Networx
"IT IS NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, IT IS WHO YOU KNOW"
CLIENT
Adell Means,CEO of ROI WORX
Role & Duration
Business strategist , User researcher, UI Designer
8 weeks
THE PROBLEM
Students and entrepreneurs often struggle to foster professional connections and build meaningful, long-term relationships.
Many lack the networking skills needed to connect effectively, leading to missed opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Not only finding event that matches for them but they struggle to meet right people in the event.
Additionally, the process of initiating contact and developing relationships is often inefficient and overwhelming
35%
Professionals secured job through a connection.
40%
Find it hard to stay in touch with their connections.
50%
Find it hard to stay in touch with their connections.
DEMANDS AND TRENDS THAT SHAPE NETWORKING
Customer Demands
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Demand for Personalization
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Hybrid Approach to Networking
Technology Trends
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Data Analytics & AI
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Location-based Services
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Digital Credentials
Switching Costs
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Already established networks
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Brand Trust and Recognition
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Profile and Data Portability
Networking habits
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Online Platforms -LinkedIn
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Networking events & conferences
PRIMARY RESEARCH
SURVEYS (25+ responses)
How do they network
Why they network
Difficulties with networking
OBSERVATIONS
We conducted observations at the Indiana University Career Fair and spoke with a couple of attendees. We observed that LinkedIN profiles were preferred over business cards. Due to the overhwhelming environment, making it difficult to standout. Most conversations between students and recruiters were surface-level introductions making it difficult to form deeper connections.
Indiana University Career fair
QUALITATIVE INTERVIEWS
User research was essential to the process. It was crucial to map out the intricate workflows of various user types and their interactions in detail. To accomplish this, we collected extensive feedback from end users to understand their challenges and identify how the app could address pain points and drive optimization.
“I feel overwhelmed at networking events and struggle to identify whom to meet and i feel demotivated to network when I don’t receive responses or receive those not in my favor.”
-Student
“I attend a lot of events but often time those events don’t turn to be fruitful and I find it challenging to manage and track my large network thus often missing out on building long-term connections.””
- Entrepreneurs
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
Competitors struggle with fostering meaningful, long-term connections due to limited personalization, poor matches, and accessibility challenges. Many focus on surface-level interactions, niche markets, or lack scalability, leaving room for a solution that prioritizes depth, engagement, and usability.
INSHIGHTS
After conducting 10+ interviews, 25+ surveys, contextual data and analyzing gathered information we were able to gathred these information
Network through in-person or virtual events and online platforms
Want to network more often but finds it hard to stay in touch with their network
Face challenges to connect with right people, and are frustrated with lack of responses
HOW CAN WE STANDOUT
Bridging professional and personal connections, creating more meaningful, well-rounded relationships that go beyond transactional networking.
Creating of more authentic, mutually beneficial partnerships, grounded in shared objectives and long-term value creation
Offering end-to-end support in the networking process, ensuring users can build, nurture, and sustain valuable connections over time.
CONCEPTUALIZATION
We developed the initial information architecture and low-fidelity design concepts for the primary user workflows. After obtaining approval from the client on the preliminary mockups, we initiated usability testing with the low-fidelity prototypes. Following successful validation and confidence in the design approach, we proceeded to digitalize and refine the design concepts.
THE SOLUTION
In their onboarding process users can link with their Linkedin profile and fill out basic onboarding questions regarding their career goals and networking goals
In their dashboard they can view
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New connections
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Events attended
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follow-ups sent
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Response rates
Matches Features
Through AI Matchmaking and linkedin Profiles users can view their matched about, their experience and education
Events Features
Before event, they can view
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Event suggestions
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Event details page
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Register event
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Connect with attendees
During, they can
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Scan& Check-in
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Access Live event
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View interactive map
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View matched attendees
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Add notes
From the Menu users can,
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download personalized Business card
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Resources(tips and tricks for networking)
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Revenue model
DESIRABILITY, FEASIBILITY AND VIABILITY
Desirability of Networx
Matchmaking: Connecting with people who can offer what you need out of networking.
Events Recommendation:Tailored suggestions based on user preferences and networking goals.
Event Attendees List: Increased preparedness for events.
Technical Feasibility
LinkedIn Integration Challenges with LinkedIn's API limit
Security: MFA is feasible but adds complexity with third-party services.
Data Security:Ensuring safe data sync
Business Viability
Corporate Subscriptions: Offer Networx to businesses for enhanced team collaboration.
Event Organizer Partnerships: Broaden reach and enrich the attendee experience.
University Partnerships: Equip students with professional networking tools through university access.
BUSINESS MODEL CANVA
PROJECT LEARNINGS
1. User Feedback is Gold- I learned that designing an app isn't about what we think is good, but what users actually want. By talking to potential users and testing our prototype, i discovered that our first ideas weren't always the best. Being flexible and open to change is crucial in creating something people will actually use.
Great products come from listening to users, understanding their challenges, and being willing to adapt your original vision.