Voluntr
UX/UI | Social goods app | Course project
This was project for course. I designed an app for mobile devices and website with two diffrent screen sizes - desktop and mobile. Voluntr is a website and mobile app that connects volunteers with local organizations in need of help. The platform allows organizations to post their volunteer needs, and users can browse opportunities based on their interests and availability. Users can also create profiles to showcase their skills and experience, and organizations can search for volunteers based on their qualifications.
Project duration:
03/2023
Project problem:
One challenge that many organizations face is finding and managing volunteers. Many people want to give back to their communities but don't know where to start, and organizations often struggle to recruit and retain volunteers. Volunteer Connect aims to address this issue by creating a centralized platform that makes it easy for organizations to connect with potential volunteers, and for volunteers to find opportunities that match their interests and skills.
Project goal:
The goal of Volunteer Connect is to increase the number of volunteers who are engaged in their communities and to help organizations better manage their volunteer programs. By creating a user-friendly platform that simplifies the process of finding and managing volunteers, Volunteer Connect aims to make it easier for people to make a positive impact in their communities.
My role:
Lead UX Designer.
Responsibilities:
User research, wireframing, prototyping defining future improvement.
User pain points
1
Limited time
Users may struggle to find time to volunteer due to busy schedules, work commitments, and other responsibilities. This pain point suggests that the app should prioritize opportunities that are flexible and can accommodate a variety of schedules, as well as provide features that help users to easily track and report their volunteer hours.
2
Lack of revelant opportunities
Users may feel frustrated by a lack of volunteer opportunities that align with their skills, interests, and values. This pain point suggests that the app should offer a range of opportunities that are tailored to individual user profiles and provide features that allow users to easily search, and filter opportunities based on relevant criteria.
3
Difficulty in finding trustworthy organizations
Users may feel uncertain about which organizations are legitimate and which are not, making it difficult to identify and apply to relevant volunteer opportunities. This pain point suggests that the app should feature verified organizations that have been vetted by the platform and provide users with tools to research and evaluate organizations on their own.
4
Inadequate communication
Customers may feel left in the dark about the status of their complaint, which could lead to dissatisfaction wUsers may feel frustrated by a lack of clear communication from organizations, making it difficult to stay informed about volunteer opportunities and their progress. This pain point suggests that the app should prioritize communication features that enable users and organizations to easily stay in touch, such as in-app messaging and notifications, and provide clear guidelines on how to communicate effectively.ith the logistics company's service and a lack of confidence in their ability to address the issue.
Persona profile
User journey map
After conducting research and analyzing user needs, I created low fidelity mockups to explore potential design solutions. I then conducted a usability study with the mockups and implemented the resulting feedback and insights into the design process. As a result, I was able to refine the mockups and create high fidelity versions that better met user needs and goals. The iterative process of testing and refining the design ensured that the final product was both functional and user-friendly.
Usability study - findings
01
Some buttons were too small and difficult to tap, especially for users with larger fingers.
02
Participants have problem with finding a search option
03
The font size was too small in some areas, making it difficult for some participants to read the text.
Accessibility considerations
Color Contrast: Ensure that there is sufficient color contrast between text and background to make it easy for users with low vision or color blindness to read the content.
Keyboard Navigation: Ensure that all interactive elements can be accessed and operated using only a keyboard, allowing users who cannot use a mouse or touchscreen to fully interact with the website or app.
Alt Text for Images: Provide alt text descriptions for all images on the website or app, allowing users who use screen readers to understand what the images are conveying.
Takeaways
Impact: The impact of the designs has been overwhelmingly positive, with users finding the platform intuitive and user-friendly. One participant stated, "I've never felt so empowered to make a difference in my community. The platform made it easy for me to find and donate to causes that I'm passionate about.
What I learned: Throughout this project, I have learned the importance of conducting user research and incorporating it into the design process. By creating personas and customer journey maps, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the target audience and their needs. I also learned the significance of accessibility considerations in design and how they can impact user experience. Additionally, usability testing provided valuable insights for improving the design and making it more user-friendly.
Next steps
01
Incorporate feedback from usability testing to make improvements: Based on the insights from the usability testing, incorporate changes to improve the user experience and address pain points.
02
Conduct additional research to address remaining uncertainties: Address any remaining uncertainties by conducting additional research to better understand user needs and preferences.
03
Continue to evaluate and iterate: As the project progresses, continue to evaluate and iterate on the design to ensure it continues to meet the needs of users and the goals of the project.
