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 a meaningful project.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team to build something that genuinely improves lives.
- 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 Edinburgh employer: Arou
Arou is an exceptional employer for those passionate about tackling the pressing issue 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. Enjoy a collaborative work culture that values your input and craft, while working alongside experienced professionals from fast-growing startups.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Product Designer - Volunteer in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those who are already part of the Arou community. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect and engage with them. A personal touch can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design work, especially projects that demonstrate your understanding of social psychology and user experience. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and visually appealing.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to the Arou team through our website. Express your passion for tackling loneliness and how your design skills can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for a chat! If you get a virtual coffee invite, come ready with ideas on how to elevate Arou's product. Show that you’re not just a designer but a thinker who cares about building real connections.
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Product Designer - Volunteer in Edinburgh
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. Being able to articulate why you’re passionate about this cause will resonate well with the team.
✨Showcase Your Craft
Prepare a portfolio that not only highlights your best work but also demonstrates your thought process. Include examples of how you've elevated user experiences in past projects, especially in social or community products. Be ready to discuss the design choices you made and how they fostered connection.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Since you'll be working closely with the founder and engineers, come prepared to discuss how you approach collaboration. Share examples of when you’ve pushed back on ideas to ensure quality. This shows you value trust and craftsmanship, which aligns with Arou's ethos.
✨Think Systems, Not Screens
During the interview, demonstrate your understanding of design as a holistic system. Discuss how small design choices can impact user behaviour and connection. This will show that you think beyond just aesthetics and are focused on creating meaningful interactions.
