My role
Senior Product Designer
Year
2018
Lumen - The dating app for over 50s
iOS / Android app
Lumen was a standalone dating app within the Bumble family, specifically designed for users over 50. I served as Senior Product Designer, guiding the project from concept inception through to the initial launch in September 2018. Despite early progress and vision, the app was later closed in 2020 following Blackstone's acquisition of Bumble. I also led the creation of a complementary landing page and blog site to support engagement and storytelling.
Problem
While mainstream dating platforms often prioritize younger demographics, research revealed that users aged 50+ faced challenges such as:
Difficulty finding age-compatible profiles.
Frustration with cumbersome or dated UX patterns.
A lack of trust in online dating platforms.
Goal: Design an app that resonates emotionally with the over-50s audience by offering elegance, clarity, and a sense of community, bridging digital dating with a mature and intuitive experience.
Research & Insights
At the project's outset, I led qualitative research, drawing from interviews and usability sessions with users aged 50–65. Major findings included:
Preference for clean, familiar UI patterns, reflective of mobile apps they already use (e.g., messaging or news).
High value placed on safety and respect, users wanted reassurance about privacy and meaningful interactions.
A need for progressive onboarding, trust must be built gradually, not through overwhelming sign-ups.
Outcomes & Impact
Successful MVP launch in September 2018, hitting initial traction within the target demographic.
Received positive feedback from early users praising the app’s accessibility, color palette, and respectful tone.
Though ultimately closed in 2020 due to organizational shifts, Lumen demonstrated viable engagement models and informed future design strategies for the Bumble ecosystem.
Website & Blog Design
Built to complement the app, the site included:
A polished landing page introducing Lumen’s mission.
A blog section offering advice on mature relationships, dating tips, and community stories, both elements reinforcing trust and belonging.
