Networking Reimagined, Confidence Empowered

Crafting an AI-powered app that helps introverted professionals connect confidently and expand their network

Type

UX Bootcamp Capstone

My Role

UXUI Designer

Tools

Figma, Claude, ChatGTP

Duration:

4 months (2024-25)

© 2025 Gloria Aguilar. All rights reserved. This content is shared for educational and portfolio purposes only. Reproduction or reuse without permission is prohibited.

Imagine being at a networking event, paralyzed by anxiety...

The Challenge

Traditional networking often excludes introverts. Fast-paced, surface-level interactions create barriers that hold back many professionals from growing their careers.

The Opportunity

Most networking tools prioritize quantity over quality. There’s a clear gap for thoughtful, AI-powered solutions designed to support the 20–50% of the workforce who identify as introverted.

The Why

People connect in different ways. When we make space for those differences, we unlock stronger collaboration and more innovative teams.

Key insights

The hidden struggle…

20-50%

of professionals identify as introverted — a significant portion of the workforce.

of professionals identify as introverted — a significant portion of the workforce.

50-74%

of introverts experience social anxiety in large groups, affecting confidence and career progression.

of introverts experience social anxiety in large groups, affecting confidence and career progression.

70%

70%

of introverts spend more time in solitary activities compared to extroverts.

of introverts spend more time in solitary activities compared to extroverts.

40%

40%

miss out on promotions due to leadership bias favoring extroverted traits.

miss out on promotions due to leadership bias favoring extroverted traits.

Design Hypothesis

By using AI thoughtfully, we can create a more human-centered networking experience—one that adapts to different comfort levels, reduces pressure in real time, and helps people connect with clarity, confidence, and ease.

By using AI thoughtfully, we can create a more human-centered networking experience—one that adapts to different comfort levels, reduces pressure in real time, and helps people connect with clarity, confidence, and ease.

Strategic Systems Overview

I began by mapping the key parts of professional networking to uncover opportunities for real impact.

Business Opportunity

Spotting market gaps and areas for growth in networking tools.

show opportunities

Show opportunities

System Challenges

Identifying barriers that hold professionals back from connecting.

show challenges

Impact Measurement

Defining success metrics to track progress and effectiveness.

show measurements

Research Methods

I used a mix of research methods to uncover real challenges and opportunities in networking.

3 in-depth user interviews

3 in-depth user interviews

Industry Surveys

Industry Surveys


Analysis of current networking platforms


Analysis of current networking platforms



Social media sentiment review


Social media sentiment review


User Interview Insights

Through affinity mapping, I uncovered key themes that highlighted common pain points and helped shape the product direction.

Through affinity mapping, I uncovered key themes that highlighted common pain points and goals

Quotes from top 3 themes from user interviews:

Casual meetups work best.

People prefer depth over small talk.

Low-pressure spaces feel safer

User Experience Persona

To understand introverted professionals better, I created a user persona capturing key motivations, behaviors, goals, and pain points.

To understand introverted professionals better,
I created a user persona capturing key motivations, behaviors, goals, and pain points.

Meet Alex! She is a skilled software developer who loves her work—but dreads networking events. Like 20–40% of professionals, she identifies as introverted.

Meet Alex! She is a skilled software developer who loves her work—but dreads networking events. Like 20–40% of professionals, she identifies as introverted.

User Journey

Once I understood who I was designing for, I mapped Alex’s end-to-end networking experience to uncover pain points and spot opportunities for improvement.

Once I understood who I was designing for,
I mapped Alex’s end-to-end networking experience to uncover pain points and spot opportunities for improvement.

Data revealed three key breakdowns for introverts: preparation, real-time networking, and follow-up. These became clear opportunities where thoughtful AI support could boost confidence, reduce overwhelm, and drive meaningful outcomes. They shaped our strategy for AI integration and product improvement.

Data revealed three key breakdowns for introverts: preparation, real-time networking, and follow-up. These became clear opportunities where thoughtful AI support could boost confidence, reduce overwhelm, and drive meaningful outcomes. They shaped our strategy for AI integration and product improvement.

User Stories & Features

From user insights, I crafted 10 user stories that directly shaped key product features.

User Story

User Story

Benefit

Benefit

Feature

Feature

Design Prioritization Matrix

I focused on high-impact tools that reduce anxiety and improve connection—especially in the preparation, in-event, and follow-up phases.

I focused on high-impact tools that reduce anxiety and improve connection.

Task Flow

After identifying high-priority features, I mapped out a task flow focused on helping users prepare for events with personalized AI-generated prompts.

After identifying high-priority features, I mapped out a task flow focused on helping users prepare for events with personalized AI-generated prompts.

Flow Goal:

Enable users to set event goals and practice conversation starters with minimal friction.

“As a user, I want to prepare for my upcoming event by setting goals and practicing conversation prompts.”

Flow Goal:

Enable users to set event goals and practice conversation starters with minimal friction.

“As a user, I want to prepare for my upcoming event by setting goals and practicing conversation prompts.”

Design Exploration

I translated research insights into early design concepts—sketching flows, layouts, and interaction ideas that integrate AI support and user comfort at every step.

I translated research insights into early design concepts—sketching flows, layouts.

Wireframes + Usability Testing

I tested early wireframes to identify pain points in layout and functionality. Feedback helped me refine visual hierarchy and clarify next steps for users.

Wireframes + Usability Testing

I tested early wireframes to identify pain points in layout and functionality. Feedback helped me refine visual hierarchy and clarify next steps for users.

Mood and Vibe

I crafted a mood board to reflect the emotional tone of the experience—calm, confident, and future-forward.

I crafted a mood board to reflect the emotional tone of the experience—calm, confident, and future-forward.

The visuals blend motivation, human connection, and trust in technology, while evoking a sense of clarity and ease.

The visuals blend motivation, human connection, and trust in technology, while evoking a sense of clarity and ease.

Design Solution

I turned research insights into real design decisions and a prototype.

I turned research insights into real design decisions—shaping a thoughtful, AI-enhanced experience built to support introverted professionals.

Design Solution

Home/Dashboard

The Home acts as the user’s central hub—welcoming them in and helping them stay on track throughout their networking journey.

Daily reminders and confidence boosters to ease anxiety

A clear view of upcoming events to help users feel prepared

Quick-access tools to reduce friction before social moments

Schedule/ Prep

Schedule/ Prep

This screen helps users feel prepared for events with personalized AI prompts and a simple, goal-setting flow.

Personalized pre-event preparation flows with AI-generated conversation starters and goal-setting frameworks.

Easy navigation with tabs for Today, Upcoming, and Past events

Prep progress indicators show how ready the user is

Clear event info to reduce uncertainty

Smart CTAs (like “Continue Prep”) guide users through next steps

Search for
Networking Events

Search for
Networking Events

This screen helps users explore and join events that match their interests—making it easier to connect in ways that feel natural.

This screen helps users explore and join events that match their interests—making it easier to connect in ways that feel natural.

Users can browse events by category: Scheduled, Live Now, or Network

Search bar and filters help users find specific people, meetings, or event types

Users can connect, preview, or join events directly

networking mode

Networking mode

Guides users through each networking phase with smart prompts, energy tools, and real-time support.

Guides users through each networking phase with smart prompts, energy tools, and real-time support.

Switch between event phases: Prep, Connect, Recharge, Reflect.

Set goals and get quick conversation tips on Connect.

Recharge with timer, meditation, and calming tools

Supports energy balance and user comfort during events.

Post Reflection &
Follow-Up

Post Reflection &
Follow-Up

Helps users review their experience, note key takeaways, and maintain momentum with thoughtful follow-ups.

Helps users review their experience, note key takeaways, and maintain momentum with thoughtful follow-ups.

Space to jot down learnings and next steps

Add new connections and notes from the event

Follow-up reminders to support ongoing relationship building

Improvements using AI

I used AI to reimagine key screens, simplifying the user flow and highlighting features that offer high value with less friction.

AI Integration Strategy

To bring the AI vision to life, I mapped out a lean MVP framework focused on emotional safety, clarity and real-world usability

  1. Goal & Approach Selection

I explored a strategic framework for integrating future-facing AI in ways that prioritize emotional safety, small-group connection, and user confidence. Instead of overwhelming users with complex features, the direction focuses on subtle, supportive interactions that respect introverts’ social comfort zones.

Understanding the Ecosystem

To connect the dots, I zoomed out to explore the full networking system—identifying stakeholders, barriers, and opportunities for innovation.

Long-term Impact Vision:

By redesigning connection with ethical AI and diverse communication styles, we created a vision that deepens human connection, supports personal growth, and drives cultural change.

By redesigning connection with ethical AI and diverse communication styles, we created a vision that deepens human connection, supports personal growth, and drives cultural change.

AI Capabilities + Methodologies

Next, I defined how INVI's AI would work-focusing on the right support, at the right moment, delivered with care and ethical intent.

Personalization Engine

Context Recognition

Predictive Analytics

Ethical aI Principles

INVI’s AI is designed with care—focused on privacy, agency, and emotional impact.

  • Privacy-First: Minimal data collection, full user consent, and anonymized insights

  • Transparency & Control: Users can see how suggestions are made and opt out anytime

  • Bias Reduction: Regular testing to ensure fairness and avoid stereotypes

  • Real Impact Metrics: We measure emotional comfort and connection—not just clicks

Next Steps

I’ll be using this prototype in my own networking journey to test the system in real scenarios. As I go, I’ll continue refining it into a simplified version—guided by what I learn and the feedback I gather from real use.

© 2025 Gloria Aguilar. All rights reserved. This content is shared for educational and portfolio purposes only. Reproduction or reuse without permission is prohibited.

Other Cases

Other Cases

Other Cases

Flight Buddy for Google Flights

Crumb Control

Holisticare

Invi Marketing Website

Human Traffic Foundation

Etsy Shop Manager

Flight Buddy for Google Flights

Full Stack AI feature

Flight Buddy for Google Flights

Full Stack AI feature

Flight Buddy for Google Flights

Full Stack AI feature

Crumb Control

Inventory Management App

Crumb Control

Inventory Management App

Crumb Control

Inventory Management App

Holisticare

AI holistic wellness app

Holisticare

AI holistic wellness app

Holisticare

AI holistic wellness app

Invi Marketing Website

Marketing Website Design

Invi Marketing Website

Marketing Website Design

Invi Marketing Website

Marketing Website Design

Human Traffic Foundation

Website Re-Design

Human Traffic Foundation

Website Re-Design

Human Traffic Foundation

Website Re-Design

Etsy Shop Manager

Heuritic Evaluation

Etsy Shop Manager

Heuritic Evaluation

Etsy Shop Manager

Heuritic Evaluation

Want to collaborate?
Drop me a line!

Copy Email

CV

LinkedIn

Dribbble

Copyright © 2024

Want to collaborate? Drop me a line!

Copy Email

Copyright © 2024

Want to collaborate?
Drop me a line!

Copy Email

CV

LinkedIn

Dribbble

Copyright © 2024