Interest Selection
Customize your experience by selecting interests that matter to you
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Remote workers have Slack, Zoom, and Teams, but who’s helping them actually make friends?
Remote workers have Slack, Zoom, and Teams, but who’s helping them actually make friends?
Role
Role
UX/UI Designer & Researcher
UX/UI Designer & Researcher
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
End-to-end design ownership from research to Design, Testing & Iteration
End-to-end design ownership from research to Design, Testing & Iteration
Software
Software
Figma, Adobe Suite, Miro
Figma, Adobe Suite, Miro
Team Members
Team Members
2 Product Designers
1 Developer
1 Product Manager
2 Product Designers
1 Developer
1 Product Manager
Impact after Work Hive App
Impact after Work Hive App
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
Remote employees experience increased isolation, lack of spontaneous social interactions, and limited opportunities to build meaningful relationships with colleagues beyond work tasks.
Remote employees experience increased isolation, lack of spontaneous social interactions, and limited opportunities to build meaningful relationships with colleagues beyond work tasks.
GOAL
GOAL
Create an intuitive platform that enables remote workers to discover and participate in interest-based activities, fostering organic social connections and reducing workplace isolation.
Create an intuitive platform that enables remote workers to discover and participate in interest-based activities, fostering organic social connections and reducing workplace isolation.
SOLUTION
SOLUTION
Work Hive - a mobile app that connects colleagues through shared hobbies and interests, enabling them to create and join events that promote wellness, engagement, and team bonding.
Work Hive - a mobile app that connects colleagues through shared hobbies and interests, enabling them to create and join events that promote wellness, engagement, and team bonding.
35%
Increase in successful sign-ups
Increase in successful sign-ups
28%
Reduction in task completion time
Reduction in task completion time
22%
Decrease in support requests
Decrease in support requests
"How might we inspire meaningful connections and expand social support to ensure employee wellness in the remote workplace?"
Design Question
Design Question
User Research
User Research
Conducted in-depth interviews with 15 remote employees across different industries, roles, and time zones to understand their challenges and needs
Conducted in-depth interviews with 15 remote employees across different industries, roles, and time zones to understand their challenges and needs
15
User Interviews
60-90 minute sessions
3
Focus Groups
8-10 participants each
30
Survey Responses
Quantitative data validation
Key Findings
Feeling Isolated Remotely
Work from home lifestyle is leading to feeling lonely and isolated as the opportunities of social interaction and making connections have reduced.
Irregular routine, low efficiency
While flexibility is valued, many users reported irregular schedules, often working late nights, which negatively affected productivity and health.
Colleague miscommunication
Limited overlap in working hours leads to delays, misunderstandings between team members, and reliance on scheduled meetings.
Productivity improvements
50% of users reported fewer distractions at home but struggled with technical issues and slower access to support.
Flexible work, social cost
65% of participants felt they missed learning opportunities, mentorship, and recognition when working remotely.
Lost in-person opportunities
55% of participants felt they were missing out on learning and opportunities for advancement, by not being seen as often by managers.
Key Findings
Feeling Isolated Remotely
Work from home lifestyle is leading to feeling lonely and isolated as the opportunities of social interaction and making connections have reduced.
Irregular routine, low efficiency
While flexibility is valued, many users reported irregular schedules, often working late nights, which negatively affected productivity and health.
Colleague miscommunication
Limited overlap in working hours leads to delays, misunderstandings between team members, and reliance on scheduled meetings.
Productivity improvements
50% of users reported fewer distractions at home but struggled with technical issues and slower access to support.
Flexible work, social cost
65% of participants felt they missed learning opportunities, mentorship, and recognition when working remotely.
Lost in-person opportunities
55% of participants felt they were missing out on learning and opportunities for advancement, by not being seen as often by managers.
Key Findings
Feeling Isolated Remotely
Work from home lifestyle is leading to feeling lonely and isolated as the opportunities of social interaction and making connections have reduced.
Irregular routine, low efficiency
While flexibility is valued, many users reported irregular schedules, often working late nights, which negatively affected productivity and health.
Colleague miscommunication
Limited overlap in working hours leads to delays, misunderstandings between team members, and reliance on scheduled meetings.
Productivity improvements
50% of users reported fewer distractions at home but struggled with technical issues and slower access to support.
Flexible work, social cost
65% of participants felt they missed learning opportunities, mentorship, and recognition when working remotely.
Lost in-person opportunities
55% of participants felt they were missing out on learning and opportunities for advancement, by not being seen as often by managers.
Competitive Research
Competitive Research
Existing remote work tools prioritize productivity and communication, but often offer limited support for meaningful social connection. Many depend on managers or HR to facilitate interaction. I compared these tools by “Complexity of Use” and “External Dependency” to identify opportunities for Work Hive to make social connection simpler and more independent.
Existing remote work tools prioritize productivity and communication, but often offer limited support for meaningful social connection. Many depend on managers or HR to facilitate interaction. I compared these tools by “Complexity of Use” and “External Dependency” to identify opportunities for Work Hive to make social connection simpler and more independent.
Journey Map
Journey Map
This helped us gain deep insights into the problem and identify ways to enhance the overall experience.
This helped us gain deep insights into the problem and identify ways to enhance the overall experience.
Low Fidelity Wireframe
Low Fidelity Wireframe
I started with rapid sketching to explore different layouts and interaction patterns. These wireframes helped validate the information hierarchy and navigation structure before investing time in visual design.
I started with rapid sketching to explore different layouts and interaction patterns. These wireframes helped validate the information hierarchy and navigation structure before investing time in visual design.
Select your Interest
Choose what they are interested in to customize your next pages
New in the company- can assign you work buddy
Detail of Event Page
Option to post a question before the event
Shows the price of the event or if it’s free of charge
Detail about the event, venue and time
Message Chat
Can chat with group of people who volunteer for the event
Chat with individuals about common interest
Events as per category
Can filter events according to requirements
Can sync office calendar and check for meeting & work schedule
Option to create a new event and let others join
Testing Methodology
8
Participants
Remote workers from various industries
12
Task Scenarios
Core user flows and interactions
2
Iteration Rounds
Testing, feedback, refinement
Testing Methodology
8
Participants
Remote workers from various industries
12
Task Scenarios
Core user flows and interactions
2
Iteration Rounds
Testing, feedback, refinement
Testing Methodology
8
Participants
Remote workers from various industries
12
Task Scenarios
Core user flows and interactions
2
Iteration Rounds
Testing, feedback, refinement
Usability Testing & Iterations
Conducted moderated usability testing with 8 participants to identify pain points and validate design decisions
Usability Testing & Iterations
Conducted moderated usability testing with 8 participants to identify pain points and validate design decisions
Usability Testing & Iterations
Conducted moderated usability testing with 8 participants to identify pain points and validate design decisions
Key Features Explored in Wireframe
• Interest Selection: Choose categories to customize experience
• Event Filters: Filter by category, date, type
• Calendar Integration: Sync with office calendar
• Group & Private Chat: Connect before and after events
• Work Buddy System: For new employees
• Pre-Event Q&A: Ask questions before attending
Key Features Explored in Wireframe
• Interest Selection: Choose categories to customize experience
• Event Filters: Filter by category, date, type
• Calendar Integration: Sync with office calendar
• Group & Private Chat: Connect before and after events
• Work Buddy System: For new employees
• Pre-Event Q&A: Ask questions before attending
Key Features Explored in Wireframe
• Interest Selection: Choose categories to customize experience
• Event Filters: Filter by category, date, type
• Calendar Integration: Sync with office calendar
• Group & Private Chat: Connect before and after events
• Work Buddy System: For new employees
• Pre-Event Q&A: Ask questions before attending
Introducing:
Work Hive
Introducing:
Work Hive
Discover events that match your interests and connect you with like-minded colleagues.
Discover events that match your interests and connect you with like-minded colleagues.
New events added every week
New events added every week
Anyone can suggest an event
Anyone can suggest an event
Find events by topic, host, or interest
Find events by topic, host, or interest
Onboarding
Registration & Authorization
Registration & Authorization
Authorization can be streamlined using Gmail, Apple ID, or Facebook, allowing users to log in quickly and securely with their preferred account.
Authorization can be streamlined using Gmail, Apple ID, or Facebook, allowing users to log in quickly and securely with their preferred account.
Choose Category for Events
Choose Category for Events
Choose Category for Events
Easy Sign Up
Easy Sign Up
Easy Sign Up
Get instant messages
Get instant messages
Connect with colleagues joining the same event
Get instant messages
Connect with colleagues joining the same event
Chat
Make Connections
Make Connections
Connect with peers through group chats or private messages, enhancing your event experience and make new connections.
Connect with peers through group chats or private messages, enhancing your event experience and make new connections.
Profile
User Profile
User Profile
Manage your profile effortlessly, where you can make updates, see your friends, view your followers, and track the events you’ve attended.
Manage your profile effortlessly, where you can make updates, see your friends, view your followers, and track the events you’ve attended.
Share a bit about yourself to spark conversations
Share a bit about yourself to spark conversations
Share a bit about yourself to spark conversations
Customize your feed
Customize your feed
Customize your feed
Event
Create a New Event
Create a New Event
Create a new event effortlessly when inspiration strikes or you want to host a fun gathering. With just a few easy steps, you can set up an event and invite your colleagues to join in.
Create an Event
Add a title, description, date, and location so colleagues know what to expect.
Choose a Category
Select the category that best matches your event.
Publish the Event
Publish your event so colleagues can discover it and join.
Personalize the event and spread the word
Personalize the event and spread the word
Personalize the event and spread the word
Additional Features
Additional Features
Work Buddy System
New to the company? Get assigned a work buddy to help you settle in
Event Tickets
Share ticket details with colleagues after purchasing for events
Key Findings & Solutions
Conducted moderated usability testing with 8 participants to identify pain points and validate design decisions
Unclear step when not adding event to calendar
Added ‘Skip’ and ‘Maybe Later’ options
No way to share event tickets with colleagues
Added share feature after purchase
Too much negative space in interface
Optimized spacing and added content cards
Couldn’t find profile edit or user interests
Added edit button and expanded profiles
Key Findings & Solutions
Conducted moderated usability testing with 8 participants to identify pain points and validate design decisions
Unclear step when not adding event to calendar
Added ‘Skip’ and ‘Maybe Later’ options
No way to share event tickets with colleagues
Added share feature after purchase
Too much negative space in interface
Optimized spacing and added content cards
Couldn’t find profile edit or user interests
Added edit button and expanded profiles
Key Findings & Solutions
Conducted moderated usability testing with 8 participants to identify pain points and validate design decisions
Unclear step when not adding event to calendar
Added ‘Skip’ and ‘Maybe Later’ options
No way to share event tickets with colleagues
Added share feature after purchase
Too much negative space in interface
Optimized spacing and added content cards
Couldn’t find profile edit or user interests
Added edit button and expanded profiles
Participant Feedback
Sarah
Remote Marketing Manager
“Interesting app, I like the adding to office calendar that makes it easy to set meetings. Also I feel more categories can be added.”
James
Software Engineer (2 yrs WFH)
“UI looks great, also can we make the buttons end to end? I like the idea of interacting with employees other than just office work.”
Priya
HR Coordinator
“Great app! Messaging privately and in a group would be a fun way to interact with everyone. Doing yoga with my colleagues, love that idea.”
Participant Feedback
Sarah
Remote Marketing Manager
“Interesting app, I like the adding to office calendar that makes it easy to set meetings. Also I feel more categories can be added.”
James
Software Engineer (2 yrs WFH)
“UI looks great, also can we make the buttons end to end? I like the idea of interacting with employees other than just office work.”
Priya
HR Coordinator
“Great app! Messaging privately and in a group would be a fun way to interact with everyone. Doing yoga with my colleagues, love that idea.”
Participant Feedback
Sarah
Remote Marketing Manager
“Interesting app, I like the adding to office calendar that makes it easy to set meetings. Also I feel more categories can be added.”
James
Software Engineer (2 yrs WFH)
“UI looks great, also can we make the buttons end to end? I like the idea of interacting with employees other than just office work.”
Priya
HR Coordinator
“Great app! Messaging privately and in a group would be a fun way to interact with everyone. Doing yoga with my colleagues, love that idea.”
Reflection & Learnings
What Went Well
User-Centered Approach
Extensive research and testing led to a solution that genuinely addressed user needs
Iterative Design Process
Multiple rounds of feedback and refinement significantly improved usability
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Working closely with developers ensured design feasibility and smooth implementation
Measurable Impact
Defined clear success metrics from the start, allowing us to validate our solution
Challenges and Solutions
Balancing Features vs. Simplicity
Prioritized core features through user feedback, saved advanced features for v2
Privacy Concerns
Implemented granular privacy settings and transparent data usage policies
Adoption Hesitancy
Created onboarding that clearly communicated value proposition and low time commitment
Time Zone Coordination
Added smart scheduling suggestions based on participants’ time zones
Reflection & Learnings
What Went Well
User-Centered Approach
Extensive research and testing led to a solution that genuinely addressed user needs
Iterative Design Process
Multiple rounds of feedback and refinement significantly improved usability
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Working closely with developers ensured design feasibility and smooth implementation
Measurable Impact
Defined clear success metrics from the start, allowing us to validate our solution
Challenges and Solutions
Balancing Features vs. Simplicity
Prioritized core features through user feedback, saved advanced features for v2
Privacy Concerns
Implemented granular privacy settings and transparent data usage policies
Adoption Hesitancy
Created onboarding that clearly communicated value proposition and low time commitment
Time Zone Coordination
Added smart scheduling suggestions based on participants’ time zones
Reflection & Learnings
What Went Well
User-Centered Approach
Extensive research and testing led to a solution that genuinely addressed user needs
Iterative Design Process
Multiple rounds of feedback and refinement significantly improved usability
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Working closely with developers ensured design feasibility and smooth implementation
Measurable Impact
Defined clear success metrics from the start, allowing us to validate our solution
Challenges and Solutions
Balancing Features vs. Simplicity
Prioritized core features through user feedback, saved advanced features for v2
Privacy Concerns
Implemented granular privacy settings and transparent data usage policies
Adoption Hesitancy
Created onboarding that clearly communicated value proposition and low time commitment
Time Zone Coordination
Added smart scheduling suggestions based on participants’ time zones
