Adding a Feature to the LinkedIn Mobile App
Adding a Feature to the LinkedIn Mobile App
Beyond the Resume: Humanizing LinkedIn Profiles
From invisible identities to authentic connections - redesigning how 1 billion professionals present themselves
Project Overview
I started this project by surveying apps across industries - Peacock, Audible, WhatsApp, Airbnb, DoorDash. I was hunting for opportunity gaps in mature platforms and innovating without disrupting.
LinkedIn stood out for two reasons -
Scale: The world's largest professional network with 1 billion+ users
Constraint: An established design system that would challenge me to innovate within guardrails, not around them.
This wasn't about creating from scratch. It was about designing something that felt both fresh and seamlessly integrated into the existing flow.
Team
Sole Designer
Skills
UX Research
Storyboards
Wireframing
User Testing
Prototyping
UX Research
Storyboards
Wireframing
User Testing
Prototyping
Timeframe
4 week sprint
Tools Used
Figma
FigJam
ChatGPT
Otter.ai
Google products
THE IMPACT
From Invisible to Seen
While I couldn't measure real-world adoption (this is a capstone, not a live feature), the qualitative validation was strong -
76% Want Personality
A validated $1B+ user base craving this feature
76% Want Personality
A validated $1B+ user base craving this feature
76% Want Personality
A validated $1B+ user base craving this feature
0% Navigation Issues
After the second iteration, 100% users easily found and edited Individual Highlights
0% Navigation Issues
After the second iteration, 100% users easily found and edited Individual Highlights
0% Navigation Issues
After the second iteration, 100% users easily found and edited Individual Highlights
100% Intuitive Use
Users found the feature intuitive and aligned with LinkedIn's design system
100% Intuitive Use
Users found the feature intuitive and aligned with LinkedIn's design system
100% Intuitive Use
Users found the feature intuitive and aligned with LinkedIn's design system
Here's how I got to the impact.
01 - Research
Hypothesizing Cultural Identity Gaps on LinkedIn
01 - Research
Hypothesizing Cultural Identity Gaps on LinkedIn
01 - Research
Hypothesizing Cultural Identity Gaps on LinkedIn
Starting with What Existed
UX Audit
I audited LinkedIn's mobile app religiously- mapping user flows, documenting design patterns, screenshotting typography, colors, iconography. I needed to understand the language before I could speak it fluently.
I had a hunch: Professionals from diverse cultures lacked a safe, structured space to share aspects of their identity on LinkedIn. This might lead to feelings of invisibility and exclusion.
Starting with What Existed
UX Audit
I audited LinkedIn's mobile app religiously- mapping user flows, documenting design patterns, screenshotting typography, colors, iconography. I needed to understand the language before I could speak it fluently.
I had a hunch: Professionals from diverse cultures lacked a safe, structured space to share aspects of their identity on LinkedIn. This might lead to feelings of invisibility and exclusion.
Starting with What Existed
UX Audit
I audited LinkedIn's mobile app religiously- mapping user flows, documenting design patterns, screenshotting typography, colors, iconography. I needed to understand the language before I could speak it fluently.
I had a hunch: Professionals from diverse cultures lacked a safe, structured space to share aspects of their identity on LinkedIn. This might lead to feelings of invisibility and exclusion.
The Research Blueprint to Keep Me Focused
Research Plan
I structured a Research Plan with -
Clear goal: Validate whether identity expression was actually a problem
Methods: User interviews for depth + surveys for scale
Target users: Professionals from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds
The Research Blueprint to Keep Me Focused
Research Plan
I structured a Research Plan with -
Clear goal: Validate whether identity expression was actually a problem
Methods: User interviews for depth + surveys for scale
Target users: Professionals from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds
The Research Blueprint to Keep Me Focused
Research Plan
I structured a Research Plan with -
Clear goal: Validate whether identity expression was actually a problem
Methods: User interviews for depth + surveys for scale
Target users: Professionals from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds
Analyzing the Market - Was Anyone Solving This?
Competitive Analysis
To see if anyone else was solving this, I analyzed three competitors -
1. Wellfound (formerly AngelList)
2. PowerToFly
3. Indeed
Analyzing the Market - Was Anyone Solving This?
Competitive Analysis
To see if anyone else was solving this, I analyzed three competitors -
1. Wellfound (formerly AngelList)
2. PowerToFly
3. Indeed
Analyzing the Market - Was Anyone Solving This?
Competitive Analysis
To see if anyone else was solving this, I analyzed three competitors -
1. Wellfound (formerly AngelList)
2. PowerToFly
3. Indeed
Most had community-driven DEI features, but none provided a structured way to highlight cultural or personal context within a professional space.
The gap was real. Now I needed to validate it with actual users.
Most had community-driven DEI features, but none provided a structured way to highlight cultural or personal context within a professional space.
The gap was real. Now I needed to validate it with actual users.
Most had community-driven DEI features, but none provided a structured way to highlight cultural or personal context within a professional space.
The gap was real. Now I needed to validate it with actual users.
What 6 Professionals Taught me ABout Belonging
User Interviews
I had a conversation with professionals from different countries, industries, and backgrounds.
6 professionals.
Google Meet.
45-60 minutes.
I asked them about bringing their full selves to work, their LinkedIn experiences, what "cultural identity" and "individual identity" really means to them and about times they felt unseen or misrepresented at work.
Here are some things they said that shook me.
What 6 Professionals Taught me ABout Belonging
User Interviews
I had a conversation with professionals from different countries, industries, and backgrounds.
6 professionals.
Google Meet.
45-60 minutes.
I asked them about bringing their full selves to work, their LinkedIn experiences, what "cultural identity" and "individual identity" really means to them and about times they felt unseen or misrepresented at work.
Here are some things they said that shook me.
What 6 Professionals Taught me ABout Belonging
User Interviews
I had a conversation with professionals from different countries, industries, and backgrounds.
6 professionals.
Google Meet.
45-60 minutes.
I asked them about bringing their full selves to work, their LinkedIn experiences, what "cultural identity" and "individual identity" really means to them and about times they felt unseen or misrepresented at work.
Here are some things they said that shook me.
They felt proud of who they were- but hesitant to show it. They feared bias, judgment, anti-DEI backlash and being reduced to stereotypes instead of skills.
They felt proud of who they were- but hesitant to show it. They feared bias, judgment, anti-DEI backlash and being reduced to stereotypes instead of skills.
They felt proud of who they were- but hesitant to show it. They feared bias, judgment, anti-DEI backlash and being reduced to stereotypes instead of skills.
But here's what surprised me - I was WRONG.
This wasn't just about culture. It was about individuality - interests, passions, values, experiences that shape us as professionals but don't fit neatly into job descriptions.
But here's what surprised me - I was WRONG.
This wasn't just about culture. It was about individuality - interests, passions, values, experiences that shape us as professionals but don't fit neatly into job descriptions.
But here's what surprised me - I was WRONG.
This wasn't just about culture. It was about individuality - interests, passions, values, experiences that shape us as professionals but don't fit neatly into job descriptions.
Broadening the Lens - Survey Insights at Scale
Survey
Building on interview themes, I crafted a concise survey mixing multiple-choice and open-ended questions. I distributed it across diverse professional networks and communities.
30 professionals responded.
The data echoed interview insights, but two findings hit hard -
77% used LinkedIn primarily on mobile (not laptops) - I pivoted to mobile-first design
76% wanted to show more personality on LinkedIn but treated it as "strictly professional" - Validated the need, but revealed the tension.
Here are some summary charts of survey responses -
Broadening the Lens - Survey Insights at Scale
Survey
Building on interview themes, I crafted a concise survey mixing multiple-choice and open-ended questions. I distributed it across diverse professional networks and communities.
30 professionals responded.
The data echoed interview insights, but two findings hit hard -
77% used LinkedIn primarily on mobile (not laptops) - I pivoted to mobile-first design
76% wanted to show more personality on LinkedIn but treated it as "strictly professional" - Validated the need, but revealed the tension.
Here are some summary charts of survey responses -
Broadening the Lens - Survey Insights at Scale
Survey
Building on interview themes, I crafted a concise survey mixing multiple-choice and open-ended questions. I distributed it across diverse professional networks and communities.
30 professionals responded.
The data echoed interview insights, but two findings hit hard -
77% used LinkedIn primarily on mobile (not laptops) - I pivoted to mobile-first design
76% wanted to show more personality on LinkedIn but treated it as "strictly professional" - Validated the need, but revealed the tension.
Here are some summary charts of survey responses -
Viewport : Click to zoom in
Current Representation : Click to zoom in
Individual Identity : Click to zoom in
Cultural Identity : Click to zoom in
The Moment I Realized I Was Solving The Wrong Problem
Moment of Clarity
Here's where I almost got it wrong-
Many interviewees said they'd be reluctant to use a feature that prominently displayed cultural information if it could impact recruiter perceptions or invite anti-DEI backlash.
The survey reinforced this - it wasn't just a few outliers. It was a major concern across demographics.
The Moment of Clarity - I paused. The real issue wasn't just about cultural identity. It was about how LinkedIn represents individuals as a whole. Users wanted to feel humanized beyond degrees and job titles - but they needed safety and control to do it without risking bias.
The Moment I Realized I Was Solving The Wrong Problem
Moment of Clarity
Here's where I almost got it wrong-
Many interviewees said they'd be reluctant to use a feature that prominently displayed cultural information if it could impact recruiter perceptions or invite anti-DEI backlash.
The survey reinforced this - it wasn't just a few outliers. It was a major concern across demographics.
The Moment of Clarity - I paused. The real issue wasn't just about cultural identity. It was about how LinkedIn represents individuals as a whole. Users wanted to feel humanized beyond degrees and job titles - but they needed safety and control to do it without risking bias.
The Moment I Realized I Was Solving The Wrong Problem
Moment of Clarity
Here's where I almost got it wrong-
Many interviewees said they'd be reluctant to use a feature that prominently displayed cultural information if it could impact recruiter perceptions or invite anti-DEI backlash.
The survey reinforced this - it wasn't just a few outliers. It was a major concern across demographics.
The Moment of Clarity - I paused. The real issue wasn't just about cultural identity. It was about how LinkedIn represents individuals as a whole. Users wanted to feel humanized beyond degrees and job titles - but they needed safety and control to do it without risking bias.
Pivot, Pivot, Pivot!
I reframed the design challenge -
Pivot, Pivot, Pivot!
I reframed the design challenge -
Pivot, Pivot, Pivot!
I reframed the design challenge -
Cultural Highlights
A profile section specifically for showcasing cultural identity and heritage in professional contexts
Cultural Highlights
A profile section specifically for showcasing cultural identity and heritage in professional contexts
Cultural Highlights
A profile section specifically for showcasing cultural identity and heritage in professional contexts
Individual Highlights
Share interests and experiences that shape you individually and professionally - making LinkedIn profiles feel human.
Individual Highlights
Share interests and experiences that shape you individually and professionally - making LinkedIn profiles feel human.
Individual Highlights
Share interests and experiences that shape you individually and professionally - making LinkedIn profiles feel human.
Pivoting from Cultural to Individual : The Research That Changed Course
Individual Highlights allowed users to share -
Personal interests, hobbies and passions
Lived experiences that shaped them professionally
Values and causes they care about
Cultural identity (if they chose to)
Without being boxed into one category. Without mandatory disclosure. With full control.
Individual Highlights allowed users to share -
Personal interests, hobbies and passions
Lived experiences that shaped them professionally
Values and causes they care about
Cultural identity (if they chose to)
Without being boxed into one category. Without mandatory disclosure. With full control.
Individual Highlights allowed users to share -
Personal interests, hobbies and passions
Lived experiences that shaped them professionally
Values and causes they care about
Cultural identity (if they chose to)
Without being boxed into one category. Without mandatory disclosure. With full control.
02 - Research Analysis
From Raw Data to Strategic Direction
02 - Research Analysis
From Raw Data to Strategic Direction
02 - Research Analysis
From Raw Data to Strategic Direction
Clustering For Clarity
Affinity Mapping
I organized raw interview and survey data into clusters, looking for themes and insights that became my design foundation -
Differential treatment in workplaces
Name mispronunciation (constantly)
Fear of stereotyping and bias
Desire for authentic connection
Hesitation around sharing identity
Clustering For Clarity
Affinity Mapping
I organized raw interview and survey data into clusters, looking for themes and insights that became my design foundation -
Differential treatment in workplaces
Name mispronunciation (constantly)
Fear of stereotyping and bias
Desire for authentic connection
Hesitation around sharing identity
Clustering For Clarity
Affinity Mapping
I organized raw interview and survey data into clusters, looking for themes and insights that became my design foundation -
Differential treatment in workplaces
Name mispronunciation (constantly)
Fear of stereotyping and bias
Desire for authentic connection
Hesitation around sharing identity
Sketching Real Moments of Frustration
StoryBoard
I sketched a fun storyboard showing real scenarios professionals face - like their name being mispronounced.
This created human-centered moments, humanized abstract research findings and created emotional resonance.
Sketching Real Moments of Frustration
StoryBoard
I sketched a fun storyboard showing real scenarios professionals face - like their name being mispronounced.
This created human-centered moments, humanized abstract research findings and created emotional resonance.
Sketching Real Moments of Frustration
StoryBoard
I sketched a fun storyboard showing real scenarios professionals face - like their name being mispronounced.
This created human-centered moments, humanized abstract research findings and created emotional resonance.
The People I Was Designing For
User Personas
I created two personas capturing not just demographics, but professional goals, personal values, and self-expression approaches.
Introducing, Varsha Patel and Jordon Romero!
Documenting their pain points helped me keep empathy at the center of my design decisions and ensured that the feature addressed real user pain points.
The People I Was Designing For
User Personas
I created two personas capturing not just demographics, but professional goals, personal values, and self-expression approaches.
Introducing, Varsha Patel and Jordon Romero!
Documenting their pain points helped me keep empathy at the center of my design decisions and ensured that the feature addressed real user pain points.
The People I Was Designing For
User Personas
I created two personas capturing not just demographics, but professional goals, personal values, and self-expression approaches.
Introducing, Varsha Patel and Jordon Romero!
Documenting their pain points helped me keep empathy at the center of my design decisions and ensured that the feature addressed real user pain points.
Solving The Correct Problem
How Might We Questions
I used HMW questions to resist jumping straight into solutions and keep me focused on user needs instead of feature fantasies.
Solving The Correct Problem
How Might We Questions
I used HMW questions to resist jumping straight into solutions and keep me focused on user needs instead of feature fantasies.
Solving The Correct Problem
How Might We Questions
I used HMW questions to resist jumping straight into solutions and keep me focused on user needs instead of feature fantasies.
How Might We help professionals in cross-cultural teams highlight their individuality beyond roles and resumes, to make LinkedIn less formal and spark authentic connections?
How Might We help professionals in cross-cultural teams highlight their individuality beyond roles and resumes, to make LinkedIn less formal and spark authentic connections?
How Might We help professionals in cross-cultural teams highlight their individuality beyond roles and resumes, to make LinkedIn less formal and spark authentic connections?
How might we empower immigrants and diverse professionals to proudly showcase their identity on LinkedIn, while creating a safe space for them and removing any workplace bias?
How might we empower immigrants and diverse professionals to proudly showcase their identity on LinkedIn, while creating a safe space for them and removing any workplace bias?
How might we empower immigrants and diverse professionals to proudly showcase their identity on LinkedIn, while creating a safe space for them and removing any workplace bias?
Turning Ideas Into Business Requirements
Project Requirement Doc
I created a Project Requirement Doc (PRD) - a real-world document used in corporate settings - to capture Core problem statement, Feature goal and summary, Target users, Success criteria and Technical considerations (where it lives, visibility controls, etc.)
This transformed abstract ideas into clear, actionable requirements.
Here's a little snippet of the PRD and project goals-
Turning Ideas Into Business Requirements
Project Requirement Doc
I created a Project Requirement Doc (PRD) - a real-world document used in corporate settings - to capture Core problem statement, Feature goal and summary, Target users, Success criteria and Technical considerations (where it lives, visibility controls, etc.)
This transformed abstract ideas into clear, actionable requirements.
Here's a little snippet of the PRD and project goals-
Turning Ideas Into Business Requirements
Project Requirement Doc
I created a Project Requirement Doc (PRD) - a real-world document used in corporate settings - to capture Core problem statement, Feature goal and summary, Target users, Success criteria and Technical considerations (where it lives, visibility controls, etc.)
This transformed abstract ideas into clear, actionable requirements.
Here's a little snippet of the PRD and project goals-
PRD : Click to zoom in
Project Goals : Click to zoom in
03 - Low and Mid-Fis - Let's Have Fun!
Diverging Into Bold Design Directions
03 - Low and Mid-Fis - Let's Have Fun!
Diverging Into Bold Design Directions
03 - Low and Mid-Fis - Let's Have Fun!
Diverging Into Bold Design Directions
The Chaos We Inherited
User Flows
With the strategy clear, I started exploring how Individual Highlights could come to life. Then I created detailed user flows and task flows showing -
How users discover Individual Highlights (hint: a "NEW!" label)
How they set up their highlights
How they edit and manage them
How others view them on profiles
This revealed friction points and opportunities to make the journey delightful.
The Chaos We Inherited
User Flows
With the strategy clear, I started exploring how Individual Highlights could come to life. Then I created detailed user flows and task flows showing -
How users discover Individual Highlights (hint: a "NEW!" label)
How they set up their highlights
How they edit and manage them
How others view them on profiles
This revealed friction points and opportunities to make the journey delightful.
The Chaos We Inherited
User Flows
With the strategy clear, I started exploring how Individual Highlights could come to life. Then I created detailed user flows and task flows showing -
How users discover Individual Highlights (hint: a "NEW!" label)
How they set up their highlights
How they edit and manage them
How others view them on profiles
This revealed friction points and opportunities to make the journey delightful.
User Flows : Click to zoom in
From Sketches to Screens
Mid-Fi Wireframes
I started with quick grayscale wireframes in Figma, focusing on layout, information hierarchy, Interaction patterns and alignment with LinkedIn's existing design.
From Sketches to Screens
Mid-Fi Wireframes
I started with quick grayscale wireframes in Figma, focusing on layout, information hierarchy, Interaction patterns and alignment with LinkedIn's existing design.
From Sketches to Screens
Mid-Fi Wireframes
I started with quick grayscale wireframes in Figma, focusing on layout, information hierarchy, Interaction patterns and alignment with LinkedIn's existing design.
04 - Testing [Round 1]
Testing Early, Failing Fast, Iterating Smart
04 - Testing [Round 1]
Testing Early, Failing Fast, Iterating Smart
04 - Testing [Round 1]
Testing Early, Failing Fast, Iterating Smart
Mid-fi testing for quick wins
User Testing 1.0
I conducted usability testing with mid-fi wireframes - intentionally early because it was easy and fast to scrap ineffective ideas at this stage.
Mid-fi testing for quick wins
User Testing 1.0
I conducted usability testing with mid-fi wireframes - intentionally early because it was easy and fast to scrap ineffective ideas at this stage.
Mid-fi testing for quick wins
User Testing 1.0
I conducted usability testing with mid-fi wireframes - intentionally early because it was easy and fast to scrap ineffective ideas at this stage.
What Broke
❌ Some struggled navigating to the Edit Profile section
❌ Labels and tags weren't noticeable enough
❌ Confusion about what the Country Flag actually represents
❌ Users suggested displaying a single highlight by default, with an 'Add more' button beneath it.
What Worked
✅ Users found the interface intuitive and aligned with LinkedIn's design
✅ They loved Individual Highlights - it made LinkedIn feel "warmer" and "more personal"
✅ The "NEW!" label effectively drew attention to the feature
✅ Users felt it enabled personality expression and helped recruiters assess cultural fit
The Fixes
I simplified navigation flows, refined copy and terminology (especially in modals and the Country Flag section), and adjusted visual hierarchy - spacing, typography, placement - so the feature felt native to the platform.
The Fixes
I simplified navigation flows, refined copy and terminology (especially in modals and the Country Flag section), and adjusted visual hierarchy - spacing, typography, placement - so the feature felt native to the platform.
The Fixes
I simplified navigation flows, refined copy and terminology (especially in modals and the Country Flag section), and adjusted visual hierarchy - spacing, typography, placement - so the feature felt native to the platform.
05 - High Fidelity
Bringing It to Life - High-Fidelity Wireframes
05 - High Fidelity
Bringing It to Life - High-Fidelity Wireframes
05 - High Fidelity
Bringing It to Life - High-Fidelity Wireframes
Simulating the Real Product Experience
Hi-Fi Wireframes
Using Figma, I designed polished and clickable screens that closely mirrored LinkedIn's visual identity. I paid obsessive attention to typography, color and spacing to match Linkedin. I also created components for reusable elements.
The interactive prototype simulated real interactions - clicking, scrolling, editing - so testers could engage with it and have some fun.
Simulating the Real Product Experience
Hi-Fi Wireframes
Using Figma, I designed polished and clickable screens that closely mirrored LinkedIn's visual identity. I paid obsessive attention to typography, color and spacing to match Linkedin. I also created components for reusable elements.
The interactive prototype simulated real interactions - clicking, scrolling, editing - so testers could engage with it and have some fun.
Simulating the Real Product Experience
Hi-Fi Wireframes
Using Figma, I designed polished and clickable screens that closely mirrored LinkedIn's visual identity. I paid obsessive attention to typography, color and spacing to match Linkedin. I also created components for reusable elements.
The interactive prototype simulated real interactions - clicking, scrolling, editing - so testers could engage with it and have some fun.
Some final high fidelity screens
06 - Testing [Round 2]
Confirming The Changes Actually Worked
06 - Testing [Round 2]
Confirming The Changes Actually Worked
06 - Testing [Round 2]
Confirming The Changes Actually Worked
Watching Real Users Navigate Our Designs
User Testing 2.0
I ran a second round of usability testing with the revised prototypes to validate that my iterations addressed earlier pain points.
Tasks assigned -
1. Add a Phonetic Spelling of your name
2. Add an optional Country Flag to your profile
3. Add upto 3 Individual Highlights to your profile
Watching Real Users Navigate Our Designs
User Testing 2.0
I ran a second round of usability testing with the revised prototypes to validate that my iterations addressed earlier pain points.
Tasks assigned -
1. Add a Phonetic Spelling of your name
2. Add an optional Country Flag to your profile
3. Add upto 3 Individual Highlights to your profile
Watching Real Users Navigate Our Designs
User Testing 2.0
I ran a second round of usability testing with the revised prototypes to validate that my iterations addressed earlier pain points.
Tasks assigned -
1. Add a Phonetic Spelling of your name
2. Add an optional Country Flag to your profile
3. Add upto 3 Individual Highlights to your profile
100%
Completion Rate on all 3 tasks
Completion Rate on all 3 tasks
6/6
Users called it "warmer," "more personal"
Users called it "warmer," "more personal"
4.7/5
For Average Ease of Use
For Average Ease of Use
07 - Final Prototype
The Final Feature - Individual Highlights
07 - Final Prototype
The Final Feature - Individual Highlights
07 - Final Prototype
The Final Feature - Individual Highlights
Where Everything Comes Together
The Final Prototype
Individual Highlights empowers LinkedIn users to -
Share interests, passions, values and experiences beyond their resume
Add cultural context (like Country Flag) - optional
Control visibility (public, connections only, recruiters only)
Add phonetic spelling of your name - for easier pronunciation
Use emojis and personal language to show personality
Make profiles feel human, warm, and relatable - while staying professional
It's not just about adding information. It's about creating space for authenticity, connection, and humanity in a platform that often feels transactional.
Where Everything Comes Together
The Final Prototype
Individual Highlights empowers LinkedIn users to -
Share interests, passions, values and experiences beyond their resume
Add cultural context (like Country Flag) - optional
Control visibility (public, connections only, recruiters only)
Add phonetic spelling of your name - for easier pronunciation
Use emojis and personal language to show personality
Make profiles feel human, warm, and relatable - while staying professional
It's not just about adding information. It's about creating space for authenticity, connection, and humanity in a platform that often feels transactional.
Where Everything Comes Together
The Final Prototype
Individual Highlights empowers LinkedIn users to -
Share interests, passions, values and experiences beyond their resume
Add cultural context (like Country Flag) - optional
Control visibility (public, connections only, recruiters only)
Add phonetic spelling of your name - for easier pronunciation
Use emojis and personal language to show personality
Make profiles feel human, warm, and relatable - while staying professional
It's not just about adding information. It's about creating space for authenticity, connection, and humanity in a platform that often feels transactional.
08 - Reflection and Learnings
What I Learned as a Designer - The Honest Reflection
Good design isn't just problem-solving, but also creating space for people to feel seen, safe, and authentic. In the end, it wasn't just about designing a feature.
It was about making LinkedIn feel a little bit more human.
08 - Reflection and Learnings
What I Learned as a Designer - The Honest Reflection
Good design isn't just problem-solving, but also creating space for people to feel seen, safe, and authentic. In the end, it wasn't just about designing a feature.
It was about making LinkedIn feel a little bit more human.
08 - Reflection and Learnings
What I Learned as a Designer - The Honest Reflection
Good design isn't just problem-solving, but also creating space for people to feel seen, safe, and authentic. In the end, it wasn't just about designing a feature.
It was about making LinkedIn feel a little bit more human.
What I Learned
Listening to users saved the project. My initial hypothesis was wrong - and that's okay. Research revealed the real problem.
Designing within constraints is a superpower. LinkedIn's design system wasn't limiting - it was liberating. Clear guardrails freed me to focus on solving the problem.
Testing early with mid-fi prototypes let me fail fast without wasting time on polished screens for bad ideas.
What I'd do differently
Test with more diverse users to ensure true inclusivity
Explore edge cases more. What happens if someone uses Individual Highlights maliciously? How do we moderate without censorship?
Collaborate with engineers, if possible. Some of my ideas might be technically complex - getting feasibility feedback from an actual developer would've refined the MVP better.
What's next for Individual Highlights?
Future Iterations
This is just the beginning. Future iterations could include -
AI-powered suggestions for highlights based on profile content
Dynamic visibility controls (e.g., show different highlights to recruiters vs. connections)
Analytics for users to see how highlights impact profile views
Integration with LinkedIn Learning to suggest courses based on shared interests
What's next for Individual Highlights?
Future Iterations
This is just the beginning. Future iterations could include -
AI-powered suggestions for highlights based on profile content
Dynamic visibility controls (e.g., show different highlights to recruiters vs. connections)
Analytics for users to see how highlights impact profile views
Integration with LinkedIn Learning to suggest courses based on shared interests
What's next for Individual Highlights?
Future Iterations
This is just the beginning. Future iterations could include -
AI-powered suggestions for highlights based on profile content
Dynamic visibility controls (e.g., show different highlights to recruiters vs. connections)
Analytics for users to see how highlights impact profile views
Integration with LinkedIn Learning to suggest courses based on shared interests
View Other Case Studies >
View Other Case Studies >
View Other Case Studies >
Liked what you saw? Let's connect and build something awesome together!
© Shivangi Gupta | 2026
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Liked what you saw? Let's connect and build something awesome together!
© Shivangi Gupta | 2026
[ Fueled by Filter Coffee and Framer ]
Liked what you saw? Let's connect and build something awesome together!
© Shivangi Gupta | 2026
[ Fueled by Filter Coffee and Framer ]