Overview
Problem
Although LinkedIn is a good platform to make connections, it remains difficult to develop a meaningful relationship with those connections online. There is no easy way for users to meet people outside of their existing network.
Solution
Design a LinkedIn feature that allows users to develop a more meaningful professional network by enhancing networking and mentorship opportunities
My role
Research, UX, UI
Scope
156 hours
Self-started project
Research
Surveys
In order to validate my assumptions about professional networking, I created and distributed an online survey to 31 respondents.
64% of participants said COVID-19 shifted their networking to be primarily online
52% of participants prefer online networking and use LinkedIn to network
75% of participants said the majority of their LinkedIn connections are people they’ve directly worked with or that they know in person
48% of participants prefer in-person networking because it provides more meaningful interactions
88% of participants are interested in mentorship opportunities
- 86.4% are interested in being a mentee
- 50% are interested in being a mentor
Competitive Analysis
To determine the best solution, I explored other online platforms that allow users to professionally network and meet new people. I focused my analysis on how each company encourages users to meet new people.
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Persona
I condensed the information I gathered from my survey into personas.
Interaction Design
Task Flow
The following are the paths a user could take to network with someone on LinkedIn using this new feature.
Sketches
In order to further visualize the flow of the feature, I created sketches of the key screens.
UI Design
I designed and embed the feature's pages and components into the current LinkedIn desktop website.
Open to Network Page
The Open to Network page displays the profiles of users who are looking to network. Users are able to see what kind of networking others are interested in, as well as any skills they may share. Users who are open to mentor will have an "Available to mentor" badge on their profiles. Suggested introductions are provided in order to ease the discomfort of networking.
Integrating Networking Preferences into User Profiles
Networking preferences will be incorporated into user profiles. The red markings indicate the changes that have been made to a user profile once they indicate they are open to network.
Setting Your Networking Preferences
The following screen is one's own profile. From there, users are able to view and edit their own networking preferences.
Usability Testing
To evaluate the efficacy of the homepage and application process, I conducted usability tests on 4 participants.
There were minor concerns about the function of certain buttons and hesitation around some areas, so I addressed those by providing additional instruction around new features and reformatting of certain areas.
Final Version
Next Steps
To optimize and expand this feature, I would:
- Figure out the best way to introduce and promote feature to users (via notifications and other indicators to encourage varying levels of engagement)
- Design complementary features throughout other LinkedIn pages that enhance the new feature
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