How might we support early-career designers and developers as they navigate the uncertainty of beginning their careers—by helping them better understand themselves, stay motivated, and build meaningful connections with others?

Driven by her own experience and those of her peers, designer Hannah Kim set out to design a system that transforms personal reflection and peer collaboration into a sustainable path for growth.

In today’s tech industry, early-career designers and developers are under pressure to demonstrate job readiness from day one. Many take initiative outside of school—whether through side projects, interview prep, study groups, or tool practice—but often face the same challenge: doing it alone.

‘Bunnies’ project explores how purpose-driven collaboration can make career development more sustainable, accessible, and human. It’s not just about building portfolios—it’s about building momentum, direction, and confidence through shared effort.

Based on user research, Kim identified three key barriers: unclear goals, difficulty staying motivated when working solo, and trouble finding peers with similar values or intentions. In response, she created a three-part system:

• A Self-Discovery Test designed to help users reflect on their goals, working style, and collaboration needs—enabling more intentional, aligned connections.

• A Live Collaboration Platform that supports real-time sessions—like whiteboard challenges, AI study groups, or design sprints—with a lightweight structure and AI-supported facilitation.

• A Visual Identity Sticker Kit that helps users express who they are during in-person events, creating approachable moments for connection and conversation.

Together, these tools create an environment where early-career professionals don’t have to navigate growth alone. ‘Bunnies’ supports not just what you work on—but how, why, and with whom—making the journey to becoming a creative professional more collaborative, confident, and connected.