Beet the Odds: Redefining Dating Apps Through Personality
On September 6th, our team participated in a design thinking Bootcamp session where we set out to explore how dating apps could be improved for college students. We began by choosing this topic because dating apps are widely used among our peers, yet they often spark frustration or skepticism. We wanted to better understand the specific pain points students face and identify opportunities to make the dating experience feel more authentic.
To do this, we conducted user interviews directly on the UC Berkeley campus. We approached students in various locations and asked them about their experiences with dating apps, their likes and dislikes, and what might make them more inclined to use them. We quickly discovered recurring themes. Many students felt that apps reduced people to just photos and surface-level information. Profiles were described as “all looking the same” and “too shallow,” leaving little room for personality to shine through. Some admitted they had tried using apps but deleted them shortly after, feeling that the experience lacked meaning or depth.
After about an hour of fieldwork, our team reconvened to share insights. What stood out most was the desire for authenticity. Students consistently wanted profiles that reflected personality, humor, and individuality—qualities that pictures and short bios alone could not capture. This became the foundation for our brainstorming session, where we sketched ideas and thought creatively about how to integrate personality more directly into the dating app experience.
From these discussions emerged our concept: Beet the Odds. Inspired by the lighthearted nature of personality quizzes, the app would help users discover and highlight their unique traits through playful, quiz-style interactions. These results would then be incorporated into profiles, offering a more engaging and authentic way for people to connect. By shifting the focus away from appearance alone and toward personality-driven matches, we believe Beet the Odds can make dating apps feel less superficial and more genuine.
This session highlighted the importance of talking directly with users rather than relying on assumptions. By listening to their frustrations and hopes, we identified an opportunity to design a solution that addresses real needs while also creating space for creativity and fun.