LinkHug
Fashion internships are passed around through private networks. I designed the tool that opens them up.
Role
Product Designer
Timeline
February - May 2024
Tools
Skills
The Problem
Fashion students have no dedicated platform for finding internships, researching brand culture, and building industry connections. LinkedIn, Instagram, and generic job boards were built for broad audiences, so they lack fashion-specific job filters, employer transparency, and a community built around the industry.
The Solution
LinkHug is the platform fashion students have never had. One place to find the right opportunities, understand brands before applying, and connect with the people who can open doors.
90%
of fashion students surveyed had never found a job search platform built for their industry
90%
of fashion students surveyed had never found a job search platform built for their industry
75%
rated finding fashion opportunities as 5 out of 5 very difficult
90%
Brand culture that stays hidden until after you're hired.
Job descriptions that are vague, incomplete, or never posted.
A process that rewards connections over craft.
Discovery Pain Point: Surveys & Interviews
Quantitative Survey With 32 Students
Majoring In Fashion Fields Across The United States Fashion Universities
76%
Students uses online platform to find opportunities
90%
Students can't find existing job search platforms tailored for fashion internships or jobs
5 In-Depth Interviews With Students
Interview With Field Experts
“When we have or know openings, there is not a very commonly-known portal to send out this information, so the position is usually quickly filled by people we know.”
SYNTHESIS: From Voices to Insights
Identifying Functions and Features Students Need
Takeaway Insights
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
Fashion Platforms vs. Mainstream Platforms
Fashion Job Platforms Prioritize Relevance At The Cost of Usability, Whereas Mainstream Platforms Deliver Usability But Overlook Fashion-Specific Opportunities
HOW MIGHT WE
Design A Platform That Matches Fashion Students With Internships Aligned To Their Skills And Preferences, While Also Providing Insider Insights And Networking Opportunities?
DESIGN CONCEPT
A Fashion Job Platform That Incorporates Internships and Job Openings, Company Reviews, Mentorship, and Networking Events
WIREFRAME
User Interview On Specific Features and Functions
Connect Through In-Person Interactions
Know Where And When Your City’s Art Events Are Happening
Centralized Fashion Mentorship Platform
Mentorship Can Be Found Both Ways
