BizNest
BizNest is a professional networking app that aims to streamline networking by providing a user-friendly platform for professionals to connect based on location. The app features a simple swipe interface for building meaningful connections, along with real-time updates on pertinent networking events aligned with individual interests.
DATE
August 2023 - November 2023
MY ROLE
UX Researcher / Designer
TARGET USERS
Job-seekers, Business Owners, Freelancers
TOOLS
Problem Statement
In the current professional networking landscape, platforms like LinkedIn often feel transactional, impersonal, and ineffective in fostering meaningful professional connections. Many users, especially those in early- to mid-career stages, find it overwhelming to engage in organic conversations and create authentic professional relationships.
What was the Goal?
My goal was to build a professional networking app with an intuitive swipe-based UI to enhance user experience and encourage genuine interactions, enabling users to engage effortlessly based on mutual interests, industries, and networking goals.
Additionally, the app integrates an Events Section where users can discover, attend, and organize professional events based on their interests, making networking more dynamic and engaging.
THE DESIGN PROCESS
August 2023
Define
Ideate
Prototype
Test
November 2023
Conducted Competitor Analysis
Analyzed in findings to pinpoint and define the core user needs
Brainstormed multiple approaches to address pain points.
Designed a high-fidelity prototype with a focus on intuitive navigation.
Conducted usability tests with 5 users.
Interviewed 10 users to uncover pain points and behaviors
Created User Stories to capture key motivations and pain points
Created Low-Fidelity Diagrams to map user flows and interactions
Established a consistent UI style for a seamless experience
Measured success through 2 key tasks to assess efficiency
EMPATHIZE
Competitor Analysis
Cons
​Pros
How We Differentiate
OpenWork
Created User Stories to capture key motivations and pain points
Overwhelming, impersonal, cold outreach culture.
Low engagement on messages
More content driven, posting and sharing
Strong database/network, job opportunities, professional credibility
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Created User Stories to capture key motivations and pain points
Overwhelming, impersonal, cold outreach culture.
Low engagement on messages
More content driven, posting and sharing
Strong database/network, job opportunities, professional credibility
Lunch club
Created User Stories to capture key motivations and pain points
Requires scheduling calls, lacks flexibilityScheduling constraints, limited control over connectionsNo organic discovery, feels forced
Strong database/network, job opportunities, professional credibility
Meetup
Created User Stories to capture key motivations and pain points
Overwhelming, impersonal, cold outreach culture.
Low engagement on messages
More content driven, posting and sharing
Strong database/network, job opportunities, professional credibility
Bumble Bizz
Created User Stories to capture key motivations and pain points
Overwhelming, impersonal, cold outreach culture.
Low engagement on messages
More content driven, posting and sharing
Strong database/network, job opportunities, professional credibility
User Interviews
Key Findings
Most of the users prefer in-person meetings over online platforms.
Professionals attend webinars they find browsing through Instagram and LinkedIn .
Participants were open to an interface resembling a dating app, said they would find it "less intimidating and more user-friendly".
Low response rate on LinkedIn due to high volumes of messages from candidates. Conversion rate is generally low, with only 1 or 2 responses for every 10 connection requests sent.
DEFINE
IDEATE
Developed a visual prototype with a focus on simplicity and engagement.
Explored UI elements inspired by dating apps for seamless interactions.
User-friendly swiping interface.
Profile creation inspired by networking and dating apps.
Localized networking with a focus on professional interests.
SOLUTION
Profile Creation
Swipping & Connecting
