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 Manchester 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 Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who are already involved with Arou. Use LinkedIn or even social media to connect and chat about their experiences. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects related to social or community products. When you apply through our website, make sure to link it so we can see your design magic in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your design process! We want to know how you think and approach problems. Prepare to share your thoughts on user behaviour and how your designs can foster real connections. This will show us you’re the right fit for Arou!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after applying! A quick message expressing your enthusiasm can go a long way. It shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team and helps keep your application top of mind. Don’t be shy!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Product Designer - Volunteer in Manchester
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 the skills and experiences that align with our mission. Highlight any previous work in social or community products, as well as your design experience. We love seeing how your background fits with what we're building!
Be Authentic:Don't be afraid to show your personality in your application. We’re looking for someone who can bring a unique perspective to our team. Share your thoughts on design and connection – we want to know what makes you tick!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of getting noticed, make sure to apply through our website. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets to the right people quickly. Plus, we can't wait to hear from you!
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, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your commitment to quality and craft.
✨Think in Systems
During the interview, articulate how you approach design as a system rather than just individual screens. Share examples of how small design choices can impact user behaviour and connection. This will resonate well with their focus on building trust through design.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Since you'll be working closely with the founder and engineers, express your enthusiasm for collaboration. Share experiences where you've pushed back on ideas to improve outcomes. This shows you're not just a designer but a team player who values feedback and iteration.
