first by our users as their new app of choice to not only be noticed, but further connect with Ansu Fati and other like-minded fans.

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