Lynk.

Lynk – Designing for Human-Centered Connection.

A technology studio building consumer and enterprise products dedicated to driving human-centered connection.

My Role:
Product Design Lead

Platform:
Mobile iOS
Mobile Android
Desktop Web

Product Overview

In my role as Product Design Lead, I’ve led 0→1 strategy and design for multiple experimental initiatives and internal bets across mobile and web products.

At the height of the pandemic, Lynk set out to reimagine online dating—not with endless swiping or static profiles, but through real-time video interactions.

Leading the full design lifecycle of the product I: shaped the initial vision, conducted user interviews, defined go-to-market flows, designed user flows/interfaces, and implemented systems that enabled fast iteration in close cross-functional partnership with engineering, product, and marketing.

My work directly contributed to:

• 50,000+ video speed dates facilitated on the platform

• 160,000+ minutes of video dating logged

• 2 US patents granted for proprietary video matching technology

• 150% increase in daily engagement after launching asynchronous features

Problem

Online dating platforms failed to foster trust 
and authenticity for users seeking deeper connections, leading to low-quality matches 
and concerns about identity misrepresentation. I heard consistent pain points:

• Users were burned out by swipe-heavy, text-based interactions.

• Most platforms lacked real-time features to simulate chemistry or conversation.

• People wanted meaningful connection—but the available tools weren’t designed for it.

Solution

We introduced a video-first approach to matchmaking. Users joined live events where they were matched for 90-120 second virtual speed dates based on availability and preferences—no photos upfront, just live conversation. If both people wanted to connect again, they could message or match afterward.

The product emphasized:

• Human-first interactions over gamification.

• Real-time discovery with live queues and timed calls.

• Inclusive experiences, removing pressure and bias from first impressions.

My Role & Key Contributions

Phase 1: Matchmaking Mechanics & System Design.

1. Using a first-principles approach, I designed the logic behind the live queue and 1:1 video matching system, collaborating closely with CTO to balance fairness, pacing, and user engagement.
   
   

2. Facilitated technical trade-off discussions with the CTO and engineering leads, creating a shared language between design and development.
   
   

3. Laid the groundwork for a scalable interaction model that could evolve as we added asynchronous experiences.
   
   

4. These artifacts helped accelerate decision-making and increased engineering velocity by preemptively surfacing edge cases and complexity.

Phase 2: Defining MVP & Strategic Differentiation.

1. Led end-to-end design of the core matchmaking experience—from flowcharts to high-fidelity UI.
   

2. Partnered with product and engineering to prioritize features and ship the MVP in under 4 months.
   

3. Created onboarding flows and call UI optimized for seamless user experiences.

Phase 3: Experimentation & User Research.

1. Facilitated continuous user testing cycles to validate core interactions
   and identify usability pain points.
   
   

2. Helped drive the shift to asynchronous features (e.g. video feeds, video intros, delayed matches), which led to a 150% increase in daily engagement.

Phase 4: Evolving the Monetization Model.

With the shift to asynchronous interaction, our initial monetization model (pay-per-event) became limiting. Working with our team to rethink the business model I:

• Introduced a gift economy via virtual roses and hearts.

• Added a subscription tier that bundled event access with gift credits.

• Introduced and designed a system for users to become event hosts/organizers, unlocking new organic growth loops.

The redesigned model resulted in a 20% increase in ARPU and expanded our addressable market.

Results & Outcomes.

1. 50,000+ speed dates facilitated

2. 160,000+ minutes of video dating logged

3. 150% increase in daily engagement post-feature iteration

4. 2 awarded U.S. patents for real-time video matching technology

5. Childhood friend met her now husband using the product (see below)

One of the most impactful moments that happened as result of this product came when a former middle school classmate reached out to share that she had met her husband on the platform—I recently attended their wedding this April.

Timeline:
2020-Present