Elevate App Case Study
Project Duration
10 Weeks (Jul - Sep 2024)
Role
UX/UI Designer
Tools
Figma, FigJam, Figma Slides, Google Docs, Otter AI, Slack, Zoom, Notion
Project Type
Personal Project
Methods
Competitive Analysis, User Interviews/Surveys, User Testing, Wireframing, Prototyping
EMPATHIZE
OVERVIEW
Sky's the Limit: Welcome to Elevate
Elevate is an iOS networking app that aims at empowering women of color in their professional careers. The app connects users with mentors, peer groups, and professional development resources tailored to their unique challenges.
CHALLENGE
Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Women of color often encounter career barriers due to limited mentorship and networks, resulting in missed opportunities and isolation. Inspired by my own challenges in the Interior Design field, I created Elevate to connect women of color with mentors and resources, helping them overcome these obstacles.
SECONDARY RESEARCH
Grounding Moment
In Canada, more women than men experience workplace microaggressions, with 40% of women of color expecting racial bias. Senior-level women are twice as likely to be interrupted, and systemic biases contribute to their underrepresentation in leadership roles.
HYPOTHESIS
The Confidence Compass
I’ll know I’m on the right track when participant feedback confirms that these disparities impact their career progression, opportunities, and well-being, diminishing their confidence and leadership aspirations.
PARTICIPANTS
K.S
Operations Lead
Age: 35
Location: Brampton
Experience: 13 years
Current Role: 3 years
A.J
Business Systems Analyst
Age: 31
Location: Etobicoke
Experience: 10 years
Current Role: 4 years
A.M
Care Coordinator
Age: 43
Location: Mississauga
Experience: 21 years
Current Role: 4 years
VOICE THAT MATTER: INSIGHTS FROM THE JOURNEY
1
Key Insight
Underrepresentation in decision-making leads to systemic inequalities.
2
Key Insight
Users strive to maintain professional confidence despite feeling like a minority.
3
Key Insight
Networking and relationship-building are crucial for career advancement.
4
Key Insight
Users are driven to excel in their careers by a strong desire for visibility and recognition.
5
Key Insight
There's a strong desire for inclusive environments where diverse backgrounds thrive.
6
Key Insight
Access to tailored mentorship significantly impacts career growth and opportunities.
Unpacking the Challenges: The Themes of Empowerment
Systemic Biases and Inequality
Systemic bias leads women of color to fear unequal opportunities, pushing them to overcompensate.
Career Advancement and Support:
Systemic barriers stifle career growth, emphasizing the need for targeted mentorship programs.
Representation and Empowerment
Lack of diverse representation fosters tokenism, limiting aspirations and highlighting the need for authentic leadership.
Design Hypothesis
Designing a mentorship and networking platform tailored for women of color will enhance their confidence, career progression, and representation in leadership through user-centered experiences.
DEFINE
PERSONA
Meet Aisha
EXPERIENCE MAP
Aisha's Journey
IDEATE
User Stories
User Story
“As a woman of color, I want to connect with professionals in my industry so that I can expand my network and find mentors.”
User Story
“As a woman of color, I want to follow industry leaders within the platform so that I can stay updated on relevant trends and advice.”
User Story
“As a woman of color, I want to schedule one-on-one career coaching sessions so that I can have access to personalized career guidance.”
Task Flow
PROTOTYPE
UI Inspiration
Profile Carasoul
Calendar
Mentor's Profile
Sketches
I explored UI inspirations from various platforms to gather creative ideas that enhance the design process.
Mentor's Profile
Home Screen
Calendar
TEST
WIREFRAMES
Mid-Fidelity Wireframes
USABILITY TESTING
Validating the Vision
After the initial prototype, I engaged five users to validate whether the design meets their needs and functions as intended.
ISSUE #1
Uncertainty with accessing the mentors list
Suggested Change: different labelling convention for the category or placement to visually help the users
ISSUE #2
Unable to find the notifications
Suggested Change: relocation of the notification icon for better visibility
ISSUE #3
“Connect” button wasn’t always available when viewing the profile
Suggested Change: have the banner fixed on top of the screen on profile screen
ISSUE #4
Days of the week initials were missing on the calendar widget
Suggested Change: add the initials of the of weekdays static above the calendar
ISSUE #5
Appointment confirmation screen didn’t show the time that the user had booked
Suggested Change: add details of the time booked on the confirmation screen
DEFINING
BRAND DEVELOPMENT
Making Design Come to Life
Moodboard
Color Lab
Logo Sketches
Typography Inspiration Board
HI-FIDELITY DESIGN
Aesthetics in Action
I integrated brand development principles into mid-fidelity wireframes, including aesthetics, colors, typography, and the logo.
