touchbase

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  design system

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1. Prototype link (Please submit a link to a playable prototype, not a link to your design file)

Link

1. Describe your project (max 150 words)

With the complexities and one-sided nature of the job searching process for undergraduates, TouchBase aims to simplify and create a casual environment, making job searching more engaging. By eliminating intimidating and tedious web processes, TouchBase introduces simple matching systems for quicker connections with companies. Users can easily upload their resumes or link their LinkedIn profiles to create a profile. Additionally, the platform facilitates clear communication with recruiters, providing insights into the interview process and application status. Instead of applying to individual jobs and crafting numerous cover letters, users can simply swipe to match with companies interested in them. Unlike social apps that feature job search statuses for others, TouchBase is personalized to each user's pace and preferences in their job search journey.

1. Describe your research process and findings. If you conducted any surveys or interviews, please include the survey form and/or interview questions here. If you conducted secondary research by pulling from online sources, please include a link to your sources. (Max 500 words)

Quantitative Research: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11zLWw74FeARj4v2JQYZx0Idy3Hh6JyEuPJO35KACvFk/edit?usp=sharing

Qualitative Research: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1k2FFn8yz7geIHLmn8CRMy-wxgC9tT6KHc345FYgjvtc/edit?usp=sharing

Our team initiated research on the job search process for undergraduates, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Findings indicated that undergraduate students perceived job application sites as complex, lacking clarity, and lacking personalization. Furthermore, five out of six qualitative interviewees resorted to maintaining a separate document for tracking applied jobs. Quantitative results revealed that the majority of respondents (21 out of 32) scored satisfaction below 4 out of 10, with a significant portion (24 out of 32) experiencing response rates below 30%. These findings underscore the need for enhancements in usability and effectiveness within job search platforms tailored for undergraduate users.

From our results, we created a persona: Emily Thompson, a 21-year-old third-year undergraduate majoring in Business Administration, is driven and ambitious, eager to kickstart her career through internships and entry-level positions. Despite her academic achievements and extracurricular involvement, Emily finds the job search overwhelming due to the complexity of job search platforms, lack of personalization, and difficulties in tracking applications. Her goals include finding relevant opportunities aligned with her career goals, improving application success rates, and streamlining the process for efficiency. Motivated by career advancement, personal growth, and independence, Emily seeks a user-friendly platform with personalized recommendations and effective tracking features to support her job search journey. She needs an intuitive interface, personalized recommendations, and an effective tracking system to navigate the job market effectively and secure future professional opportunities.

When comparing job search sites like HandShake, LinkedIn, and RippleMatch, Handshake stands out for its student-focused interface, campus networking events, and emphasis on internships and entry-level roles. However, users note limitations in niche job options. LinkedIn offers extensive job listings and effective personal branding tools, though users face issues like recruiter spam and complex application processes. RippleMatch is praised for its AI matching algorithm and focus on diversity but faces concerns about industry reach and technical glitches. Indeed's diverse job listings and easy application process are lauded, yet some users find the volume overwhelming and encounter occasional inaccuracies in job recommendations.

From the comparisons we thought we needed Student-Centric Design: Prioritize a mobile app design that is intuitive, student-friendly, and streamlined, making it easy for college students to create profiles and navigate job opportunities. Personalization through AI: Implement an advanced AI matching algorithm to provide personalized job recommendations, ensuring that students are connected with opportunities that align with their skills and preferences. Simplified Job Application Process: Streamline the job application process within the mobile app, minimizing redirects to external websites and reducing complexity to enhance user experience. Real-time Application Tracking: Implement a real-time application tracking feature that allows students to monitor the status of their job applications and receive timely updates. Interactive User Engagement: Incorporate features that encourage interactive user engagement, such as forums, mentorship programs, and skill-building resources, enhancing the overall value of the platform.

1. Describe your most important design decisions. What research findings and/or user testing results led you to make these decisions? (Max 500 words)

Our app offers an easy and fast application process through swiping, streamlining the job search experience for users. We emphasize the concept of matching to highlight that the job application process is two-sided, where both the user and the company must come to an agreement. Users can track their progress through the interview process, providing transparency and clarity. Additionally, our AI resume coach parses through resumes, generates personalized interview questions, and offers tips to improve profiles. Users can also chat with an AI coach to analyze their profiles and receive suggestions for improvement based on job qualifications. To enhance convenience, our app includes a job tracker to monitor applications without leaving the platform. We prioritize simplicity by eliminating the need for cover letters and complex systems, making the app accessible and user-friendly, particularly on mobile devices.

Recognizing the often daunting and tiresome nature of the job search process, particularly in the digital age, we saw an opportunity to transform the experience into a more engaging and user-friendly journey. Our choice of vibrant and lively colors, coupled with the inclusion of a charismatic "baseball" character, serves as a deliberate departure from the mundane. This character seamlessly guides users through the various steps of job hunting, injecting an element of fun and familiarity into what is typically a mind-numbing process. By embracing a more approachable design, we aim to make job seeking on our platform not only efficient but also an enjoyable experience, perfectly tailored to the convenience of mobile usage.

The design aimed for simplicity while conveying all necessary information effectively, ensuring usability across mobile platforms without relying on computers. Given the target audience of young undergraduates, a youthful aesthetic was adopted, utilizing Circular Std font for its playful yet professional and tech-forward appearance.

Built With

• figma