Haven Rewards: Designing a Karma Economy
Category:
Mobile Design
Client:
Haven
Designed a karma-based reward system to incentivize helping behavior in a community platform
My Role
UX & Interaction Design
Duration
2 Months From Oct'25 to Dec'25
Methods
Rapid Prototyping, High-Fidelity Prototyping, Usability Testing, Survey Analysis
01
OVERVIEW
About Haven
Haven is a community-first platform that helps residents in rental buildings help each other through verified, invite-only spaces called Havens.
02
PROBLEM
Existing System & Constraints
The karma economy was already live but the missing piece was a clear way to redeem rewards
Sparks
Sparks are actions. Post a spark to request what you need or offer what you can give. Catch a spark to help with a request or claim an offer.
Points
Earn points by giving, whether posting or catching. Spend points to request what you need. Sparks that offer something are always free to catch.
But Why does haven even need a rewards system?
The Problem:
1
Points existed, but redemption was unclear
2
Rewards make progress tangible and motivate repeat helping
Current User Behavior:
1
Helping behavior wasn't visible and thus users couldn't feel momentum
2
Users didn't feel progress over time and thus find hard to contribute regularly
03
RESEARCH
Priorities for MVP
1
Ship First - Learn Fast
Minimize backend changes
2
Keep the system simple
Avoid complex tiering / economies
3
Make it self-explanatory
Works without extra education
Types of Rewards
Local business discounts
Partner with local businesses to offer exclusive discounts to active community members
Community goodwill actions
Earn rewards by supporting local businesses through Google Reviews and social engagement
Amenity-based rewards
Access exclusive amenities and perks within your Haven community
04
FINAL SOLUTION
User Journey
Proposed Designs
Rewards Page
Explorer Level
25/50 Points
Earn 25 points to reach anchor karma level
View karma levels
All Havens
Strata
Venue
MissionBay
Your available karmic rewards
Casey's Pizza
10% off any order
Collect Your Reward
Unlock at Anchor level
Strata Clubhouse Booking
Locked
Collect karma, host friends + family for free
We're working every day to expand your Haven. Check back often for more karmic rewards ✨
Karmic Rewards
9:41
Progress is surfaced before rewards to reinforce momentum and long-term participation, not one-off redemption
Showing locked rewards makes future value tangible and motivates continued helping without forcing immediate action
Rewards are tied to specific Havens, so context is always visible to avoid confusion for multi-Haven users
Specific Reward Elements
Joe & the Juice
Neighborhood discount for Haven members
Collect Your Reward
Joe & the Juice
Locked
Neighborhood discount for Haven members
Haven context is always visible. Prevents confusion as users belong to multiple Havens
Locked rewards are visible which makes future value tangible and motivates continued participation
Single, clear CTA reduces hesitation & keeps the interaction lightweight
9:41
Karmic Rewards
Explorer Level
25/50 Points
Earn 25 points to reach anchor karma level
View karma levels
Your available karmic rewards
Joe & the Juice
Get 15% off all smoothies and juices when you show your Haven app
Collect Your Reward
Unlock at maven level
Clubhouse Booking
Locked
Get free booking when you show your Haven app at the leasing office
We're working every day to build your Haven. Check back often for more karmic rewards! 🎉
Joe & the Juice
15% off
Bring your friends (or your laptop) to our friends at JOE and enjoy 15% off your order when you show your Haven karma.
Global
How to redeem:
1
Visit any Joe & the Juice location
2
Show this screen at checkout
3
Enjoy your reward! Use anytime.
Questions? Contact Damon Ip at 925-917-0582
Details revealed after intent and keeps the list view fast and scannable
Explicit redemption steps reduces real-world uncertainty at the moment of use
Clear support path
Reinforces trust with both partners and residents
05
REFLECTION
Product decisions matter more than mechanics
The most impactful work wasn't pixel-perfect screens but helping shape what the reward system should be and what it shouldn't.
Simplicity scales better than complex reward logic
A straightforward earn-and-redeem model was more effective than tiered systems. Less friction meant more engagement.
Recognition builds motivation before redemption