SwampLinks
Reinventing Networking
Swamplinks is a networking platform aimed at helping University of Florida graduates seamlessly transition into the workforce by connecting them with alumni, job opportunities, and professional resources. As the Lead UX Designer, I led the research, design, and prototyping efforts to ensure the platform was intuitive, user-focused, and visually engaging.
Figma Board
(Full Product Life Cycle)
My Key Responsibilities:​
​
-
User Research & Personas – Conducted in-depth interviews with UF alumni and graduating seniors, identifying pain points and creating data-driven user personas to inform design decisions.
-
A/B Testing & Usability Testing – Designed and executed A/B tests and usability studies, analyzing user behavior to refine features and improve engagement.
-
Wireframing & Prototyping – Developed low and high-fidelity wireframes in Figma, creating interactive prototypes to map out the user journey and test core functionalities.
-
Information Architecture & UI/UX Best Practices – Structured intuitive navigation and workflows, applying Gestalt principles, accessibility standards, and mobile-first design to enhance usability.
-
Iterative Design & Agile Collaboration – Worked with a cross-functional team to refine the platform, integrating user feedback through multiple design sprints and iteration cycles.
Key Takeaways
What I would do differently...
This experience reinforced the importance of user-centered design, as conducting interviews and A/B testing highlighted the need to build based on real user needs rather than assumptions. Insights gathered from alumni and students directly influenced the platform’s structure, ensuring it effectively addressed their challenges. Additionally, the project demonstrated the power of iteration, as multiple rounds of usability testing and feedback loops played a critical role in refining the platform’s functionality. Each iteration brought valuable improvements, proving that continuous refinement leads to a more intuitive and effective user experience.
​
While usability testing provided valuable insights, incorporating longer-term engagement metrics, such as retention rates and post-launch feedback, could have offered a deeper understanding of user behavior and platform effectiveness. Additionally, placing a stronger emphasis on accessibility from the start—ensuring WCAG compliance and refining accessibility features—would have made the platform more inclusive for users with disabilities, enhancing usability for a broader audience.