Deliverables
UX
UI
Design
Tools
The Challenge
Be informed and get involved in local community projects
Visitors to the Helper website are asked to donate their time and not their cash, with the intention of matching volunteers to fantastic charities/associations that are in need of their support.
My challenge was to identify the audience and ideate core functionality and features. Then create a look, feel and design language that reflects Helpers values and objectives.
Understanding the Audience
Research Process
I explored 4 personas to gain an insight into differing user requirements, behaviours, goals and pain-points.
Individual Volunteer
Demographic
Those in the age group 65 to 74 were the more likely to informally volunteer at least once a month (37%) compared to respondents in the age groups 25 to 34 (31%) and 35 to 49 (31%).
Likes
Volunteering is a confidence boost, at any age. It’s an opportunity to help people and make new friends.
Pain Points
Finding the time around full-time jobs or family commitments. Discovering opportunities nearby that suit their skill-sets and availability.
Needs
Flexible availability that can adapt to their personal circumstances.
Family Volunteers
Demographic
Gen Z is more likely to volunteer than any other age group. Family volunteer opportunities offers quality family-time combined with the rewarding experience of giving back to the community.
Likes
To spend time together and are socially/environmentally aware.
Pain Points
There will be restrictions with regards younger children wanting to volunteer.
Needs
Opportunities must be family friendly and safe environments.
Recreational Groups
Demographic
After school clubs (scouts, guides, etc) and sports associations are keen to give back to their communities - this provides a wide age group of volunteers.
Likes
To complete tasks as a group to strengthen camaraderie whilst strengthening sense of community.
Pain Points
Can be challenging juggling the groups availability.
Needs
Ability to book group volunteering to minimise schedule clashes.
Businesses
Demographic
Corporate organisations wanting to make a positive impact within their community.
Likes
To build an environmentally and socially responsible brand which nurtures that culture within the workforce.
Pain Points
Wants to be associated with reputable causes and associations.
Needs
To share good deeds via social media therefore, businesses could only volunteer for charities/associations with no confidentiality restrictions.
The results are in...
The Solution
As a result of the research, I’ve obtained 6 key insights used to inspire the core features and functionality.
1.
Customisable Helper Profile
4 different types of profile can be created: Individual, Family, Recreational Group and Business Profile.
This ensures that the user/s only view opportunities that are appropriate to their circumstances.
This also allows users to state their preferences, add their skill-sets, interests and personality traits.
2.
Opportunities Search
Users have the convenience of being able to search/refine roles by category, interests or skill-set.
3.
Restricted Opportunities
Helper wants to ensure the right people are placed with the correct opportunities to create lasting, successful placements.
Therefore, some opportunities will be restricted and only displayed if the user is logged in and has the approved credentials to view them, e.g. DBS checks may be required for some roles and only verified DBS holders will be able to view these roles.
4.
Gamification Aspect for Hours Donated
Users’ Helper hours are recorded and unlock badges which aim to continue to motivate and reward them.
Unlocked badges can be shared on social media which will encourage others to sign up for Helper accounts.
5.
The Helper Community Awards
The Helper Community Awards aims to bring recognition to the volunteers who have donated the most hours.
Awards will be categorised by profile: Individual, Family, Recreational Group and Business.
Not only does this reward volunteers and create pride within the local community but it also generates more exposure to the causes that the volunteers have helped.
6.
Knowledge Hub of local Charities & Associations
Users can research all the local charities and associations in their area.
Charities and Associations that do not have a website can raise awareness of their cause via the Helper website. This will provide them with a dedicated space to inform visitors of their cause.
Structuring the Architecture
Full User Flow
Structuring the Architecture
Sitemap
Structuring the Architecture
Wireframes
Defining the UI
Branding
Cheerful, friendly, optimistic and welcoming brand image. I opted for a triadic colour combination with the intention to build trust and openness.
Defining the UI
Illustrations
Bold and vibrant illustrations reinforce Helpers friendly and welcoming brand. The gorgeous illustrations are created by Upklyak (freepix).
Defining the UI
Helper Logo
Consistent use of the letter ‘H’ maintains a recognisable and strong brand identity regardless of the device it’s being displayed on.
Defining the UI
Typography
Comfortaa is a rounded geometric sans-serif. It’s welcoming, playful and easy to read.
Final Designs
Designs
Final Designs
The Registration Process
Welcoming and simple registration process. Numbered steps help maintain engagement and minimise drop-off rates.
Final Designs
Key Pages
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