DM is a platform designed to connect fans with their favorite creators, replicating the casual feel of social media direct messaging but with a structured layer that benefits creators. As a Product Designer, I leveraged existing infrastructure from a previous client project to craft a new experience focused on fan-to-creator interactions.

Company

9d Ventures

Timeline

2019

2019

Role

Product Designer

Project overview

While platforms like Cameo existed for video shoutouts and OnlyFans for exclusive content, there was a gap in the market for direct communication that could be monetized while giving creators control over their offerings. Fans wanted the feeling of DMing their favorite creators while creators needed a way to monetize these interactions.

Challenges

I began with competitive analysis, studying Cameo, OnlyFans, and similar platforms to identify best practices and gaps. Using the existing framework from the previous project, I created site maps and user flows tailored to this new use case, ensuring that the transition from fan to creator was smooth and intuitive. The focus was on mimicking the feel of Instagram DMs, but with a layer of monetization.

DM app – Creator profile reviews

DM app – Creator profile reviews

DM app – Creator packages

DM app – Creator packages

DM app - Site maps

DM app - Site maps

Results

DM allowed fans to message their favorite creators directly, and creators could set rates and packages for different types of interactions. I sketched low-fidelity mockups and moved to high-fidelity prototypes, focusing on a clean, familiar interface. Creators could easily customize their offerings, set prices, and manage their interactions. Fans could purchase and send messages within the app, feeling like they were DMing a favorite creator, but with added exclusivity.

The platform provided a new revenue stream for creators and a unique way for fans to connect with them. The familiarity of the interface made adoption easy, and creators appreciated the control they had over their offerings.

DM is a platform designed to connect fans with their favorite creators, replicating the casual feel of social media direct messaging but with a structured layer that benefits creators. As a Product Designer, I leveraged existing infrastructure from a previous client project to craft a new experience focused on fan-to-creator interactions.

Company

9d Ventures

Timeline

2019

2019

Role

Product Designer

Project overview

While platforms like Cameo existed for video shoutouts and OnlyFans for exclusive content, there was a gap in the market for direct communication that could be monetized while giving creators control over their offerings. Fans wanted the feeling of DMing their favorite creators while creators needed a way to monetize these interactions.

Challenges

I began with competitive analysis, studying Cameo, OnlyFans, and similar platforms to identify best practices and gaps. Using the existing framework from the previous project, I created site maps and user flows tailored to this new use case, ensuring that the transition from fan to creator was smooth and intuitive. The focus was on mimicking the feel of Instagram DMs, but with a layer of monetization.

DM app – Creator profile reviews

DM app – Creator profile reviews

DM app – Creator packages

DM app – Creator packages

DM app - Site maps

DM app - Site maps

Results

DM allowed fans to message their favorite creators directly, and creators could set rates and packages for different types of interactions. I sketched low-fidelity mockups and moved to high-fidelity prototypes, focusing on a clean, familiar interface. Creators could easily customize their offerings, set prices, and manage their interactions. Fans could purchase and send messages within the app, feeling like they were DMing a favorite creator, but with added exclusivity.

The platform provided a new revenue stream for creators and a unique way for fans to connect with them. The familiarity of the interface made adoption easy, and creators appreciated the control they had over their offerings.