Niji
Peiyun Luo
The problem I am trying to address is how to give non-binary people a platform to make friends that truly understand them. My own research has shown that people of binary genders tend to have a lack of information and understanding of those of non-binary genders. Non-binary people are more likely to feel alienated in social interaction and mate selection than binary people. Currently, there is a public need to provide information, general data, and a space tailored to people of non-binary gender. The way I tackle this issue is by creating a mobile application named Niji.
Besides non-binary groups, the targeted audience also includes those who are confused about their gender identity. Users can freely and boldly fill in all kinds of information about their gender identity through this app while sharing their stories, asking questions, getting to know and date people just like them.
The app begins with a registration process that customizes a user’s gender identity, using a percentage bar that represents a gender spectrum instead of a binary choice. After the initial profile is completed, it will match the user with other users that are deemed most suitable by the algorithm. To aid users’ understanding of their own identity, the more time people spend on the app, the more complete their profile becomes. Aside from the above, it also functions as a traditional social media platform. Through this simple and easily used app with a fresh-looking UI, non-binary people can make friends without any constraints.