LinkAcademia is a platform that helps higher education institutions centralize internal communication and boost student engagement, while providing real-time insights and lowering operational costs.
Project
Startup Product Design Project
Context and Problem
Colleges and universities face growing challenges in supporting students effectively. Communication channels are fragmented and outdated, operating costs for student support continue to rise, and institutions often lack real-time insight into student needs. This leads to limited personalization, weaker student engagement, and higher risk of attrition, particularly for international students navigating a new environment.
Solution
LinkAcademia is a data-driven platform designed to centralize communications, streamline student support, and strengthen campus community. By integrating features such as an institution-specific LLM agent, peer-to-peer and alumni access, event and service directories, and real-time engagement dashboards, the platform empowers both students and administrators. Institutions can reduce support costs, improve retention, and deliver a more personalized student experience, while students gain seamless access to resources, community, and 24/7 support.
My Role
UI/UX
Research
Visual Design
Team
Sarah Rath
Timeline
6 months (March 2025 - August 2025)
Tools
Figma, Figjam, Procreate
SOLUTION
ALL-IN-ONE HUB
Centralize campus communications.
Students can access announcements, events, clubs, student services, and more in a single platform. This eliminates the need to juggle multiple portals and ensures important updates don’t get lost across fragmented channels.
Students can curate their feed to what content they prefer, whether that’s:
Browsing upcoming events at their campus,
Exploring which varsity sports teams have open applications, or
Viewing their academic calendar to see when tuition payments are due.
24/7 AI-powered chatbot support.
An institution-specific LLM agent answers student questions instantly and accurately. From course details to housing information, students receive reliable support anytime, reducing the load on staff and improving response times.
Personalized student profiles.
Profiles let students go beyond basic information by showcasing their skills, interests, goals, and portfolio work. This creates a richer picture of each individual and makes it easier to find collaborators, mentors, or opportunities within the school community. By aligning people with shared passions and aspirations, the feature supports both academic success and professional growth.
Looking to recruit peers for a personal venture? Explore the ‘Goals’ section to discover students who share your passions and are eager to collaborate on similar ideas.
SHARE YOUR GOALS
Connect with peers and alumni.
Students can collaborate across disciplines, join clubs, or network with alumni for mentorship and career opportunities. This fosters stronger engagement and long-term institutional loyalty.
STAY ON TRACK
Smart academic calendar.
Students can sync their course deadlines, set reminders, and create custom events to manage their time more effectively. Events can be shared with friends or groups, making it easier to stay connected and collaborate around shared responsibilities or study sessions.
Explore campus facilities and resources to become a better student—whether it’s the library, labs, or athletic spaces—make the most of what their institution offers and supporting them in becoming more organized, engaged, and successful learners.
RESEARCH
HMW Statement