Project type
Independent
Role
Product design
Time frame
6 Months
Year
2021
My Role
Led the product design process for the entire app, placing particular emphasis on key features such as the Badge system and connection flow. Orchestrated a cohesive and user centric design strategy, ensuring seamless integration of these features into the overall app experience.
Challenge
Startup founders face challenges when trying to connect with relevant individuals on existing social media platforms. The flood of generic messages, spam, and unrelated content often leads to important messages being lost or ignored. This hinders the founders' ability to establish meaningful connections and obtain valuable support and resources.
Solution
To overcome the existing challenges and promote meaningful connections, a gamified approach to the interaction process was introduced. The app assigns each user an initial badge upon signup, which represents their starting level. The badge level determines the scope of their activities and whom they can engage with on the platform.
Badge Progression System:
User join the app and are assigned an initial badge, such as "Bronze"
Users can upgrade their badge by actively participating in the app and demonstrating their work credentials. This includes engaging in various activities, such as attending startup events, completing industry-related courses, receiving positive feedback from other users, or achieving notable milestones with their startup.
As users progress and gain experience, their badge level upgrades, unlocking additional features and access to more experienced users.
Users can only initiate conversations with individuals who have the same badge level or one level higher. This ensures that interactions are targeted and relevant, reducing the chances of generic messages or spam.
Connection and Engagement
Based on profile type (Founder, Investor, Professional and Student) Users select the offers and request they are open to receive.
They receive offers and request according to their selection and vice versa.
Users engage in meaningful conversations and interactions with other and build valuable relationships based on shared interests and goals.
Conclusion
This experience offers a solution to the challenge of making meaningful connections in the startup ecosystem. By gamifying the interaction process, the app encourages active participation, filters out generic messages and spam, and ensures that connections are made with individuals who possess a similar or higher level of experience. This targeted approach allows startup founders to connect with relevant professionals, mentors, investors, and partners, ultimately accelerating their startup journey.
