Creating a Platform That Feels Human

Born out of a desire to escape the soullessness of traditional social media, Longwalks was crafted with meaningful conversations in mind and empathy at its core. This California-based app sets itself apart from its tech-centric cousins by focusing on fostering genuine connections—something that’s evident in both its tone and its design.

While the app’s ambitions are big, we knew the key to its success was a balanced approach. Even with the best intentions, going overboard could risk feeling overly sentimental. So, we struck the perfect harmony between warmth and restraint.

At the heart of the brand is a delightful cast of diverse characters who chat, laugh, and interact, embodying the meaningful connections Longwalks strives to create. These characters bring life and charm to the platform, focusing less on algorithms and data and more on nurturing real relationships, a much-needed antidote in today’s world.

The visual language is built on soothing pastel tones paired with soft, rounded shapes that radiate warmth and positivity. Each color is intentionally chosen to be gentle and harmonious, creating a cohesive, calming aesthetic. Similarly, the typography balances charm and friendliness, with rounded forms designed to feel approachable and full of character.

Nature also plays a key role in the system, with depictions of plants and greenery adding an organic touch, reminding users of life’s vibrancy and the importance of growth in relationships. This natural element creates an inviting, lively atmosphere throughout the brand experience.

Our work for Longwalks spanned creating a complete design system for the brand—developing the UI for the mobile app and custom-building features that amplify its ethos. We also brought to life bespoke sections and characters, each imbued with thoughtful emotions, to further reflect the app’s focus on fostering meaningful, empathetic interactions.