Project Goal

Design a digital platform where freelancers learn skills collaboratively in small groups, supported by generative AI for real-time engagement.

UX Research & Discovery

• Competitive Analysis: Mapped peer-learning platforms (Huddlecraft, Lunchclub) to identify gaps in scalability and engagement.
• Trend Synthesis: Explored learning-by-doing methodologies, generative AI tools, and peer-group dynamics.
• Semi-Structured Interviews: Conducted 5 interviews with freelancers, a teacher, and a peer-learning founder.

Key insights:

• Isolation was a major pain point; freelancers craved accountability and safe spaces to share struggles.
• Generative AI was underused due to low awareness but had potential to accelerate learning.
• Optimal group size was 6–8 people to balance participation and trust.

Process & Iterative Design

1. Problem Reframing:
   • Initial focus: "How might we help freelancers learn while working?"
   • Pivoted to: "How might we use AI to foster curiosity and meaningful peer connections?"
2. Prototyping & Testing:
   • Designed a chat-based MVP with:
   • AI-autofilled profiles (skills/interest-based matching).
   • Small-group icebreakers to build rapport.
   • AI prompts to re-engage stagnant discussions.
   • Ran lean usability tests on 3 core flows:
   • Profile-building: Users wanted clearer AI-editing controls.
   • Group suggestions: Needed transparency on size limits (8 max).
   • Chat interactions: Testers mistook AI for humans—iterated on UI cues.
3. Synthesis & Iteration:
   • Simplified onboarding to clarify AI's supportive (not dominant) role.
   • Redesigned progress bars and group cards based on feedback.