SoulSync User Research Study

🎯 Objective

To understand user dissatisfaction with current dating apps and identify opportunities to design a platform that fosters intentional, values-driven connections.

🔍 Research Question

How might we design a dating experience that supports long-term compatibility and meaningful relationships, rather than superficial or short-term interactions?

📓 Methodology

1. Secondary Research

Analyzed existing studies, expert commentary, and reports on the online dating industry to understand broader trends and user behavior patterns.

2. User Interviews

Conducted 12 one-on-one interviews (ages 24–39, a mix of genders and dating goals) with participants who actively use or recently used dating apps. Each session lasted 30–45 minutes and followed a semi-structured interview format.

📚 Key Industry Insights

Dating platforms are designed for quick engagement, not deep compatibility.
- Match Group's 2019 annual report contained no mentions of long-term relationship terms like “marriage” or “partner.”
Apps reinforce visual bias and instant gratification.
- The Heritage Foundation noted that swipe-based platforms mimic “hook-up ads.”
Emotional connection is de-emphasized.
- Institute for Family Studies highlighted how users often chase temporary affirmation over authentic bonds.

🗣️ User Interview Findings

🔑 Recurring Themes

Insight	% of Users	Quote
Apps feel too casual or hookup-focused	75%	“It’s fun for five minutes, but then I forget I even matched with someone.” – Greg
Desire for deeper, values-based matching	70%	“The app never asked about my interests—just what I liked in bed.” – Steffan
Discomfort with appearance-first matching	65%	“It’s all about looks—you don’t even get to see who they are.”
Swipe fatigue and burnout	60%	“I’m swiping just to kill time—not because I’m hopeful.”
Frustration with disappearing matches	50%	“I missed so many good connections because matches expired too fast.”