Davis Design Fest 2026
Davis Design Fest 2026
ROLE
UI/UX Designer
YEAR
2026
TOOLS
Figma
TEAM
4 Designers
The Problem
Networking has become a digital chore, convenient but sterilizing many of the in-person mentorship benefits.
Many networking apps feel daunting or intimidating due to the nature of "announcement culture" that ultimately isolates individuals.
User Research
Competitive Analysis
Reddit: Anonymous threads don't build real-world trust or friends to turn to when you need consistent support.
Skillshare: Skillshare (and other online learning communities) are fully virtual and don’t promote in-person interaction.
Key Takeaway
None of these tools combined all three things career changers need: in-person connection, two-way support, and a free way to start.
Pain Points
Career transitions are lonely, and polished online profiles make people feel behind, so they hold back from asking for help.
Forums and courses offer anonymous answers or one-way content, with no one nearby to follow up with or turn to again.
Cold networking feels transactional, meeting strangers raises safety concerns, and paid programs add cost when income is uncertain.
Core Needs
To feel less alone, without having to perform. A way to connect with others in transition without presenting a polished identity.
Trusted, two-way support from people nearby. Real people they can return to, who respond to their specific situation.
Low-pressure, safe, and affordable access. Easy ways to start or decline a conversation, control over visibility, and free or low-cost entry.
Overview
As part of Davis Design Fest 2026, I worked with a team of designers to create a proximity-based career development app designed to help individuals exploring career changes connect through local career building events, shared activities, and supportive community networks.
THEME: Connecting design to the real world.
THEME: Connecting design to the real world.
Overview
As part of Davis Design Fest 2026, I worked with a team of designers to create a proximity-based career development app designed to help individuals exploring career changes connect through local career building events, shared activities, and supportive community networks.
THEME: Connecting design to the real worls.
Davis Design Fest 2026
Davis Design Fest 2026
ROLE
UI/UX Designer
YEAR
2026
TOOLS
Figma
TEAM
4 Designers
The Problem
Networking has become a digital chore, convenient but sterilizing many of the in-person mentorship benefits.
Many networking apps feel daunting or intimidating due to the nature of "announcement culture" that ultimately isolates individuals.
User Research
Competitive Analysis
Reddit: Anonymous threads don't build real-world trust or friends to turn to when you need consistent support.
Skillshare: Skillshare (and other online learning communities) are fully virtual and don’t promote in-person interaction.
Key Takeaway
None of these tools combined all three things career changers need: in-person connection, two-way support, and a free way to start.
Pain Points
Career transitions are lonely, and polished online profiles make people feel behind, so they hold back from asking for help.
Forums and courses offer anonymous answers or one-way content, with no one nearby to follow up with or turn to again.
Cold networking feels transactional, meeting strangers raises safety concerns, and paid programs add cost when income is uncertain.
Core Needs
To feel less alone, without having to perform. A way to connect with others in transition without presenting a polished identity.
Trusted, two-way support from people nearby. Real people they can return to, who respond to their specific situation.
Low-pressure, safe, and affordable access. Easy ways to start or decline a conversation, control over visibility, and free or low-cost entry.
Overview
As part of Davis Design Fest 2026, I worked with a team of designers to create a proximity-based career development app designed to help individuals exploring career changes connect through local career building events, shared activities, and supportive community networks.
THEME: Connecting design to the real world.
THEME: Connecting design to the real world.
Overview
As part of Davis Design Fest 2026, I worked with a team of designers to create a proximity-based career development app designed to help individuals exploring career changes connect through local career building events, shared activities, and supportive community networks.
THEME: Connecting design to the real worls.
Davis Design Fest 2026
Davis Design Fest 2026
ROLE
UI/UX Designer
YEAR
2026
TOOLS
Figma
TEAM
4 Designers
The Problem
Networking has become a digital chore, convenient but sterilizing many of the in-person mentorship benefits.
Many networking apps feel daunting or intimidating due to the nature of "announcement culture" that ultimately isolates individuals.
User Research
Competitive Analysis
Reddit: Anonymous threads don't build real-world trust or friends to turn to when you need consistent support.
Skillshare: Skillshare (and other online learning communities) are fully virtual and don’t promote in-person interaction.
Key Takeaway
None of these tools combined all three things career changers need: in-person connection, two-way support, and a free way to start.
Pain Points
Career transitions are lonely, and polished online profiles make people feel behind, so they hold back from asking for help.
Forums and courses offer anonymous answers or one-way content, with no one nearby to follow up with or turn to again.
Cold networking feels transactional, meeting strangers raises safety concerns, and paid programs add cost when income is uncertain.
Core Needs
To feel less alone, without having to perform. A way to connect with others in transition without presenting a polished identity.
Trusted, two-way support from people nearby. Real people they can return to, who respond to their specific situation.
Low-pressure, safe, and affordable access. Easy ways to start or decline a conversation, control over visibility, and free or low-cost entry.
Overview
As part of Davis Design Fest 2026, I worked with a team of designers to create a proximity-based career development app designed to help individuals exploring career changes connect through local career building events, shared activities, and supportive community networks.
THEME: Connecting design to the real world.
The Problem
Networking has become a digital chore, convenient but sterilizing many of the in-person mentorship benefits.
Many networking apps feel daunting or intimidating due to the nature of "announcement culture" that ultimately isolates individuals.