Dawn Leslie Interiors

Case Study

Challenge

The problem I was trying to solve was to increase user engagement on LinkedIn. Users were going to external platforms such as Eventbrite, Meetup.com, and Facebook to network, go to events and keep in touch. Our goal was to keep users on LinkedIn throughout all of these phases. The biggest challenge I faced when finding a solution was trying to avoid adding too many features and causing what is known as "functionitis". Another struggle I faced was making LinkedIn to much of a social media platform rather than a professional networking site. It was difficult to develop features that increase user engagement and activity while still keeping LinkedIn professional.

Solution

The solution had three parts to it.

Part One was to develop an “events” icon where a user can visit and browse local events happening and filter those events based on interests, time and location. These events consisted of tradeshows, seminars, and much more. Once the user chooses an event, they then have the ability to invite any of their connections and include a personalized message. The event invitation is then sent to that individual and is then pending approval on their end.

Part Two was to develop a relationship banner when visiting a connection’s profile. This relationship banner consisted of when you and that connection last got in touch, how you know them, and events that user is attending including an option to join them.

Part Three was to schedule meetups with your connections. The “meetup” button was located on the connections profile next to the “message” button. Once clicked, you can choose the location(restaurant, coffee shop, etc), the time, date, the subject or reason for the meetup and an option to include a message. The meetup request is then sent to that individual and is then pending approval on their end.

Result

The result was three features which will increase user engagement on LinkedIn, increase user engagement with their connections, and provide opportunities to find and attend events.

My Contribution

Myself and three other individuals tackled this problem. My contribution was user research, ideation,  wireframing and developing the prototype.