Users

Necterine is for Zillenials who are dissatisfied with existing dating app options and actively seek more guidance and support in their dating lives. These users are interested in tools like dating coaches and role-playing scenarios to enhance their dating skills and build confidence.

Vibe design - Brand and UI design supporting digital product experience

Necterine aims to transform how people connect by valuing every interaction. The platform offers tools and experiences that enable users to explore various relationships, ranging from brief encounters to long-term commitments, as a means of self-discovery.


By blending digital and real-world elements, Necterine strives to make dating and connecting both enjoyable and meaningful. The platform is designed to support users in their personal growth, learning, and journey towards their relationship goals.

How Might We empower individuals to navigate their relationship journeys with confidence and joy, whether single, searching, or committed?

Role Product Designer

Team 3 Engineers, 1 Designer

Mobile app design, prototyping, branding, web design, marketing

Tools Figma, Adobe Premiere Pro, Illustrator, Photoshop, Google Suite, Slack, Notion, AI: Perplexity, Squarespace, Firefly

The Problem

Zillenials are digital natives, yet they're underserved by the current dating app landscape. Tired of superficial connections and endless swiping, they crave something more: a dating experience that feels authentic, supportive, and tailored to their needs. Existing platforms often lack the personalized guidance and skill-building tools needed to navigate the complexities of modern relationships, leaving users feeling lost and discouraged. This represents a significant opportunity: to create a dating app that empowers Zillenials to confidently build meaningful connections through coaching, skill-based exercises, and a community that prioritizes personal growth alongside romantic exploration.

The Product

To create a world where Zillenials approach relationships with self-awareness, communication skills, and the tools to build healthy, joyful connections.

The Process

As the sole Product Designer at Necterine, I collaborated closely with a team of three engineers, leveraging their initial screen designs as a foundation for a more refined and user-centered experience. I led the rebrand process, conducting a comprehensive redesign of core app screens, including discover, profile, chat, and coaching features. My work encompassed not only visual enhancements but also a focus on clarifying user flows, improving usability, and ensuring a cohesive brand identity. Beyond the app itself, I partnered with the Marketing team to create consistent visuals that effectively conveyed Necterine's unique vibe and mission across all platforms.

Zillenials want depth, not dopamine.
They’re digitally native but increasingly dissatisfied with shallow dating apps.

They’re open to support.
Unlike older generations, Zillenials actively invest in coaching, self-growth, and community to improve their relationships.

They’re long-term users.
Winning Zillenials now means loyalty across many dating life stages.

Why a dating app?

People are burned out on dating apps.
Endless swiping, shallow matches, and algorithms that don’t feel fair have led to real dating app fatigue—especially among younger users.

Necterine’s opportunity:
A human-centered dating experience that prioritizes real connection, confidence, and relationship skills, not just matches.

The market is still massive:

  • $4.38B projected revenue (2025)

  • 412M+ global users
    Dating isn’t going away — but expectations are changing.

Why Zillenials?

Competitors

The dating app landscape is crowded, with a range of options targeting different demographics and relationship goals. Necterine aims to stand out by focusing on Zillenials seeking more meaningful connections and providing tools for personal growth alongside dating.

Here's a look at how Necterine compares to key competitors:

Key Takeaways: How Necterine Stands Out

Necterine differentiates itself through its comprehensive approach, by:

  • Prioritizing Personal Growth: Necterine is not just about finding a match; it's about becoming a better dater and building healthier relationships.

  • Offering Skill-Building Tools: Dating coaches, role-playing scenarios, and curated content provide users with the practical skills they need to succeed.

  • Fostering a Supportive Community: Necterine aims to create a space where users can connect with others who share their values and goals.

  • Targeting Zillenials' Unique Needs: The app is designed specifically for the digital natives who are seeking more authentic and meaningful connections.

  • Focus on Empowerment: Necterine empowers users to approach dating with confidence, self-awareness, and the tools to build relationships that align with their values.

    By focusing on these key differentiators, Necterine can carve out a unique space in the crowded dating app market and attract Zillenials who are seeking a more authentic and supportive dating experience.

Users at the Center

At Necterine, our primary focus is on the user experience. We believe that building meaningful connections starts with empowering individuals on their personal relationship journeys. That's why we've designed a platform that prioritizes personalized guidance, skill-building tools, and a supportive community, all tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of Zillenials. Every design decision, from the intuitive interface to the curated content, is guided by a deep understanding of our users and a commitment to creating a dating app that truly puts their well-being and success at the forefront.

Rebrand

Recognizing the need to align Necterine's visual identity with its target audience and brand mission, I spearheaded a rapid rebrand initiative. Addressing feedback that the existing design felt like "a Millennial trying to resonate with Gen Z," the goal was to create a more authentic, vibrant, and relatable brand experience.

Visual design system created as part of product design project
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