Social Media Design
UX & UI design for a trust-based search engine
TrustSearch is a trust-based search platform. Through an algorithm based on node theory; the famous "we are all 6 nodes or less from Barack Obama"; your network and your affinities, you can find professionals who match you.
Once theorized, they needed to design their platforms before developing them.
Understanding the Spirit of a Trust-Based Social Network
When approaching the design of social platforms, it is essential to understand the logic behind their architecture. In the case of TrustSearch, the goal was not just to connect people, but to ensure that those connections were truly trustworthy. Using an algorithm inspired by node theory—the idea that we are all connected within six degrees or less to anyone on the planet—the platform aims to bring together professionals and users who are truly compatible. This concept of a “trust-based network” forces UX designers to think holistically about user flows, with credibility and relevance at the heart of everything.
Beyond the concept, the TrustSearch team wanted a graphic base that reassures. This is where the branding phase comes in: defining the colors, typography, and general atmosphere that will embody the "trust" dimension of the search engine. Once the branding is established, the platform can then begin its UX & UI design stages. The idea is simple: to create an environment where the user feels guided, confident and stimulated.
Cementing the User Experience: UX Flow, Sitemap and Wireframes
Once the graphic charter has been validated, the first mission is to build the foundations of the user experience. The User Flow allows you to visualize the sequence of actions that the user will perform to find a professional or a service. This map identifies the entry, interaction and exit points for each user profile. In a social media design context, this diagram is all the more crucial since it is necessary to manage not only search flows, but also communication and networking functions.
From this User Flow, the team develops the Sitemap, in other words the navigation structure. This is a complete inventory of the pages (or screens) necessary for the proper functioning of the platform. Whether we are considering an internal messaging system, a detailed profile, a rating or recommendation system, each feature must have its logical place. Finally, we move on to wireframing: this is the “wireframe” mockup stage, allowing us to focus on the layout of the elements (titles, buttons, text blocks) without being distracted by the purely visual aspect. It is also an excellent way to test and iterate quickly before tackling the final rendering.
User profile page on TrustSearch. UI: Home page design – Integration of the graphic charter
TrustSearch Search Results. Ui Design of the search result page
Ux: Sitemap Definitions. TrustSearch #2 Sitemap
Valire User Interface – Features Overview. Responsive design, adapting screens to phones
Ux: Definition of user flow. TrustSearch user flow
Valire Dashboard – Full User View. Profile Page UI Design
Preview of TrustSearch pages and flows. Ui design part after Ux phase
Sublimating the Interface: When the UI Comes to Life
Once the skeleton of the pages is validated, the UI design can finally take on its full scope. In the case of TrustSearch, the challenge is to transpose the graphic universe defined during the branding: a color palette evoking transparency and reliability, readable and modern typography, and stylized icons that support the notion of trust. This is also the moment when we integrate the visuals, animations and interactive effects, essential for increasing user engagement on a social network or social search engine.
In a project like TrustSearch, social media design must juggle aesthetics and functionality. The interface must encourage interactions, facilitate searching, and encourage sharing. A concrete example: when applying branding, the use of trust “badges” or reliability indicators can strengthen the membership process and reassure the user about the legitimacy of the service. This is the challenge of a well-designed UI: translating the promise of a platform based on trust into graphic elements, without ever sacrificing the fluidity of navigation.
Ultimately, TrustSearch’s success is a perfect illustration of the importance of a comprehensive design process, from concept development (branding) to rigorous UX design, all the way to finalizing the interface (UI). This methodology ensures overall consistency and an optimal experience for each user.