Helix is a dating app that builds off of the genetic mapping service Genemap.
Helix creates a scientific genetic profile for individuals to match with their “ideal” genetic partners. Users who have their genome sequenced with Genemap simply upload their data to the app when they first sign up for Helix and our service uses your genetic information to create a personalized profile of yourself based on your genetic information. Once your profile is created, you can then begin searching for your ideal genetic match using a variety of search parameters.
Gone are the days of cat fishing and deceptive profiles, in Helix everyone is who they say they are down to their DNA. Try a dating app that works. Try a dating app that’s honest. Try a dating app that shows the world who you really are.
After all, genes never lie.
I researched existing mobile applications and services that utilize users personal information in order to provide a service. These included apps like Google Maps, Zenly, 23 & Me, Siri/Alexa voice assistants, and the Chinese Social Credit System. These applications and services utilize a variety of personal information including users GPS location over time, internet usage, age, gender, sex, online interactions, and much more.
The motivation behind creating a genetic dating app would be to find potential partners you could match with on a genetic level.
An incentive to use the app could be dating to avoid certain genetic traits and/or conditions.
A genetic dating app where users discriminate amongst each other based off of traits inherent to the circumstances of their birth is an extension of the current superficial interaction currently being used on existing dating apps.
This sort of application is inherently flawed and is meant to show the flaws with current online application driven dating services.
1 I chose to pursue the dating app utilization of genetic mapping as it had a lot of crossover with existing interactions in contemporary dating apps.
2 I also chose to pursue it because it has infrastructure and services that would currently support its implementation.
3 It relies upon users to support the negative design system via incentivizing their actions similar to existing apps.
is present in some of my research examples like the Chinese Social Credit System.
for existing dating apps and existing genetic mapping services
1- Minimal Dark Aesthetics to elicit a feeling that the application is both familiar yet subtly different from existing services and unlike others is (EVIL and evil things are dark because I have a childlike sense of design ).
2- search preferences are located on the apps backend similar to existing dating apps to keep a familiarity with the already learned interactions by existing users.
3- Evocative branding to make it as effective and appealing as other dating apps.