WhatsApp is one of those apps we always recommend to people that are new smartphone owners and it’s been a very popular app since it launched in 2009. It is however dying for an update, both the UI and the UX.

The Problem

The (iPhone) app is our go-to-app for chatting on our phones (besides iMessage), but we feel it lacks any personality in their UI. It’s all default iOS elements and while that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, in this case we feel it’s a bit boring. We also believe there are some odd UX paths and choices throughout the app.

The Redesign

As designers, we obviously couldn’t resist designing our own vision of the app in our free time. While mostly focussing on design, we also made a few UX choices to improve the experience for the end-user.

The goal was to improve both UI and UX, but we also challenged ourselves to keep enough of the experience recognizable for current users.

Navigation

There are 2 screens with the highest priority for an instant messaging app, “Conversations” and a “Conversation”. Why doesn’t WhatsApp put more focus on these (read: less on others)?

The Tab Bar shows a view that doesn’t need to be there at all times; Status. We’ve never see anyone change their Status. The arrangement of the Tabs (Favorites, Status, Contacts, Chats and Settings) also seems off.

The new Tab Bar contains: Chats, Group Chats, Favorites and Settings. The order of these is also adjusted to amount of usage. Contacts isn’t Conversation-related, so we’ve moved it. Settings is the exception as it adds personality and should be quickly accessible.

A new chat can be created with the striking green plus-button. Your contacts are now found in a left sidebar, similar to Facebook.

Contacts

Pretty straight-forward sidebar style list view. Easily swipe up and down, or search for a person. Green glowing dots indicate an online status.

Chats

Mainly a UI make-over with more subtle colors, the great Proxima Nova and better placement of information.

A Chat

This screen is actually quite well done in terms of UX. We’ve redesigned the UI. Images do not have “View / Forward” anymore, Viewing can be done by tapping the image and Forward is useless.

Group Chats

Very similar to the new Chats, but with a dynamic avatar. The design shows multiple avatars, and the front image will be the person that was the last to send a message.

Settings

A bit more exciting and more focus on what’s important for the user. Easy access to change your name, picture and status.

Thanks WhatsApp

Nonetheless we’re greatful for the existence of WhatsApp as it enables us to send free text messages to all of our friends. To multiple platforms. Awesome. Download WhatsApp.

What do you think of the redesign? Leave your comments on Dribbble.

Avatars by Martin Schoeller and Vince’s cat.