Google Messages
How I helped make messaging more expressive—3 seconds at a time
As the design lead on Selfie GIFs, I helped bring a sense of play to Messages with a new lightweight way to share expressive video. Our goal was to reduce friction around video sends and create a feature that felt spontaneous, not staged.
Working closely with product and engineering, I led a fast-moving design cycle—testing the hypothesis that users would be more likely to send video if it felt fun, casual, and immediate.
What started as an experiment quickly became a permanent feature that users loved.
Area Lead
UX Designer
ROLE
Product Manager
User Researcher
Eng Team
Data Science
Motion Designer
UX Writer
TEAM
PRESS
Please note: Due to a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), I can't disclose specific details, design processes, or metrics of certain projects. Reach out to me for more details hello@alexschor.com
Problem
Sending video in Google Messages felt clunky and formal. Users had to tap through several steps, and many told us they felt pressure to “get ready” before recording.
Strike your pose!
Opportunity & Goal
We saw an opportunity to make video more spontaneous, playful, and easy to use—something closer to a grin and a wink than a full-on production.
Selfie GIFs are quick, spontaneous videos to share with your friends. Silliness encouraged.
DESIGN
Selfie GIFs are 3-second looping videos users can record and send instantly. No heavy lift. No pressure. Just hold the camera icon, wait for the countdown, and strike a pose.
To encourage use:
We added smart prompts triggered by specific phrases
We surfaced the feature in high-touch UI areas (the main camera button)
We reduced friction across the recording and sending experience
The result? A feature that feels casual, expressive, and kind of addicting.
Outcome
Selfie GIFs launched as a lightweight experiment—and quickly became a beloved, permanent feature. We saw a measurable increase in video sends and positive qualitative feedback from users and the press.
“The new Selfie GIF feature lets you express yourself creatively in just a few seconds.”
— Hindustan Times Tech
Reflections
This project reminded me that not every impactful idea needs a multi-year roadmap. With the right constraints, a small, focused team, and a clear hypothesis, we were able to move fast—and build something that truly resonated.
It also reinforced how much joy can come from reducing friction. By lowering the barrier to self-expression, we helped users show up in more spontaneous, human ways.