projects.app - star.host.program
FriendZone's host ranking was invisible. Hosts had no idea why some earned more than others. I designed a system to make that ranking transparent, actionable, and motivating for a non-tech-savvy audience.
// PROBLEM STATEMENT
FriendZone hosts are ranked based on call pickup rate and time spent on calls but this ranking system operates entirely behind the scenes. It directly determines where they appear on the feed and how many calls they receive.
Most hosts come from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities – many homemakers and college students relying on this platform for income. This invisibility meant losing earning opportunities without ever knowing why.
// OBJECTIVE
Design a feature that pulls back the curtain on the ranking system and gives hosts a clear, motivated path to improve their standing — without requiring technical know-how to navigate it.
"Where do I stand?"
"What do I do next?"
// USER COHORT
FriendZone's hosts are predominantly women from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities — homemakers and students seeking flexible, accessible income. Digital literacy varies widely across this group, making simplicity and intuitive design non-negotiable.
Every design decision was filtered through one question: would someone using a smartphone for the first time understand this?
// FLOW CHART
The flow was designed around three key user states — each needed a different entry point, level of guidance and set of nudges to keep the experience from feeling overwhelming at any stage.
Stage 1
First-time host
Hasn't yet engaged with the program. Needs footing before framing.
Stage 2
Active host
Working through tasks. Needs visible progress and clear next steps.
Stage 3
Returning host
Maintaining Star Host status. Needs reinforcement, not re-explanation.
// D0 · HOST JOURNEY ON FEED
Intentionally free of Star Host messaging. New hosts need to find their footing first — how calls work, what gems are, how earnings are calculated. The Star Host banner is deliberately hidden at this stage.
Once a host has built enough platform familiarity, the Star Host widget appears on the first fold of their feed – visible and prominent, introduced only when ready.
If a host doesn't engage within 2 days, a bottom sheet gives a direct introduction the next time they land on the feed — shown only once, enough for awareness without feeling pushy.
// HOST LANDS ON THE STAR HOST PAGE
First-time visitors are greeted with a short tutorial — what the program is, how it works, what's in it for them. Skippable, but always accessible from the page header for a refresher.
Everything at a glance: current standing, all active tasks with contextual tips, and the rewards waiting on the other side. No buried information, no confusing hierarchy.
Tapping the remaining time reveals what counts, what doesn't, and exactly what qualifies — kept a layer below the main view to avoid overwhelming hosts upfront.
// TRANSITION OF THE STAR HOST PAGE
Data begins populating on the page in real time. Progress becomes visible and tangible — the more a host does, the more the page comes to life.
A sticky strip appears at the bottom as the deadline approaches — persistent enough to be noticed, unobtrusive enough not to disrupt the experience.
Once all tasks are complete, the page transitions to a confirmation state — a clear, satisfying moment of achievement that makes the effort feel worth it.
// STATUS EARNED - POPUP, FEED & NUDGES
A popup confirms achievement and the new slab unlocked — the first thing a host sees. The Star Host badge now also shows with their profile picture.
The feed shows the follow-up banner clearly communicating when the host's benefits will become active. Rather than leaving hosts wondering, this screen sets the right expectations.
Also, now the Star Host badge will be shown with the Host's Profile Picture.
When a host tries to go offline, a prompt shows how much time remains on their daily "stay online" task — surfaced at exactly the moment they're most likely to step away.
Completing the new week's tasks triggers a "retained" confirmation — rewarding consistency, not just first-time achievement, building the habit loop that keeps hosts engaged.
// ITERATIONS
VERSION 1
GOLD, SILVER, BRONZE
A three-tier system rewarding varying performance levels. Testing revealed it created confusion, not motivation — hosts weren't sure which tier to aim for or what differentiated them.
SHIPPED
STAR HOST
Stripped back to a single status. One clear goal, one clear reward. The simplification didn't reduce motivation — it sharpened it.
// WHY DARK MODE?
Early designs used light mode, but Star Host elements kept blending into the surrounding UI — losing the visual weight the program needed. Dark mode gave the feature immediate distinction: hierarchy became easier to read, and the tone matched the program's aspirational feel.
// OUTCOMES
20%
Organic growth in hosts achieving Star status — genuine behavior change, not just awareness.
>50%
Daily program page adoption — well beyond expectations for a non-tech-savvy audience.
+15%
Increase in free call time — directly reversing prior avoidance behavior.
64%
Of total GMV contributed by Star Hosts — 8-9 points above initial projections.
The Star Host Program is live on FriendZone today, turning an invisible ranking system into something hosts understand, trust, and are motivated to chase.
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