OPEN2WORK
BACKGROUND
Job seekers often struggle to keep track of their job applications, deadlines, and other relevant information as there use many platforms to apply from. There is no unified platform to keep track of all submitted applications or saved job postings.
OBJECTIVES
To develop an application that provides a centralized and organized platform to manage user’s job applications and track application status. Design an easy-to-use interface to track applications with analytics and notifications. Also, an AI chatbot to assist in the job search process.
TIMELINE
Feb 2023 - May 2023
User Researcher
UX Designer
Prototyper
Illustrator
ROLE
TEAM
Imran Saleh, PM
Dang Bo, Tech Lead
Kathy She, UIUX Designer
Divya Pandey, Backend
CONTRIBUTION
TOOLS
Ideation
User Research
UIUX Design
Illustration Design
Figma
Adobe Premier Pro
Adobe Illustrator
01 | OVERVIEW
1.1 | CHALLENGE
Job seekers encounter challenges in tracking applications, especially with repetitive data entry across various platforms and organizing updates. The method is time-consuming and visually ineffective.
Google Spreadsheet for tracking all applications and manual updates
1.2 | SOLUTION
An application that provides a centralized and organized platform to manage user’s job applications and track application status with easy to use interface.
Record Application and Dashboard Display
centralized and organized dashboard displaying applications and categorizations
An easy-to-use interface record application form for job details
Status selection and updates
Application Status Tracking
Application details and status tracking with timeline
Calendar display of upcoming events
Notifications of deadlines, interviews, and updates
1.3 | IMPACT
The average time it takes to find an application or saved jobs dropped from 120 seconds to 20 seconds 🎉
By eliminating the need to navigate multiple platforms, the app saves time for applicants. This time-saving aspect allows job seekers to focus more on refining their applications and preparing for interviews. Streamlining the application process through a centralized app reduces redundant data entry and saves time for job seekers. It enhances efficiency by providing a one-stop solution for managing applications.
02 | RESEARCH & DEFINE
2.1 | USER INTERVIEW
15 job-seekers ranging from age 18 to 32 were interviewed to gain more insight into the problem. The interviewees are from various industry and applying to jobs at different stages in their career.
Users face significant challenges in tracking their job applications, primarily due to difficulties in organizing information.
I created a target user based on research and data, to help our team understand the needs, experiences, behaviors, and goals of the users. The persona put the main pain points and challenges at the forefront of the project.
2.2 | USER PERSONAS
2.3 | COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
What current solutions do job-seekers use to track their seas of applications?
“How might we leverage AI to enhance the efficiency and user experience of a job application tracking app, ensuring seamless organization, personalized insights, and proactive recommendations for both applicants and employers?”
03 | IDEATTION
3.1 | BRAINSTORM
I knew I wanted my solution to take on the form of both app and website, so that job seekers can record their applications from anywhere. Recognizing that both platforms have their benefits and downside.
Based on user insights and market analysis, I wanted my app to have the following features:
3.2 | USER FLOW
Based on the three main features, I created a user flow in which almost all functions can be accessed via the dashboard screen.
3.3 | WIREFRAME & USABILITY TESTING
The first round of wireframes were created based on the necessary functions of each feature. User testing was conducted on the wireframes by asking users to interact with the screens on Figma.
3.4 | UPDATED WIREFRAME
Key changes were made based on the user feedback to create another round of wireframes.
04 | FINAL DESIGN
4.1 | FINAL DESIGN
The design aims to enhance the efficiency and user experience of a job application tracking app through a centralized dashboard, automated tracking, and AI assistance.
FEATURE 1
Onboarding:
Interactive Welcome Screen and Splash Screen
Login/Register
Personal profile with documents and information storage
FEATURE 2
Add Application:
Centralized dashboard to see all applications
Filter and sorting by categories
Add Application form
Edit/Update Application
FEATURE 3
Track Application:
Easily track application from dashboard cards
Application details and timeline
Calendar View
Notifications and Reminders
FEATURE 4
JobGenie AI Assistant:
Accessible from dashboard
AI assistant to help with job search
Cover Letter & Resume review
Search for similar jobs
05 | REFLECTION & NEXT STEP
What I’ve Learned: User testing is important in multiple stages of design
During the wireframing and prototyping stages, it is important to conduct user testing as their feedbacks are essential to a human-centered design. Their interactions and feedbacks ensure the interface is intuitive, effective, and meets their needs. It helps identify usability issues early, validates my design decisions, and ultimately leads to a better user experience. I believe real human is the most crucial part of design.
Next Step and Future Expansion of the Project
Because most of the job application process is done via web, it is important to develop a web version as the next step. Creating responsive design of both mobile and web platforms is necessary.
Aside from creating the web version, some other important features to add are:
getting direct updates from job applications,
connecting with personal phone/laptop calendar,
and automatic form filling
resume review
personal account preferences
