As Lead UX Designer at Lynda.com, I spearheaded several key initiatives, including playlist features, user sign-up flows, trial cancellations, and more. My role focused on leveraging UX research and best practices to enhance user experience, reduce churn, and drive platform adoption.
During my time at Lynda.com, prior to its acquisition by LinkedIn, I was responsible for leading a variety of UX initiatives across the platform. From creating multiple playlist features to improving user sign-up, trial, and cancellation flows, my role was centered on applying UX research and design thinking to solve complex user challenges while balancing business needs.
One standout project involved developing a visual representation of the online course catalog. User research revealed that many users felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of available content, leading to confusion about where to start or what to do next—ultimately increasing churn. The goal was to create a more intuitive way for users to search the catalog based on their interests. However, through multiple rounds of prototype testing, we discovered that while the concept was innovative, users preferred a more traditional search experience.
This was a valuable lesson in understanding that sometimes even well-researched ideas may not always translate into widespread user adoption. It highlighted the importance of listening to users and adapting designs based on their actual preferences, rather than sticking with what seemed like a great idea on paper.
Another impactful project was the creation of learning trees that guided novice users through a structured pathway to earn certifications within specific disciplines. This approach provided users with a clear starting point and destination, helping them navigate the platform more effectively and achieve professional growth. Seeing so many users leverage these learning trees to advance their careers was incredibly rewarding and reinforced the platform’s mission.
Working closely with Bruce and Lynda, the founders of Lynda.com, taught me how to balance visionary ideas with practical, user-centered design. There were times when the founders’ instincts didn’t align with the qualitative data we gathered, and it became essential to diplomatically present findings that might challenge their vision. This experience helped me refine the delicate balance between UX best practices and business goals, ensuring that both the user and the company’s objectives were met.
I’m proud of the work my team and I accomplished during my tenure at Lynda.com. These efforts were instrumental in enhancing the overall user experience and supporting the platform’s growth, contributing to its eventual acquisition by LinkedIn in 2015. The lessons learned in user testing, iteration, and stakeholder collaboration continue to inform my approach to UX design today.
The UX initiatives I led at Lynda.com not only enhanced the overall user experience but also played a significant role in driving platform growth. From the development of structured learning paths that helped users achieve professional certifications to the improvement of core features like playlists and sign-up flows, our work empowered users to engage with the platform in more meaningful ways. The collaboration between my team, the founders, and various departments contributed to Lynda.com's success and its eventual acquisition by LinkedIn in 2015. This experience reinforced my belief that great UX is the bridge between visionary ideas and impactful business outcomes.
And hey... our department UX video was pretty awesome also ;)
