Polaroid
We designed an app to introduce Polaroid's latest product — an analog camera enhanced with all the advantages of the digital world. The challenge was to create a sense of community without falling into the patterns of a social network, so we proposed a playful space to share both new and old memories.
Our goal was to design an application that complemented Polaroid's newest hybrid camera — an analog device with digital connectivity. The app sought to extend the product's nostalgic and emotional value into the digital space, without turning it into yet another social media platform. We approached the project by focusing on connection through experience rather than interaction metrics. The app invited users to document and share their photographs in a more intentional, reflective way , through features that encourage storytelling, exploration, and memory-making. By blending analog tactility with digital accessibility, we aimed to design a product that feels both contemporary and timeless, aligned with Polaroid's heritage and community spirit.
How might we?
We began by framing a series of How Might We questions to understand how to reach the target audience and foster community without reproducing the behavioral patterns of typical social media.
We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore users' emotional connection with Polaroid: why they use it, what moments they choose to capture, and how the brand fits into their personal rituals of memory and nostalgia.
Design Process
We started with a Crazy 8s exercise that generated a broad range of interaction ideas. Many converged around the concept of an image feed inspired by Instagram, paired with an interactive map where users could explore photographs by place and time. We also developed a storyboard to visualize the user's experience across physical and digital touchpoints — from taking a picture to sharing it through the app. This helped us identify opportunities to add sentimental value and reinforce Polaroid's positioning as a brand that celebrates presence and emotion.
• Community Feed: A curated space where users can share both old and new Polaroid pictures, add short captions or stories, and connect through shared memories rather than likes or followers.
• Photo Quest: A location-based game that invites users to discover new places around the world through photography — capturing moments and exploring visual stories from other players.
• Play and Earn: Users gain points by engaging with the app's playful features. Once accumulated, these points can be redeemed for prizes and discounts on the latest Polaroid camera.
Wireframes
During the wireframing phase, we progressively refined the interface design, balancing Polaroid's visual identity with the specific personality of the new product. The process allowed us to align the brand's nostalgic aesthetics with an intuitive and cohesive user experience.
Results & Learnings
Through multiple rounds of usability testing, we identified areas of confusion related to iconography and navigation paths. Some flows required unnecessary steps, leading to friction in task completion. Iterating based on these insights, we improved hierarchy, icon clarity, and interaction logic, resulting in a smoother and more meaningful user experience that strengthened the emotional connection between user, product, and brand.
