To help close the racial gap in tech, we designed an inclusive social networking app that encourages deeper connections and in-person support for emerging design professionals.
Team
I worked as the PM support and UI lead in a team of 4, consisting of a researcher, content strategist, and project manager
Tools
Figma + Figjam,
Adobe CC
ChatGPT, otter.ai
Transcribe.ai
Zoom
View Prototype
Context
Problem: For creatives in tech, there is a significant racial gap
< 5% Black and > 50% White.
Goal: Develop a social networking app that Bridgegood creatives who want to get into tech can connect, meet, and succeed in their career goals.
The Research Process
Major Career-Building Frustrations
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1 on 1 Interviews
9 women & 6 men
15 Interviews
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...with BIPOC students, new grads, and career pivoters. We dove into personal stories and struggles to understand the real needs and looked for common themes in-person and on Zoom.
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Surveys
25 Written Responses
Google Form Surveys
...to interview participants to clarify pain points. We asked about types of professional connections,
education and career struggles,
existing platforms used, needs for career development
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Competitive Analysis
Apps: Education, social networking, mental health
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We researched the main features and cross checked that with what our users say about how they use other platforms. In addition, reviewed heuristics to see what's really usable.
Discovery
76% Need Deep Connections
Emerging creatives of color face challenges finding meaningful connections with peers and mentors, leading to feelings of loneliness, disconnect, and confidence to pursure opportunities.
Interviews revealed what's important...
Insights
Community = Family
Community and mentors are there for..."definitely career help but then also emotional support where you encourage others to keep going and when someone's down you pick them up."
Student
East Asian, Male
Race & Belonging
"I think a lot of it was in my head, because I saw everybody in charge was white and male... It pushed me to fight and then I got tired of fighting."
Career Pivoter
Southeast Asian, Female
Trusted Connections
"You don't have to feel scared, because, you know, you're going to be accepted. If you feel like you're in a bubble it just makes you more or less likely to reach out to others, so in the end less opportunities."
Student
Black, Female
The Persona
A professor tells Renee about LUNR
How We Addressed Pain Points
Before LUNR
No mentor
Doesn't feel connection through race/culture
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Social Anxiety
Not part of a community she can trust
Feeling Alone
Searching for people who look like me
After LUNR
Access to mentors
With similar background and race
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In-App AI Help
For messaging and maintaining relationships
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Part of a Community
Higher comfort level being around similar people
Design Challenges
Considerations during initial prototyping
1. Welcome message: how do we show our mission here?​
2. Onboarding can't be too wordy, split up screens?
3. 'Cloud' bubbles or use typical shapes for consistency?
4. Statement - build trust and set the tone
5. Keep the navbar minimal & intuitive
6. What categories for filters?
7. Make it easy to message others from profile
8. How can AI help with social anxiety?
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User Testing Insights
User Comment
Icons are unclear what action they represent
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Didn't know what to do to move forward during onboarding
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The screens feel visual cluttered, its hard to focus and feeling overwhelmed
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Two chat icons on the screen: what's the difference? Which one do I use to message someone?​​
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I can't tell which menu I'm on in the navigation
Our Solution
Changed stylized icons to standard icons
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Animate the screen to signal swiping & add visual arrow with "swipe"
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Reduce number of options to select and organize the buttons into an orderly 'cloud'
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Keep one chat icon and move to central position, add a color to signal an action
Re-check accessibility and add prominent color behind icon to show that it's selected
Final Prototype Revisions
1. Splash screen directly introduces the app's main goal
2. Onboarding: each statement shows on one screen, building up user journey & expectations
3. Buttons changed to standard shape and organized in a staggered grid
4. Statement that you are not alone and welcome to the community
5. Reduced nav options to simplify menu
6. Only kept minimal filters to keep it quick and simple
7. Chat icon centered on profile photo as a clear CTA to chat and connect
8. Agentic AI prompt help users start conversations in a professional, friendly tone
9. Intentional colors used for action buttons to show urgency
10. Badge messages for continuous user encouragement
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Galaxy Theme
Our team collaborated on the app’s theme, color scheme, and branding, aligning on the idea that meaningful connections—like finding a mentor or ally—are meant to be. We chose colors that complemented Bridgegood’s brand and a name that felt simple, friendly, and timeless.
Logo Design
Concept Board
Visual Design
Benefits
User Benefits
Trusted & Verified Users
All members verified by Bridgegood staff
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Reduced Social Anxiety
AI supported chat & encouragement
Access to Safe Community
Grow with Like-Minded Individuals
Peer-to-Peer Support
Make In-Person Connections
Business Value
Expand Outreach by 50%
To Bridgegood alumni and connections
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Foster Monetary Growth by 20%
Connections to future donors
Discover more Supporters
Trustworthy partners
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Maintain 50% more Connections
Keep in touch with the Bridgegood community
Lessons Learned
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Prioritize MVP: Launch at 80%—progress over perfection.
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Check in regularly: Align on project status and team well-being.
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Leverage team strengths: Know each other’s skills and working styles.
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Pause to reflect: Even in fast sprints, reassess to stay goal-focused.
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Stay problem-driven: If it doesn't solve the core problem, cut it.
Bridgegood 2024 Cohort
Closing Thoughts
Although this project was not brought to life, its potential impact on the Bridgegood community is undeniable. By creating a seamless platform to stay connected, graduates and mentors could continue to support one another beyond the program—through long-term relationships, shared opportunities, and a strong culture of paying it forward. This continuity would strengthen Bridgegood’s unique community spirit and help shape the next generation of creative change-makers.
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From a business perspective, the platform could boost alumni engagement, improve program retention, and attract more donors and partners who believe in Bridgegood’s mission. Ultimately, it would be a powerful investment in both people and purpose—expanding Bridgegood’s ability to uplift local communities for years to come.
In Collaboration with:
