Addressing Question 3: Designing for Blue-Collar Workers on LinkedIn
Addressing question 3 presents a unique opportunity to showcase your product design thinking tailored to a specific user demographic. Blue-collar workers have distinct needs from traditional LinkedIn users, and addressing these needs demonstrates empathy and user-centric design principles. In this blog, we will delve into how to approach such product design questions effectively.
Detailed Guide on Framework Application
Choosing the Framework: CIRCLES Method
The CIRCLES Method, which encompasses Comprehend, Identify, Report, Cut through, List solutions, Evaluate trade-offs, and Summarize, is well-suited for product design questions.
Applying the CIRCLES Framework
- Comprehend: Understand the user base – blue-collar workers. What are their challenges, habits, and what value could a professional network bring them?
- Identify: Identify the user needs – simple UI/UX, job security, skill building, networking, easy job application process, etc.
- Report: Define the user persona and report the problem statement succinctly, e.g., “John, a construction worker, needs a streamlined way to find new job opportunities and connect with other professionals.”
- Cut through: Prioritize product features by must-haves, should-haves, and could-haves.
- List solutions: Generate a list of potential features like a simplified profile setup, job match suggestions, community forums, and skills certifications.
- Evaluate trade-offs: Assess the trade-offs between the different features, considering development costs and user impact.
- Summarize: Wrap up with a concise statement, “We are designing a LinkedIn for blue-collar workers focusing on accessibility, job security, and community support to help workers like John connect and advance in their careers.”
Fact-Checking Assumptions
To ground your design decisions, look into statistics on mobile vs. desktop usage among blue-collar workers or surveys on job search preferences within this demographic.
Effective Communication Tips
Use simple language that reflects the user demographic you’re designing for. Ensure your explanations show user empathy and a clear understanding of their unique needs.
Conclusion
Product design for a specialized user group requires a deep understanding of their challenges and preferences. The CIRCLES framework assists in structuring your design process to ensure comprehensive and empathetic product solutions. Practice applying it to various user demographics for a well-rounded prep.