Roots

This project is focused on exploring the area of opportunity that has arisen from the development of digital identity in an increasingly digital world. What does this look like for the generations that has been gradually introduced to the many facelifts that computer and smart technology have seen since their original model? Is it possible to integrate the values of connection expressed to us as a need in their dating life by those of this demographic?

Roots is a digital dating platform that lets users connect with potential partners, plan dates, and allow trusted friends to give users opinions on potential partners. Root’s goal is to help middle-aged singles find meaningful connections in a more personal, trustworthy, and less stressful environment.

How does it work?

Roots focuses on getting to the root of who you are. With Roots, users are asked to answer some of the hard questions, getting into specifics of their lifestyle habits, their values, favorite things, and even what makes them get out of bed on a Saturday morning. Roots then uses this information to create profiles and allows users to connect with potential partners based on their answers. By simply liking a profile, as long as they like you back, users have the ability to message connections. If they are looking to further their relationship, the app features an in-app date planner for both in-person and virtual dates, letting users drop the stress of having to dedicate time to planning dates. If users need help keeping track of their schedule, Roots also features a calendar that lets them view, and if needed, reschedule, all of their upcoming dates.

Key Features

Roots allows middle-aged singles to comfortably navigate the dating process and find potential matches using the following five key features:

Profiles

Roots structures profiles by asking users to answer more specific questions about factors such as their lifestyles, habits, values, and favorite things. We don’t just ask if someone likes music, we ask what their favorite three songs are. Roots get specific, creating more accurate connections and allowing users to better understand who they may be exploring with from the beginning.

Profile Sharing:

Users have the ability to share profiles of potential matches with their trusted friends by easily clicking on the various share icons on profiles throughout the app. Those friends then receive a link that briefly allows them the ability to view their friend’s potential connection’s profile and suggest, decline, or even add comments. Their feedback will then be displayed under the friend’s suggestions page in the app. Users are not alerted if their profile is shared and friends do not have to download the app to be able to participate in providing feedback for their single friends.

Connecting

Through our meet page, users can scroll vertically through different profiles of potential partners all curated for them. If they are interested in a connection, they can hit the like button and as long as their potential connection likes them back the pair will be connected. From there, users can message one another and plan dates.

Date Planner

Roots feature an in-app date planner for both virtual and in-person dates. If setting up an in-person date, users can browse different types of locations for dates, such as a coffee shop or museum, and choose what they feel is best for them and their connection. They can choose between different locations near them, select a date and time when they are interested in going on a date, and then have the ability to send invitations to their connections. Connections can easily accept, decline or reschedule, and when accepted all planned dates are viewable on the schedule page.

Schedule

The schedule page allows users to be able to view all of their upcoming dates and to see all of their past dates in a comprehensive calendar.