HIRE UP

 

The Problem

Hire Up needed assistance in combing multiple elements on their site to facilitate their users and limit confusion. The team and I identified the most pressing concerns as inconsistent navigation, unclear confirmation of process, and a lack of information regarding the company's purpose.

My Role

Collaborated on the ideation and planning of the project. I led the team on design and iteration. This included for the research phase the organizational research, competitive analysis, heuristic evaluation, task analysis, and domain research (Interviews). As we moved into our planning phase I designed the affinity diagram, project summary, sitemap, and navigation system. When ready I oversaw, design patterns, wireframes, and construction of the prototype. I also worked closely with the team on conducting multiple user testings over each design iteration.

 
 
 

The Solution

The aim for this project was the redesign and smoothing out of the current on-boarding process for Hire UP. Hire UP is an online interviewing platform that saves time by streamlining the process of connecting companies with aspiring developers. The team's scope focused on the candidate's experience to improve the following elements:  

  1. Simplify the on-boarding process

  2. Increase size of network and facilitate Hire Up’s current users base

  3. Create clear ways to personalize the candidate’s experience

  4. Provide consistency in navigation and interaction across the site

User Testing

The initial testing was done on Hire Ups site before specific direction was decided. This was to determine what obstacles might exist and help direct the planning, research, and focus of our redesign.  The testing found that a number of developers were getting lost and confused in the process of navigating and signing up. The developers cited a number of frequently encountered obstacles.

  • Confusing navigation
  • Confusing information hierarchy
  • No central space to organize job applications or professional information
  • No clear sign up process
 
 

Plan

Based on the information and feedback the team set out to address inconsistencies in navigation. This included providing clear pathways between job seekers and companies looking to hire. I determined having a profile would be a possible solution to integrating the candidates experience to be more consistent. In the end prototype we did not include certification as Hire Up wanted to allocate more time to determine how they wanted that element incorporated into their business model.

 
 

Design

Initially the both the team and I compiled all information into one user page. After testing we found most developers wanted there to be another page after creation that was the profile. We compiled the process of logging into one process that then fed to another final page which was the actual profile, shown on the left.

 
 
 

Results

User Testing Results

There were a iterative developments including removing the pre-population of skills based on the candidates job title. All developers who tested this wanted to input the skills. Developers also noted the video creation option during the set up was awkward. I replaced this with a tutorial video that would describe the process in more detail. As we continued to design the product we framed the changes in whether they were in the best interest of the candidate and then tested with developers. This led to many more questions and opportunities to create a more human centered product.

Final Prototype Results

From the different stages of testing that were conducted I noted a number of improvements from each iteration. For example  the candidates were able to easily identify and navigate the site. They were able to input information in the creation of a profile. When the final round of testing was completed and changes had beed made based on the observed data I was able to conclude that the following candidate goals had been achieved.

  • Consistent navigation, and information hierarchy
  • Clear and simplified sign up process
  •  Profile for managing of interviews, searching for jobs, and practicing
  • Streamlined the interview process to provide clear instructions and information to candidates
 
 

REFLECTIONS

The Take Away

The opportunity was incredible to work with a great client in a process that really helps personalize and demonstrate great developers as they begin or continue their career. Due to the limited scope we were given. This sprint focused on the candidates side of the business. We provided design documentation to Hire Up with our process for them to continue iterating and improving their companies human centered design. I also compiled a short list of the next steps for the company to move forward. 

  • Build out the employer side of the sites experience
  • Create video content for the landing page to introduce more to the purpose of the site
  • Have more video content on the site overall to reinforce the mission
  • Provide more options for candidates to connect professionally

Hire Up offers a great way for people to showcase skills and make a great impression from the get go. From the positive feedback received on the project the team and I feel our hard work paid off. Developers found this site to be a functional and highly intuitive experience.