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Watch Dave Grohl and Inara George Cover 10cc’s ‘The Things We Do for Love’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Watch Dave Grohl and Inara George Cover 10cc’s ‘The Things We Do for Love’

For the third night of the Hannukah Sessions, Dave Grohl and Greg Kurstin were joined by Inara George to cover 10cc’s ‘The Things We Do For Love’, with Tenacious D’s Jack Black and Kyle Gass on backing vocals. Check it out below.

“Once referred to as the ‘biggest Jewish band to come out of Britain,’ 10cc’s MOTs Godley, Crème and Gouldman recorded a ton of hits — here’s one of the many: ‘The Things We Do For Love’ as sung by Inara George!” the video’s description reads.

So far in this year’s Hannukah Sessions, Grohl and Kurstin have shared a performance of ‘Get the Party Started’ with Pink and a cover of Blood, Sweat and Tears’ ‘Spinning Wheel’ sung by Judd Apatow. Kurstin and George, who lead the musical duo the Bird and the Bee, released a holiday album called Put Up The Lights in 2020, the same year the series began. It featured Grohl playing drums on ‘Little Drummer Boy’.

Knifeplay Release New EP ‘For the Holidays’

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Knifeplay Release New EP ‘For the Holidays’

Knifeplay have shares a new Christmas EP called For the Holidays, a collection of Christmas songs the Philadelphia band has released over the years. It will be available on Bandcamp only until January 2, with proceeds going to Broad Street Ministry, which offers a variety of social services to Philadelphians living in deep poverty. Listen to the EP below.

“I hope to build this album year after year, it will come and go just like the holidays themselves, but always with new songs and new perspectives,” the band’s s TJ Strohmer wrote in a statement. “Just as we all return to the holidays each year with newfound growth. It will eventually serve as a snapshot of the progression of our music through the years, and a reflection of where our heads were on any given year. I realize this music won’t be for everyone and it isn’t what most people want from us. But it is a project I feel so naturally compelled by. It is impossible to rank and rate because it is a pure soul expression, it is my most egoless songwriting. It an exercise in happiness and optimism which somehow eludes my expressions of how I interact with the world for the rest of year.”

Earlier this year, Knifeplay put out their sophomore album, Animal Drowning, which made our best albums list. Check out our Artist Spotlight interview with Knifeplay. 

The Key to CBD

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The Key to CBD

CBD is cannabidiol, the main substance in cannabis, better known as marijuana. Its proportion in the plant extract can be as high as 40%. CBD can be used to treat a variety of ailments. CBD does not contain THC, which guarantees a “light high” when used. CBD does not contain psychoactive substances, so its use is very important for treating illnesses and you can buy CBD oil UK here.

The THCA and CBD differences lie in their chemical structures and how they interact with the body’s receptors. THCA is the acidic precursor to THC, found in raw cannabis, and does not produce psychoactive effects until it is decarboxylated through heat.

When can it be used?

  1. If you are trying for chronic pain

It is estimated that about 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from some form of chronic pain. There are many causes and sources of chronic pain, and finding an effective treatment plan, from lifestyle changes to powerful medications, is not always easy or reliable.

Studies have shown that CBD can relieve pain associated with inflammation. It has been shown to be effective in treating arthritis, rheumatic pain, and fibromyalgia. Unlike strong painkillers, the side effects of CBD oil are minimal and disappear when you stop using it. So, if you are looking for a possible way to relieve pain, you should 1-hour weed delivery and try CBD oil.

  1. If you have depression or anxiety

Hundreds of millions of people worldwide are estimated to be experiencing anxiety or depression, which is one of the leading causes of disability in the world.

Research shows that some people with anxiety disorders can get relief from their condition with CBD. In a 2011 study, participants received an oral dose of 400 mg of CBD or a placebo. Those who received CBD experienced anxiety relief.

When it comes to treating depression, CBD may have some advantages over antidepressants. Most antidepressants take weeks to have a real effect, and a 2019 animal study showed that CBD has a fast and lasting effect. CBD also has fewer side effects and is generally well tolerated by the body, whereas the most common side effects of antidepressants include insomnia, sexual dysfunction, mood swings, and irritability.

Let’s be clear: CBD capsules in Vancouver may have advantages over antidepressants, but it doesn’t necessarily replace all medications. Abruptly stopping prescription medications can cause serious side effects, so don’t stop taking your prescription medications without first talking to your doctor.

  1. If you have acne

No matter how carefully you take care of your skin, sometimes your skin just doesn’t “cooperate” with you no matter what you do.

CBD has been found to have a positive effect in treating acne. In a study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers measured the effects of CBD on human skin samples and sebaceous glands. They found that CBD suppresses the production of so-called sebum and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the glands that produce this substance. This suggests that CBD can help cleanse your skin.

  1. If you can’t sleep

Insomnia is a common disorder in which problems with sleep and sleep quality appear, even in conditions that should theoretically allow you to sleep soundly.

Several studies support the theory that CBD can help you sleep better. As with many of the effects of CBD, more research is needed, but there are many encouraging signs. Many researchers claim that CBD improves sleep because it addresses the underlying causes of insomnia. In most clinical trials of CBD and sleep, subjects were given between 25 and 1,500 mg of CBD per day.

To find the right amount of CBD for you, it’s best to start with a small amount and gradually increase it until you reach the right dose for you.

Top Diamond Cuts to Check Out on Rare Carat For Engagement Rings Going Into 2023

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Top Diamond Cuts to Check Out on Rare Carat For Engagement Rings Going Into 2023

Diamonds are one of the most popular and versatile stones in the jewelry world. They come in all shapes and sizes, colors, and cuts. The diamond cut is what makes it sparkle like no other stone can. 

Each cut has unique characteristics that determine how it will look when set in a ring or necklace. You can choose from several different diamond cuts, each with its benefits. Here are some of the best diamond cuts available on the Rare Carat website today such as teachjewelry.com.

Radiant Cut Diamonds

The radiant cut is a newer diamond shape that’s gaining popularity. It features a square-shaped table and an octagonal pavilion, making it very bright. The radiant cut’s symmetry makes it ideal for those who want the traditional look of a round diamond with more sparkle. 

Radiant cut diamonds are so similar to conventional round brilliant cuts that many jewelers will use them interchangeably. So if you’re on a budget, don’t worry about paying extra for the name when choosing between these two types of diamonds.

This shape has been around since 2010 but rapidly gaining momentum. Radiant cuts have become especially popular because they have the same qualities as other styles, such as carats and clarity, but cost less than similarly sized solitaire rings. You can also get creative by pairing your favorite stone with different metals or settings. There are no limits here.

If you want radiant cut diamonds, you can explore the Rare Carat website to pick up your next diamond. As per the reviews of Rare Carat online, the website is straightforward to use as it lets buyers filter products based on 4Cs, including the cut. Moreover, buyers can choose from the brand’s natural and lab-made diamond collections, which is a huge plus.

Princess Cut Diamonds

The princess-cut diamond is square with pointed corners, which can be the perfect choice for an engagement ring. The princess cut’s unique shape and appearance make it stand out from other cuts in the same way a diamond with different colors or clarity would.

While princess-cut diamonds may not be as famous as round stones, they’re still great for an engagement ring. They’re often less expensive than other cuts like pearls and emeralds, making them more affordable to most budgets while still being high quality and beautiful. 

Going by Rare Carat’s reviews, you will get the perfect princess cut diamonds on the Rare Carat website, thanks to the powerful search option.

Emerald Cut Diamonds

The emerald cut diamond is a square-shaped diamond with pointed corners. It’s a trendy shape for engagement rings and other jewelry because it’s eye-catching and relatively affordable. Emerald-cut diamonds are ideal for those who want to splurge on something unique but can’t afford the priciness of some other cuts.

Emerald cuts are available in various shapes, including round and square. The most common shape is a rounded diamond with 56 facets on its top surface. It makes the stone more sparkly than other shapes that have fewer facets. 

If you’re looking for something extra sparkly or bigger than your typical solitaire setting, consider an emerald cut shaped like a cushion or radiant. As per My Diamond Guide, just 3% of the world’s diamonds are emerald cut, which makes them very rare and unique. 

Cushion Cut Diamonds

A cushion-cut diamond is a square-shaped diamond with rounded corners, and it’s the most popular choice for engagement rings. You can find this style in many colors, including white, yellow, and pink. It’s a classic, timeless shape that will never go out of style.

Men also favor cushion-cut diamonds because they’re easy to care for. You don’t need special tools or expensive jewelry cleaning solutions to keep them sparkling. And unlike other cuts of diamonds, you won’t have trouble finding matching wedding bands to match your new cushion cut ring.

Heart Shaped Diamonds

Heart-shaped diamonds are a classic cut and will always be in style. Lady Gaga is famously known for her heart cut diamond engagement ring. The heart shape is one of the most popular cuts for engagement rings, and it’s easy to see why. The shape is great for engagement rings because it strongly associates with love and romance, so you can use it to express your feelings for your partner.

Some might think that heart-shaped diamonds are more feminine than masculine, but this isn’t necessarily true. Heart-shaped diamonds can be made from every material, even black diamonds. It’s just a matter of personal preference which kind suits you best.

Get the Lowdown on Top Diamond Cuts Expected to Trend in 2023

According to Ringspo, the average cost of an engagement ring is $5,225. Since they are expensive, a lot of things need to be considered. Diamond cuts are among the most important things to consider when buying an engagement ring. 

A diamond’s cut is a big part of what makes it sparkle and shine, so you must pick a shape that will complement your bride-to-be’s hand and make her feel like she has extraordinary rocks on her finger.

The 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) are diamonds’ four most important characteristics. However, if you want to get specific about how brilliant your shiny rock will look for years upon years to come, then you should also consider the intricacies of each cut.

Cut refers to how many facets are on an engagement ring’s main stone, or in this case – diamond, and how they’re arranged around its surface area. The more facets there are on a diamond’s surface area, the more light is reflected at onlookers’ eyes, which translates into brighter sparkle.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a unique engagement ring or want to be ahead of the game regarding trends, these top diamond cuts will impress. They’ve been popular for years and show no signs of going out of style anytime soon. Whether you choose one as your unique piece of jewelry or gift it to someone else, you won’t regret it.

Martin Duffy, Felt and Primal Scream Keyboardist, Dead at 55

Konstantinos Pappis
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Martin Duffy, Felt and Primal Scream Keyboardist, Dead at 55

Martin Duffy, the keyboardist who played for bands including Felt, Primal Scream, and the Charlatans, has died. According to a post from Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie, Duffy died on Sunday from a brain injury he suffered after falling at his home in Brighton. He was 55.

Born in Birmingham, England, Duffy grew up in Rednal and joined the cult jangle-pop band Felt in 1985 after responding to a flyer in the Birmingham branch of Virgin records. He remained a member of the band until they disbanded in 1989, contributing to all seven of their albums and becoming an essential part of their sound. After playing on Primal Scream’s first two albums, 1987’s Sonic Flower Groove and 1989’s Primal Scream, Duffy joined the Scottish group as a full-time member just before the release of their seminal 1991 album Screamadelica.

Duffy went on to play with the Charlatans following the death of founding member Rob Collins, contributing to 1997’s Tellin’ Stories, and joined a supergroup called Chavs with Charlatans’ Tim Burgess and the Libertines’ Carl Barât. He also collaborated with acts like Oasis, Beth Orton, Paul Weller, Heidi Berry, George Clinton, the Chemical Brothers, and more. In 2014, he released a solo album called Assorted Promenades. 

“Another tragic loss of a beautiful soul,” Tim Burgess wrote on Twitter. “Martin Duffy stepped in to save The Charlatans when we lost Rob – he played with us at Knebworth and was a true friend. He toured with me in my solo band too – he was a pleasure to spend time with. Safe travels Duffy.”

In his post, Gillespie wrote:

Hard to write this. We never know how to speak around death other than polite platidudes [sic]. All I want to say is that our soul brother Martin Duffy passed away on Sunday. He suffered a brain injury due to a fall at his home in Brighton. We in Primal Scream are all so sad. I’ve known Martin since he was a teenager in Felt. He played keyboards on every album of ours from the first to the last. Finally joining the band in 1991. Martin was a very special character. He had a love and understanding of music on a deep spiritual level. Music meant everything to him. He loved literature and was well read and erudite. An autodidact. A deep thinker, curious about the world and other cultures. Always visiting museums in every city we played or looking for Neolithic stones in remote places. Opinionated and stubborn in his views. He could play piano to the level where he was feted not just by his peers in British music, but old school master American musicians such as James Luther Dickinson, Roger Hawkins & David Hood & producer Tom Dowd. I witnessed a session at Abbey Rd in 1997 for a Dr John album where his record company had assembled a bunch of young Indie Brit musicians where Mac Rebenac ( Dr John ) seemed bored and uninterested in the session until Martin started playing, then suddenly the good Dr started knocking some funky piano chops and I instantly knew it was because his ears had pricked up when he heard Martin play and the session at last came alive. Martin was the most musically talented of all of us. His style combined elements of country, blues and soul, all of which he had a God given natural feel for. He never played the same thing twice, ever. He was all about ‘the moment’, better have that ‘record’ button on when Duffy was on fire. His timing was unique, funky and ALWAYS behind the beat. George Clinton also dug Martin. I remember a session in Chicago where George said to him ” go to church Duffy !” , and he did. Martin was also in possession of a unique wit. He had a swift eye for the absurd, the surreal and the ridiculous. He lived to laugh and play music. He was loved by all of us in the Scream. A beautiful soul. We will miss him.

Watch Phoebe Bridgers, Matty Healy, Weyes Blood, Jack Antonoff, and More Cover ‘These Days’ at Ally Coalition Benefit Show

Konstantinos Pappis
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Watch Phoebe Bridgers, Matty Healy, Weyes Blood, Jack Antonoff, and More Cover ‘These Days’ at Ally Coalition Benefit Show

Ally Coalition, Jack and Rachel Antonoff’s LGBTQ+ equality nonprofit, held its eight annual benefit show at the NYU Skirball Center last night (December 19). Returning with its first-person edition since 2019 after being staged virtually last year, the event featured surprise appearances by Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, the 1975’s Matty Healy, Weyes Blood, and Trey Anastasio, who finished off the night with a group singalong of Jackson Browne’s classic ‘These Days’. Check out footage of the performance below (via Stereogum).

Elsewhere in the night, Bridgers was joined by Healy, Dacus, Antonoff, and Christian Lee Hutson for a performance of ‘I Know The End’, while Antonoff, Healy, and Anastasio offered their take on the National’s ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio’.

Earlier this month, Bridgers joined Billie Eilish in Los Angeles to perform ‘Motion Sickness’ and appeared in a live concert adaptation of The Nightmare Before Christmas with Danny Elfman at London’s Wembley Arena.

Watch Dave Grohl and Pink Cover ‘Get the Party Started’ for ’Hanukkah Sessions’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Watch Dave Grohl and Pink Cover ‘Get the Party Started’ for ’Hanukkah Sessions’

After being joined by director Judd Apatow for a cover of Blood, Sweat & Tears’ ‘Spinning Wheel’, Dave Grohl and Greg Kurstin teamed up with Pink for a rendition of her 2001 hit ‘Get the Party Started’ for the second night of Hanukkah Sessions. Check it out below.

“One of the music world’s biggest and brightest stars of David, P!nk shows a couple of schmendricks how it’s done by joining us for her very own Bat Mitzvah staple Get The Party Started!'” the video’s official description reads.

The performance was recorded as part of an in-person event that took place earlier thiis month and also featured Beck, Tenacious D, Karen O, Pink, Inara George, and Grohl’s daughter Violet. Grohl and Kurstin started the series in 2020, rolling out covers of songs by Jewish artists throughout the eight nights of the holiday.

Terry Hall, Lead Singer of the Specials, Dead at 63

Konstantinos Pappis
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Terry Hall, Lead Singer of the Specials, Dead at 63

Terry Hall, lead voalist of the legendary British ska band the Specials, has died at the age of 63. The band confirmed Hall’s passing on social media, writing, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing, following a brief illness, of Terry, our beautiful friend, brother, and one of the most brilliant singers, songwriters and lyricists this country has ever produced.”

“Terry was a wonderful husband and father and one of the kindest, funniest, and most genuine of souls. His music and his performances encapsulated the very essence of life… the joy, the pain, the humour, the fight for justice, but mostly the love,” the Specials continued. “He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him and leaves behind the gift of his remarkable music and profound humanity. Terry often left the stage at the end of The Specials’ life-affirming shows with three words…‘Love Love Love.’ We would ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy at this very sad time.”

Terry Hall was born and raised in the West Midlands city of Coventry. In 2019, he told the comedian Richard Herring that he was abducted by a paedophile ring in France at age 12, an experience he addressed in Fun Boy Three’s 1983 single ‘Well Fancy That!’. He lived with depression and manic depression and was medicated throughout his teenage years, later claiming that he took Valium when he was 13. After dropping out of school at 14, he worked menial jobs before joining his first band, the local punk outfit Squad.

In 1977, Hall became the frontman of the Automatics, a pioneering 2 Tone band that became known as the Specials, replacing original singer Tim Strickland. The group was introduced to a wider audience after Joe Strummer invited them to support the Clash live, releasing their debut single ‘Gangsters’, a rendition of Prince Buster’s 1964 Jamaican ska classic ‘Al Capone’, in 1979. It reached No. 6 in the UK singles chart, becoming the first in a series of top-10 hits. Elvis Costello produced the band’s 1979 self-titled debut, which was followed by their 1980 sophomore album More Specials. They scored their biggest hit with the 1981 smash ‘Ghost Town’, a song written by the band’s main songwriter about urban decay in England.

Hall went on to leave the Specials to form Fun Boy Three  along with his bandmates Lynval Golding and Neville Staple. The trio released two albums, their 1982 self-titled record and 1983’s Waiting, before disbanding. Hall then started another new wave band called the Colourfield, which put out two LPs: Virgins and Philistines in 1985 and Deception in 1987. He also co-wrote ‘Our Lips Are Sealed’ with The Go-Go’s Jane Wiedlin, collaborated with Tricky, Damon Albarn, and Sinead O’Connor, and issued a few solo albums. The Specials’ most recent album, Protest Songs 1924–2012, came out last year.

Countless musicians have paid tribute to Hall in the wake of his passing, including Elvis Costello, Jane Wiedlin, Belinda Carlisle, Portishead’s Geoff Barrow, Rage Against the Machine, Boy George, Living Colour, Billy Bragg, Sleaford Mods, and more.

“I was deeply saddened to hear about Terry Hall’s passing on Sunday,” Neville Staple wrote. “@SugaryStaple was called as we arrived in Egypt. We knew Terry had been unwell but didn’t realise how serious until recently. We had only just confirmed some 2023 joint music agreements together. This has hit me hard and must be extremely difficult for Terry’s wife and family. Sugary and I, extend our heartfelt condolences to them all at this extremely difficult time. In the music World, people have many ups and downs, but I will hang onto the great memories of Terry and I, making history fronting The Specials and Fun Boy three together. Rest easy Terry Hall.”

Review: The Arena of the Unwell, by Liam Konemann

Arlie Moberly
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Review: The Arena of the Unwell, by Liam Konemann

If you were into indie music in the 2010s, The Arena of the Unwell will feel familiar. Even if you weren’t, after reading this book you’ll feel like you were there. Following twenty-two-year-old Noah as he bounces between gigs and his job at a record store, The Arena is an innovative and timely exploration of the intersections of mental health, queerness, and coming-of-age, viewed through the lens of the indie music scene.

Noah is closely following the revival of his favourite band, Smiling Politely. After a comeback concert turns violent, he runs into barman Dylan, who he has been crushing on from afar, and photographer Fraser, who comes with Dylan everywhere. As his mental health spirals Noah is drawn closer to Dylan and Fraser’s complex relationship, and drifts further from his own best friends — Mairead and Jenny. All the while, his NHS therapy hours are dwindling, and his job is becoming increasingly precarious.

Konemann is a music journalist, and his ability to write so vividly about music elevates The Arena, creating a powerful sense of the London indie music scene in this era. “It was just such a rich environment for stories and for interpersonal relationships because it is quite charged a lot of the time,” he explained to Lighthouse Books. Konemann captures that intensity brilliantly; at times I felt like I was still peeling the grime of last night’s gig off my skin. Importantly, Konemann refuses to depict the scene as solely one thing or another. The Arena highlights the toxicity of some parts of the indie scene, shedding light on substance abuse and artist mental health issues, while still evoking the close community some people find in music scenes. The novel reminds us of the sense of renewal in hearing songs that resonate and the thrill of live music. For Noah, the songs of Smiling Politely feel like they were written for him, as do songs by the few indie singers who are queer.

The Arena confronts challenging themes around mental health, following in the footsteps of authors like Candice Carty-Williams who have been placing mental health centre-stage in their work. Konemann highlights both that Noah deserves better and faces vast – but usual – barriers to getting into a better place, while still emphasising that he is not a perfect person. In the indie music scene, this mental health theme interlinks with that of drug and alcohol abuse, which is a key part of how Noah sometimes deals with his problems.

Noah sometimes attends NHS therapy and struggles to navigate the system, particularly as a queer person. Although the expense of private therapy and the intensity of demand for NHS services does colour the backdrop of the book, Konemann could afford to push further here; the passages about therapy feel faint in contrast to his descriptions of live gigs. Nonetheless, he deserves credit for probing sensitively into such a complex subject.

All this makes The Arena sound quite dark, but, despite some of the subject matter, it is often very funny. Konemann deftly balances serious engagement with difficult subjects with self-aware humour, creating a narrative voice that will be very recognizable to many members of Gen Z. He is unafraid to write those things that lots of us think but might not often admit to aloud.

Konemann is part of a generation of writers exploring queer experiences from new angles, such as Sarah Thankam Matthews and David Santos Donaldson. As much as anything else, The Arena is a coming-of-age story, as we watch Noah try to support himself and figure out how he wants his relationships to be. Arena is highly successful as a queer version of this trajectory, attentive to the intricacies of Noah’s particular relationship to his own queerness without conforming to the demand that all queer stories be about coming out. It does not set Noah within an entirely queer world, noting his sense that he does not want this but also highlighting that sometimes he feels “not gay enough”. While stories that depict the more specifically queer spaces of London are also important, Arena is valuable as a queer story that defies the demand to exist wholly inside or outside of this space. It acknowledges some of the complexities of queerness through this. And nor it is all about romantic relationships; it also celebrates queer friendships and community through the role of Mairead, Noah’s best friend, and her girlfriend Jenny. This feels especially stark in contrast to the toxicity Noah’s relationships with Fraser and Dylan.

At times, though, some of the other characters feel thinly-sketched. It still works, because Noah is so vivid and on one level, Noah’s difficulties make him self-absorbed. The comparative faintness of other characters we get a sense of the narrowing of Noah’s world. But I would have loved to know more about Mairead and Jenny, partly because I’m sure that Konemann would have had interesting things to write about them. Nonetheless, The Arena is an assured, unique debut, and Konemann will certainly be one to watch.

The ShareSpace App that Connects You with Perfect Roommates

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The ShareSpace App that Connects You with Perfect Roommates

Moving to a new city can be tough. Being surrounded by people and an environment that one is completely unfamiliar with is undoubtedly challenging. Social animals need to have interaction with others to survive and thrive. And this is why the ShareSpace App was invented.

“A lot of my friends and I struggled with finding our ideal homes, ideal roommates especially because you can always find apartments on lease online but when you don’t know anyone from the city, it’s almost impossible to find a reliable roommate. Obviously, no one wants to live with complete strangers,” says Erica Gao, the inventor of the Share Space App.

(The ShareSpace App)

ShareSpace is an all-in-one search and chat platform that matches users with potential roommates based on common interests and habits. Starting with a preliminary screening during onboarding, the app can record users’ interests and habits and show the matched results. And users can communicate and look at the apartments together within the app.

Gao did several rounds of interviews and research, the results showed that people prefer to live with someone that they share the same hobbies and habits with, and that they wish to be able to communicate with each other, which might take long in the early stage, but they don’t have an appropriate platform to do that.

(Interview results collected by Erica Gao)

Even the competitors such as Apartment List, Zumper and Spare Room don’t offer automatic roommate matching. Nor do they provide an online chat function. Gao strategically extracted the features that were proven effective from these apps and incorporated them with the ideas that she sketched herself to articulate possible solutions for user tests and summarized the ones that actually worked.

“Firstly, the app allows users to upload their expectations of their future roommates. And then the system would automatically produce a list of some potential options, including their profile pages that contain information like reviews and links to their social media profiles,” Gao explains, “most importantly, users can directly reach out to each other within this app for communication.”

(Adjustments made to the profile page by Erica Gao)

However, the process was not always that smooth for Gao. For example, she learned from the user interviews that people don’t feel comfortable directly asking for others’ vaccination status in regard to Covid-19. So, Gao then added vaccination proof upload to the onboarding questionnaire and a filter function which can be selected to only show vaccinated results on homepage.

The whole project took about one month for Gao to complete, from early research and testing to optimization based on user feedback. She also partnered with the product team at Wish, the e-commerce startup, to design from a business and product strategy perspective, making the product beneficial for both parties. For Gao, Product strategy and business constraints are what she kept in mind to choose the best one moving forward when building her design.

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