The world largest professional networking platform that helps 200 countries worldwide connect. Whether it's through your desktop or on-the-go, Linkedin has tons of features to help you apply for jobs, build network connects and connect with like-minded people.
The Project
Struggling to ensure recruiters viewed both my LinkedIn and art portfolio, I wondered why there wasn't a simpler way to showcase my work and experience together. This led me to explore if other creatives faced the same challenge.
The Challenge
Find out how to make Linkedin showcase your job experience and art portfolio in one centralized place.
How Do We Know It’s a Problem
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Linkedin was not built with creatives in mind, it feels like a Microsoft product, it’s boxy and not as dynamic like Facebook, Instagram or Slack. It's not as intuitive.
-Linkedin User
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I always send my portfolio to jobs and its frustrating because people don't care about cover letter or resume, portfolio is most important.
-Linkedin User
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Projects are most important but also if you get to website and its not set up then its a huge red flag. UX is important and functionality of website, needs to look pretty and user friendly, and needs to representing you
-Recruiter
Research Findings:
LinkedIn does not offer designers the creative space to showcase their work.
Portfolio is most important part of a job application.
Users dislike the Linkedin Mobile App.
Competitive Analysis
After conducting marketing research, I analyzed Linkedin’s strengths and weaknesses compared to its top competitors. I explored other platforms that allowed users to showcase their portfolio but focused on how it encourages users to connect to other members and whether they offer career opportunities.
The Solution
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Customize
Create feature so creatives can customize their portfolio layout
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Portfolio Features
Design a profile for creatives so they can more easily personalize express their artistic expression.
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Connection
Give users the ability to connect their designs to their job experience so they can showcase their talents at work.
The Solution
-
Customize
Create feature so creatives can customize their portfolio layout
-
Portfolio Features
Design a profile for creatives so they can more easily personalize express their artistic expression.
-
Connection
Give users the ability to connect their designs to their job experience so they can showcase their talents at work.
Sketching and Flow Development
Usability Testing
Main Takeaways -
User’s couldn’t find where to “add project” on Indigo’s profile
User’s were confused by “edit” icon on dashboard
New implementations on Feedback -
Added "Portfolio Mode On" so would be clearer to users they are in edit mode
Moved ‘Edit"‘ Icon
We're you able to complete your goal?
Final Prototype
In Conclusion
During our process we lost a team member due to unforeseen circumstances but my teammate and I swiftly made decisions to make sure our deadline. I am very lucky we both collaborated well to pick up the extra pieces. In future teams I will make sure everyone comes to an agreement about our work process.
My first designs were very visually inclined and I got very stuck on the visual aspect but forgot that our users come to Linkedin for it's professional branding. Although I wanted to make sure creatives felt at home with my new designs, collaborating with my teammate really helped me stay consistent to the Linkedin brand to make sure this felt like a Linkedin product. I learned how to balance visual design while keeping the brand identity consistent. In the future I will be more aware of product and business branding.
Overall I really enjoyed the process and working with my team member!