At a Glance
- Tasks: Elevate product design and create engaging user experiences for a new friendship app.
- Company: Arou, a startup tackling loneliness through meaningful connections.
- Benefits: Equity-only role with full ownership and a voice in product decisions.
- Other info: Work flexibly with a close-knit founding team on an impactful project.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team to build a product that changes lives and combats loneliness.
- Qualifications: Experience in consumer app design, especially social or community products.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 € per month.
About Arou
ArouLoneliness is one of the biggest modern challenges of our time. People move cities. They leave university. They change jobs. Friendship becomes harder. Not because people do not want connection, but because there is no simple infrastructure for it. Arou exists to change that. We are building a new way for adults to make real friends. Not followers. Not matches. Not surface level chats. Real friendships.
Arou places you straight into a small group chat with three people nearby who are similar in age, location and interests. It is an instant friendship group designed to move people from zero to talking quickly. From there, we give people the tools to sustain those friendships, not just start them. Think WhatsApp meets Tinder BFF, without the swiping. Built for depth. Over the last six months, Arou has grown into a fast moving 1500+ community and a new way for adults to make real friends. Now we’re turning that into a product.
The Role
We have early designs in place. They work, but they are basic and lack polish. We are looking for a product designer who can elevate the entire experience. Someone who understands that design builds trust.
You will work directly with our Founder and Founding Engineers to:
- Refine and elevate the existing screens
- Design new flows including onboarding, matching and retention loops
- Help define our visual identity and interaction system
- Create an experience that feels exciting, intentional and different
Who You Are
- You care deeply about craft.
- You think in systems, not just individual screens.
- You understand behaviour, social psychology and how small design choices shape connection.
- You have shipped consumer apps before. Social or community products are a strong plus.
- You move fast but you do not cut corners.
- You use AI to accelerate thinking and production, not to replace taste.
- You are comfortable working closely with a founder and pushing back when something is not good enough.
- You want to build something that genuinely improves people’s lives.
Commitment & Equity
This is an equity-only role. Everyone on the founding team currently has full-time roles, so this is treated as a passion project - we work evenings or weekends (when we can), with weekly syncs to stay aligned and move fast. You’ll have full ownership from day one, a real voice in product and technical decisions, and the opportunity to shape something that will impact millions. You should be excited about building something of your own.
Why Join
- You’ll help build a product that tackles one of the biggest modern challenges: loneliness.
- You’ll join our team at Day 1, right as we launch our MVP - this has the potential to change so many lives.
- You’ll work alongside a founding team who are building at some of the most exciting, fast-growing startups across People, Product, Engineering and Operations.
- You’ll be part of a small, close-knit founding team with ambition, heart, and a bias for action.
If this sounds exciting, drop us a note at or share your CV - we’ll grab a virtual coffee to chat.
Founding Product Designer - Volunteer in Bristol employer: Arou
Arou is an exceptional employer for those passionate about tackling the modern challenge of loneliness through innovative design. As a volunteer Founding Product Designer, you'll join a close-knit team dedicated to creating meaningful connections, with the opportunity to shape a product that has the potential to impact millions. You'll enjoy a collaborative work culture that values your input and craft, while also gaining invaluable experience in a fast-paced startup environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Product Designer - Volunteer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who are already part of the community you're targeting. A quick chat over coffee or a virtual meet can open doors you didn't even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects that align with Arou's mission. Share it on social media and relevant platforms to get noticed by potential collaborators.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Arou, and express your interest in contributing. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay engaged! Follow Arou on social media and participate in discussions about loneliness and community building. This shows your genuine interest and keeps you in the loop about any opportunities that may arise.
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Product Designer - Volunteer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for tackling loneliness shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about building real connections and improving people's lives.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects your experience in product design, especially if you've worked on social or community products before. Highlight specific projects where you've elevated user experiences or built trust through design.
Be Authentic:We love authenticity! Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. Share your thoughts on design, your approach to problem-solving, and how you envision contributing to Arou's mission.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures we can connect with you quickly for that virtual coffee chat!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arou
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, dive deep into Arou's mission to combat loneliness. Understand how their product works and think about how your design skills can enhance that experience. This will show your genuine interest and alignment with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Craft
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially any projects related to social or community products. Be ready to discuss your design process and how you’ve elevated user experiences in the past. This is your chance to demonstrate your understanding of design as a tool for building trust.
✨Think Systems, Not Screens
During the interview, emphasise your ability to think in systems. Discuss how small design choices can impact user behaviour and connection. This aligns perfectly with Arou's vision of creating meaningful friendships through thoughtful design.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Since you'll be working closely with the founder and engineers, express your enthusiasm for collaboration. Share examples of how you've successfully pushed back on ideas in the past to ensure quality. This shows you're not just a designer but a team player who values the end product.
