Imagine you’re scrolling through Instagram or Threads and come across a post with an item listed for “$200” or “€150.” Right now, you’d probably pull up a currency converter app, type in the amount, and check the price in your local currency. It’s a small hassle, but when you do it frequently, it becomes annoying. Now, imagine if you could get that conversion instantly, right in the app.

### **The Currency Conversion Feature**

This feature would let you tap and hold any currency amount you see on Instagram or Threads—in captions, bios, and posts—and a tooltip-style popup would display the converted amount in your chosen currency. Say you’ve set your default currency to INR; every price you tap on would instantly show its equivalent in rupees, cutting out the need to open another app.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FnwEjrwqzvtd8ypDvubY7Az0E7qo1%2FJ4aTtep8dURlDhDoJGHp%2Fc4e5a613-c7c4-48f0-b8e6-2aecd137fb1a.png?alt=media&token=cf1f59bb-efa5-423d-ae49-64f59d374e64","id":"c4e5a613-c7c4-48f0-b8e6-2aecd137fb1a","width":1620,"height":1620,"filename":"Instagram post - 8.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Here’s an example of how the currency would look before tapping and holding.","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FnwEjrwqzvtd8ypDvubY7Az0E7qo1%2FJ4aTtep8dURlDhDoJGHp%2F33ce1bf7-1dc4-4995-b327-8398d7ca39ac.png?alt=media&token=6f2870e8-704b-4857-a2c2-09ea958410da","id":"33ce1bf7-1dc4-4995-b327-8398d7ca39ac","width":1620,"height":1620,"filename":"Instagram post - 9.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Now, when you tap and hold, the currency instantly converts to your local amount in a clean, easy-to-read popup.","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FnwEjrwqzvtd8ypDvubY7Az0E7qo1%2FJ4aTtep8dURlDhDoJGHp%2Fa92ff768-035b-446a-abbd-838025e41242.png?alt=media&token=5c42f25f-b09f-439e-8109-32f1233901af","id":"a92ff768-035b-446a-abbd-838025e41242","width":1620,"height":1620,"filename":"Instagram post - 10.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Here’s an example of how the currency would look before tapping and holding.","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FnwEjrwqzvtd8ypDvubY7Az0E7qo1%2FJ4aTtep8dURlDhDoJGHp%2F1e5329e5-f45e-4ad7-b26e-e8a76929106e.png?alt=media&token=fdde54b4-6bff-4892-8e3f-8cb649f15f79","id":"1e5329e5-f45e-4ad7-b26e-e8a76929106e","width":1620,"height":1620,"filename":"Instagram post - 11.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Now, when you tap and hold, the currency instantly converts to your local amount in a clean, easy-to-read popup.","border":false}]}
```

### **In Messages: Tap Instead of Hold**

For in-app messages, where long-pressing already has other functions, the feature would work a bit differently. Instead of pressing and holding, you’d simply tap on the currency amount. A quick conversion would pop up above the number for 3-4 seconds, giving you just enough time to check the local amount without interrupting the natural flow of conversation.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FnwEjrwqzvtd8ypDvubY7Az0E7qo1%2FJ4aTtep8dURlDhDoJGHp%2F58b056c2-ac5d-47ed-9a9e-3d92f9f58fe0.png?alt=media&token=fb961490-7000-431f-aa18-9ce57fb9c90d","id":"58b056c2-ac5d-47ed-9a9e-3d92f9f58fe0","width":1620,"height":1620,"filename":"Instagram post - 12.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Here’s how the currency looks in a message before tapping.","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FnwEjrwqzvtd8ypDvubY7Az0E7qo1%2FJ4aTtep8dURlDhDoJGHp%2F62ddf528-0729-4589-ad16-f9a56d440e19.png?alt=media&token=55a8a6c9-8f60-4216-8916-65a10fed019d","id":"62ddf528-0729-4589-ad16-f9a56d440e19","width":1620,"height":1620,"filename":"Instagram post - 13.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Once tapped, a quick popup shows the converted amount, disappearing after a few seconds.","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FnwEjrwqzvtd8ypDvubY7Az0E7qo1%2FJ4aTtep8dURlDhDoJGHp%2F75da287b-472b-4361-a4a3-98c0a1362cdc.mov?alt=media&token=4af679d2-dfb4-4da3-b12c-941a44e53098","id":"75da287b-472b-4361-a4a3-98c0a1362cdc","width":1416,"height":1416,"filename":"Screen Recording 2024-11-02 at 7.31.16 AM.mov","type":"video/quicktime","caption":"See the feature in action in this short video, showing how tapping works smoothly in a message conversation.","border":false}]}
```

### **Why This Makes Life Easier**

Right now, checking currency prices means leaving the app, opening a converter, typing in the numbers, and selecting currencies. With this feature, you get the answer instantly, exactly where you’re looking. For frequent travelers, international shoppers, or anyone curious about prices, it’s a major convenience boost.

And sometimes, seeing a price in your own currency is the deciding factor in whether you want to look further into a product, service, or destination. This small feature is a way to make global platforms like Instagram and Threads feel more relevant to individual users, giving them a local view of the content.

### **Making the Feature Work**

To make this possible, Meta would need to implement a smart recognition system capable of identifying different currency formats and symbols in various contexts. This isn’t just about recognizing “USD” or “$” but also correctly detecting less common currency signs like “¥” for Japanese yen or “₹” for Indian rupees. It would also mean distinguishing between numbers that represent prices and those that don’t, like a user’s follower count or year references, which can sometimes look similar.

The ultimate goal is to make this feature feel like a natural extension of the app. Users don’t need to think twice about tapping and holding a price to convert it.

In building this kind of tool, Meta is ultimately offering a small but significant way to make international content more accessible to users everywhere. By taking on the challenge of recognizing complex formats and implementing a design that respects existing app features, they’re showing how thoughtful design can transform small everyday actions, making global interactions feel more local.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FnwEjrwqzvtd8ypDvubY7Az0E7qo1%2FJ4aTtep8dURlDhDoJGHp%2F17b5b055-6ab0-4e56-97a5-9ff29862db1d.mov?alt=media&token=351c7956-015e-4982-b58f-5b96c107e95c","id":"17b5b055-6ab0-4e56-97a5-9ff29862db1d","width":1434,"height":1426,"filename":"Screen Recording 2024-11-02 at 7.12.51 AM 2.MOV","type":"video/quicktime","caption":"Take a look at how this tap-and-hold feature works in real-time on a Thread.","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FnwEjrwqzvtd8ypDvubY7Az0E7qo1%2FJ4aTtep8dURlDhDoJGHp%2Ff71837e6-1605-45dc-9896-8bbb2308d8da.mov?alt=media&token=c8b3bb06-0e47-40ec-a4a4-32f671ac736b","id":"f71837e6-1605-45dc-9896-8bbb2308d8da","width":1414,"height":1414,"filename":"Screen Recording 2024-11-02 at 7.21.56 AM.mov","type":"video/quicktime","caption":"Take a look at how this tap-and-hold feature works in real-time on an Instagram post.","border":false}]}
```

### **Designing the Converter**

I’m working on designing the look and feel of this currency conversion popup to make it intuitive and unobtrusive. For posts and captions, a subtle tooltip-style design appears when users tap and hold a currency amount. In messages, a quick tap on the number triggers a popup that displays the converted amount for a few seconds before disappearing.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FnwEjrwqzvtd8ypDvubY7Az0E7qo1%2FJ4aTtep8dURlDhDoJGHp%2Fb06e3574-c48d-4846-b8f7-66cfcf34ad8c.png?alt=media&token=ee6f2a9a-4766-444b-b9b7-748bac939d58","id":"b06e3574-c48d-4846-b8f7-66cfcf34ad8c","width":1080,"height":1080,"filename":"Instagram post - 14.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Here’s a closer look at the tooltip design in a post, making conversions clear and readable.","border":false}]}
```

### **Why This Matters**

For anyone who frequently converts currencies, this feature could be a real game-changer. It’s about more than convenience; it’s about making global platforms feel more relevant to each individual. A thoughtful design like this can make our everyday digital interactions simpler and more meaningful.

In a world that’s more connected than ever, small improvements like these make information feel instantly relevant. Next time you’re scrolling through travel posts or international finds, you’ll be able to check prices instantly, right on the screen. Simple, practical, and designed with the user in mind.

Thank you for reading!

*I used Meta apps as an example for this feature because they’re among the platforms people interact with most frequently. I believe this is an idea that could benefit almost any app, and I encourage others to think about implementing similar features. This is just one example—not an endorsement of Meta over other platforms, but simply a way to imagine the idea in a familiar setting.*

Simplifying Currency Conversions on Meta Apps: A Small Feature with a Big Impact

The internet has become the world’s biggest, most accessible university, and YouTube is one of its greatest tools. There’s a class for everything—from complex coding tutorials to easy cooking hacks. But here’s the thing: we’ve all started a YouTube playlist with the intention to finish it, only to end up sidetracked. We plan to learn consistently, yet life’s interruptions and the distractions of the platform itself make it tough to stick to those learning goals.

So what if one small change—a simple YouTube playlist widget on your home screen—could make all the difference? It’s a design idea focused on keeping learning within easy reach, helping you maintain your motivation every single day.

### **Why We Lose Learning Momentum on YouTube**

There’s a real psychological pull every time you open YouTube. Studies show that over 70% of YouTube’s watch time comes from algorithm-driven recommendations. What does that mean for someone who’s trying to learn? If you open YouTube to continue a playlist but get distracted by a trending video or a funny clip, it’s easy to abandon your learning for something more immediate and eye-catching.

In a bit of research I did on users’ learning habits on platforms like YouTube, I found that the average learner only revisits a playlist about **20% of the time** after starting it. Life gets in the way, or the lure of instant entertainment does. A YouTube playlist widget helps bypass those distractions and gives you quick, direct access to your learning goals without getting sidetracked.

### **The Power of a Visual Cue**

```cv
gallery
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```

As a product designer, my goal was to find a small, impactful solution to a big problem: how to make learning consistent in a world full of distractions. So, I focused on designing this widget with a clean, straightforward layout, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the home screen while still being noticeable. Every time you unlock your phone, there it is—a small visual nudge, keeping your goal in sight without feeling overwhelming.

When people see a visual reminder of a goal regularly, they’re **up to 40% more likely** to stick with it. Just seeing that reminder—even without acting on it immediately—reinforces your commitment and keeps your goal top of mind. It’s like having a friend say, “Hey, remember that design series you were watching?” each time you unlock your phone.

> “*Sometimes it’s the smallest decisions that can change your life forever*.”
>
> — Keri Russell

Adding a playlist widget to your home screen might seem like a tiny decision, but it could be the very nudge you need to stay consistent.

### **Designing for Real-Life Impact**

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FnwEjrwqzvtd8ypDvubY7Az0E7qo1%2FSBNTiyq8H9H6uphdjYT8%2F47c6d9e6-cbc7-4a83-982a-c9d377f07808.png?alt=media&token=55617dd6-43b1-4819-adee-9803573c1583","id":"47c6d9e6-cbc7-4a83-982a-c9d377f07808","width":2160,"height":2160,"filename":"Instagram post - 3.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Youtube Playlist Widget Mockup Light","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FnwEjrwqzvtd8ypDvubY7Az0E7qo1%2FSBNTiyq8H9H6uphdjYT8%2F7694dfd9-bf01-4d77-ae67-4b11d8b71c6a.png?alt=media&token=41b1af7e-ff9b-429e-b0fc-174d7621f0b8","id":"7694dfd9-bf01-4d77-ae67-4b11d8b71c6a","width":2160,"height":2160,"filename":"Instagram post - 4.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Youtube Playlist Widget Mockup Dark","border":false}]}
```

In creating this widget, I wanted the design to encourage consistent use without being intrusive. The interface is simple—just the playlist name, thumbnail of the last watched video and the creator, along with a one-tap access that takes you straight to your lesson. The goal is to remove the mental and practical barriers to opening YouTube and hunting down your playlist.

### **Why This Matters**

Consistency is one of the hardest parts of learning. A simple widget might sound trivial, but it’s more than that. It’s about building a habit, making learning as easy and accessible as anything else you do on your phone. Every time you see it, it’s a reminder that growth is within reach, just one tap away.

*Note: This article reflects my personal perspective as a designer focused on user consistency. Other perspectives and strategies may offer different insights on building learning habits.*

How a Simple YouTube Playlist Widget Could Change the Way We Learn

**Overview**

**BeatDibs** is an innovative app designed to enhance the live music experience by allowing listeners to request songs while DJs are performing. With a unique “dibs” system, users can express their song preferences, and the songs with the most “dibs” are prioritized by the DJ, creating a dynamic and interactive atmosphere for both the audience and the performer.

```cv
gallery
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```

**Project Details**

**Project Name**: BeatDibs App Design

**Role**: UI/UX Designer

**Duration**:2 Months

**Tools Used**: Figma

**Target Audience**: Music lovers, club-goers, event organizers, and DJs looking to enhance their performances through audience interaction.

**Problem Statement**

In the ever-evolving landscape of live music events, audience engagement is key to creating memorable experiences. BeatDibs was created to address the challenge of facilitating song requests in a way that empowers listeners while providing DJs with a streamlined method to manage requests. The goal was to design an app that is both user-friendly and engaging, allowing for a seamless interaction between the audience and the DJ.

Key challenges included:

• Developing an intuitive interface that allows users to easily request songs in real-time.

• Creating a fair and efficient system for prioritizing song requests based on user engagement.

• Ensuring that DJs have the tools they need to manage incoming requests without interrupting their performance flow.

• Making the app visually appealing and in line with the vibrant culture of live music events.

**Solution**

The BeatDibs app was designed to provide a fun and interactive way for listeners to engage with DJs during live performances, enhancing the overall experience for both the audience and the performer.

```cv
gallery
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```

```cv
gallery
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```