Name Tag

A feature within Microsoft Team Mesh, the Name Tag is a networking tool designed to facilitate connection-building. Focused on crucial touchpoints in networking, the goal is to craft a dynamic platform that goes beyond conventional virtual networking limitations. Our design principles prioritize flexibility and inclusivity, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for a diverse user base.

Year:

2023

Role:

UX & UI Designer

3D UI Modeler & Animator

Interaction Designer

Initial Criteria

In the initial design circuit, we laid the foundational framework guiding subsequent development.

This phase established parameters and principles shaping the user experience and functionality of our project.

Team Mesh

  • Features and tools designed for Microsoft Team Mesh

  • Reside and perform within the platform

Professional Networking

  • Output design tailored for business networking

  • Focus on professional virtual settings

Desktop + Mixed Reality

  • Tailored for desktop usage

  • Mixed reality interaction support

Discovery + Research

To enhance our understanding of the design context, we initiated a comprehensive exploration into the intricacies of virtual networking.

This foundational exploration guided subsequent phases, ensuring the user journey and design outcomes were rooted in real-world insights.

Interview

Our exploration of virtual networking led to insightful dialogues with professionals across diverse backgrounds.

Each conversation revealed a distinct perspective, shedding light on the intricacies and anticipations defining the landscape of virtual interactions.

Benjamin J.

Business Analyst, 39

Virtual interactions can be awkward. In a real event, you might strike up a conversation while waiting for a session to start. Virtually, it's like entering a silent room. We need those natural ice breaking moments – something that makes connecting as easy as it is in person.”

Olivia L.

Software Developer, 28

“Attending virtual events feels like clicking through a series of webpages. I expect more. I want these events to be dynamic, engaging, something beyond the typical online experience.”

Ethan H.

Account Manager, 42

“You meet someone interesting in a virtual event, exchange contacts, but then what? There's a gap in ongoing engagement. Virtual interactions need to offer more than just a one-time connection….”

Daniel P.

Product Manager, 34

“The first moments in a virtual event often lack warmth. There's no virtual equivalent of a friendly smile or a casual introduction. It's a missed opportunity to make connections feel more personal and inviting.”

User Journey

From the interview data, we organized and structured a condensed storyline portraying a virtual networking journey, unveiling essential insights and actions.

This user journey map visually captures nuanced emotions, actions, and pivotal moments.

  • 16.2% of US LinkedIn users log in every day

  • 48.5% of users in the US use LinkedIn at least once a month

Source 1, 2

Networking Pattern

Business Focused Social Media

Guided by our client's insight, we explored the integration of LinkedIn, a business-focused social media platform and the most popular choice among our target audience.

Our goal was to understand its usage patterns and effectiveness in shaping the current behavior of networkers.

  • 70% of users had connection with the company that made the hire.

  • 35% of the user had new opportunities from a casual conversation on LinkedIn.

Findings

Through discovery and research, we uncovered crucial insights that coalesced into three fundamental problem areas.

By directly addressing these concerns, our design approach aims to revolutionize virtual networking experience.

Virtual Expectations:

Challenge: Virtual events often fall short of user expectations, lacking dynamic and engaging elements.

Insight: Provides opportunities for users to form meaningful connections, fostering genuine networking interactions comparable and inclusive experiences.

Ice Breaker:

Challenge: Virtual interactions lack the natural icebreaking moments characteristic of in-person events, resulting in a less warm and inviting conversation atmosphere.

Insight: Users yearn for authentic and engaging initial interactions that set the tone for meaningful connections.

Network Retention:

Challenge: Virtual interactions frequently lack ongoing engagement and follow-up, hindering the development of lasting professional connections.

Insight: Users emphasize the need for sustained engagement features to nurture and build enduring professional relationships.

Design Outcome

Rather than creating a new virtual networking system, our focus is on enhancing two critical moments: the initial Introduction and exchanging contact.

To bring this concept to fruition, we provided the user with three experiences: Creating Name Tag, Environment Engagement, and Network Connection.

Creating Name Tag

  • Users can personalize their own name tags, with the choice to keep information private.

  • They can link their LinkedIn accounts for automatic data filling.

  • Completed name tags are then saved to the user's account for virtual environments and events.

Environment Engagement

  • Users can engage with others' name tags in the virtual environment.

  • The tags automatically activate based on proximity.

  • Upon activation, the name tags display personalized information.


Reflection

On Going Story

Take Away

Unexpected budget challenges forced a pause in the project, but not before seeds of innovation were planted. The features developed, such as personalized name tag creation, LinkedIn integration, and the inventive "Network Building," offer a preview of the project's envisioned impact on reshaping virtual networking when given the opportunity to flourish.

Usability + Content: Be selective about displayed information to avoid clutter and prioritize a clean interface for enhanced user engagement.

Dynamic Interaction: Evaluate the opportunities and consequences of integrating 3D design elements, acknowledging the added layer of complexity it introduces.

Socializing Suggestion: Recognize the multifaceted layers of social dynamics within a community, especially virtual settings, emphasizing the need for thoughtful design responses to these complexities.

Tools:

Autodesk Fusion 360, Rhinoceros, Autodesk 3ds Max, Corona Renderer, Python, Raspberry Pi, Gravity Sketch, Laser Cutter/Engraver, 3D printing