A big part of the American dream are the systems we build to help people gain the skills necessary to enter the workforce. Perhaps the most critical part of this process is our education system.
The initial assumption I have is that the experiential learning phase of workforce preparation in the U.S. is underutilized and inherently unfair. It is also neither user friendly or efficient.
For many this is a ladder of success. However, for others it is an avalanche of inequality. Once inequity is inserted into this process it is further magnified at every step.
My hypothesis is that improving access to experiential learning is the best opportunity for creating positive change. Experiential learning opportunities can be as agile as the market is.
It is also the only step that does not require major policy, societal, cultural, and economic shifts to address.
Week 1: Discovery
Ideation, Initial Investigation, Empathize, Mood Board, Branding.
Weeks 2, 3, 4: Research
Background Research, Surveys, Comp. Analysis, User Interviews.
Weeks 3, 4: Analysis
Research Report, Card Sorting, Personas, User Flow, Storyboard, Sitemap Draft.
Weeks 5, 6, 7: Design & Iteration
Sitemap Final, Wireframes, Prototyping, User Tests, Iterations, Error Testing.
Weeks 8: Presentation & Report
Initial Flow, Practice, Final Flow, Final Presentation, Case Study.
In order to being to understand how users related to the problem statement, I conducted an online survey and had 24 total respondents. There were a few eye opening finding from their responses.
Now that the problem is becoming clearer it is time to look at what other companies are doing to solve it. Are they focusing primarily on the business solution or the student solution?
User interviews were extremely helpful in working towards forming a specific solution. Every user I interviewed had over ten years of experience and experienced success in their fields. Yet they all reported struggles while entering the workforce.
In my interviews I could tell that people were excited to participate in this process and willing to help. This gave me a great sense of hope for successfully creating a solution that would be viable in the market place.
Using the data gathered, I created two user types and matching personas which helped guide further product solutions.
Key Points
1. Is the user interested in pursuing a project? If so, they mark it in the application and the non-profit is notified.
2. The non-profit selects their primary candidates. They then notify the candidates using the Experi app.
The non-profit gives a specific timeframe for a response and the app automatically moves down the candidate list as necessary.
Assumption #1: Users will follow the path I have laid out for them.
This was a resounding no. They took every path possible and went click crazy working to discover what they were dealing with. My approach to testing was more hands off and I did not give them multiple specific tasks. I gave them general goals and watched them go to work. They really disintegrated the early iterations. This was extremely helpful information.
Assumption #2: Users want a bright and colorful interface.
This was also resounding no. My hierarchy was not supported by the color scheme and there were elements that did not function as expected due to the lack of controlling the user’s eye.
This was hard for me to take an honest look in the mirror because I was violating core graphic design principles everywhere I looked and I didn’t notice until the users shone a light on it.
Assumption #3: Users will intuitively understand my product.
This was the most powerful no. Everyone wanted an explanation at every step of the way. At this point I had built it to show in class and everyone had already heard what I was working on. This fed my assumption.
I was going to need to bring them into the subject smoothly using branding tools and an introductory flow. Now this was exciting. I think I can fix this!
Goal: Create a cohesive and expected experience.
Create a better sitemap.
Remove the confusion by simplification and cleaner UI.
Create specific flows that feed into each other.
Make sure buttons and interactions are consistent.
Goal: Improve user trust with a more professional appearance.
Inform user with highlighted content.
Control the user’s eye with improved hierarchy.
Use interactions that are easily understandable and help achieve goals.
