Inclusive & Accessible UX for Youth Education
Inclusive & Accessible UX for Youth Education
Inclusive & Accessible UX for Youth Education
Designed accessible UX solutions For
Transition Discoveries
Designed accessible UX solutions For
Transition Discoveries
Designed accessible UX solutions For
Transition Discoveries
DISCIPLINE
DISCIPLINE
DISCIPLINE
DISCIPLINE
UX Designer
UX Designer
UX Designer
PLATFORM
PLATFORM
PLATFORM
PLATFORM
Desktop / iPad
Desktop / iPad
Desktop / iPad
DURATION
DURATION
DURATION
DURATION
21 weeks (2024)
21 weeks (2024)
21 weeks (2024)
Project Overview
Project Overview
Project Overview
Transition Discoveries, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of young adults with disabilities, needed a dynamic professional development platform to bridge the gap between education and employment for their target audience.
The existing resources were fragmented and often inaccessible, hindering the effectiveness of transition professionals.
Our challenge was to create a central hub that would provide high-quality resources and ensure a positive learning experience for both professionals and the youth they serve.
Transition Discoveries, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of young adults with disabilities, needed a dynamic professional development platform to bridge the gap between education and employment for their target audience.
The existing resources were fragmented and often inaccessible, hindering the effectiveness of transition professionals.
Our challenge was to create a central hub that would provide high-quality resources and ensure a positive learning experience for both professionals and the youth they serve.
Transition Discoveries, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of young adults with disabilities, needed a dynamic professional development platform to bridge the gap between education and employment for their target audience.
The existing resources were fragmented and often inaccessible, hindering the effectiveness of transition professionals.
Our challenge was to create a central hub that would provide high-quality resources and ensure a positive learning experience for both professionals and the youth they serve.
My Role
My Role
My Role
Lead UX Designer & Researcher
Lead UX Designer & Researcher
Lead UX Designer & Researcher
My Contribution
My Contribution
My Contribution
Led accessibility research and implementation
Conducted 4 interviews and 2 user testing sessions with professionals with disabilities
Created information architecture and led client meetings
Led accessibility research and implementation
Conducted 4 interviews and 2 user testing sessions with professionals with disabilities
Created information architecture and led client meetings
Led accessibility research and implementation
Conducted 4 interviews and 2 user testing sessions with professionals with disabilities
Created information architecture and led client meetings
Team Structure
Team Structure
Team Structure
3 UX Designers, 2 Developers, 1 Content Specialist
3 UX Designers, 2 Developers, 1 Content Specialist
3 UX Designers, 2 Developers, 1 Content Specialist
Tools Used
Tools Used
Tools Used
Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Miro, UserTesting.com, JIRA, Slack
Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Miro, UserTesting.com, JIRA, Slack
Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Miro, UserTesting.com, JIRA, Slack
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
The existing Transition Discoveries website lacked a dedicated space for professionals, resulting in the following issues:
The existing website, while rich in content, was plagued by usability issues. Navigation was cumbersome, content was often overwhelming, and the platform lacked the personalization needed to cater to individual user needs.
The existing Transition Discoveries website lacked a dedicated space for professionals, resulting in the following issues:
The existing Transition Discoveries website lacked a dedicated space for professionals, resulting in the following issues:
Ultimately, these shortcomings in the website directly impacted the quality of support provided to youth with disabilities during critical transition periods, potentially limiting their successful integration into adult life and career opportunities.
We aimed to develop a dynamic, user-friendly platform that addresses these issues and provides an engaging, accessible, and efficient experience for professionals working with transitioning youth with disabilities.
The existing website, while rich in content, was plagued by usability issues. Navigation was cumbersome, content was often overwhelming, and the platform lacked the personalization needed to cater to individual user needs.
Ultimately, these shortcomings in the website directly impacted the quality of support provided to youth with disabilities during critical transition periods, potentially limiting their successful integration into adult life and career opportunities.
We aimed to develop a dynamic, user-friendly platform that addresses these issues and provides an engaging, accessible, and efficient experience for professionals working with transitioning youth with disabilities.
Ultimately, these shortcomings in the website directly impacted the quality of support provided to youth with disabilities during critical transition periods, potentially limiting their successful integration into adult life and career opportunities.
We aimed to develop a dynamic, user-friendly platform that addresses these issues and provides an engaging, accessible, and efficient experience for professionals working with transitioning youth with disabilities.
We aimed to develop a dynamic, user-friendly platform that addresses these issues and provides an engaging, accessible, and efficient experience for professionals working with transitioning youth with disabilities.
Main Objective
Main Objective
Main Objective
Redesign the student side of the platform for maximum accessibility and engagement
Redesign the student side of the platform for maximum accessibility and engagement
Redesign the student side of the platform for maximum accessibility and engagement
Develop a new professional side for educators and parents with specialized tools and resources
Develop a new professional side for educators and parents with specialized tools and resources
Develop a new professional side for educators and parents with specialized tools and resources
Implement AI-powered features to create a more responsive and personalized experience
Implement AI-powered features to create a more responsive and personalized experience
Implement AI-powered features to create a more responsive and personalized experience
The Solution
The Solution
The Solution
An accessible, community-focused platform offering professional development, resource sharing, mentorship opportunities, and an AI-powered support platform that provides personalized guidance and fosters collaboration between youth, educators, and parents.
An accessible, community-focused platform offering professional development, resource sharing, mentorship opportunities, and an AI-powered support platform that provides personalized guidance and fosters collaboration between youth, educators, and parents.
An accessible, community-focused platform offering professional development, resource sharing, mentorship opportunities, and an AI-powered support platform that provides personalized guidance and fosters collaboration between youth, educators, and parents.
Facilitating accessible professional development and mentorship in transition support
Facilitating accessible professional development and mentorship in transition support
Facilitating accessible professional development and mentorship in transition support
This solution addresses the specific needs of transition professionals while fostering a collaborative ecosystem that directly benefits young adults with disabilities.
Key features include:
This solution addresses the specific needs of transition professionals while fostering a collaborative ecosystem that directly benefits young adults with disabilities.
Key features include:
This solution addresses the specific needs of transition professionals while fostering a collaborative ecosystem that directly benefits young adults with disabilities.
Key features include:
1
Adaptive UI: Customizable interface with screen reader compatibility, high-contrast modes, and keyboard navigation to ensure accessibility for all users.
Adaptive UI: Customizable interface with screen reader compatibility, high-contrast modes, and keyboard navigation to ensure accessibility for all users.
Adaptive UI: Customizable interface with screen reader compatibility, high-contrast modes, and keyboard navigation to ensure accessibility for all users.
2
Collaborative Resource Hub: Curated library of evidence-based transition tools, lesson plans, and assistive technology guides, with user ratings and comments.
Collaborative Resource Hub: Curated library of evidence-based transition tools, lesson plans, and assistive technology guides, with user ratings and comments.
Collaborative Resource Hub: Curated library of evidence-based transition tools, lesson plans, and assistive technology guides, with user ratings and comments.
3
Personalized Learning Paths: AI-driven recommender system tailors professional development content to each user's role, experience, and interests.
Personalized Learning Paths: AI-driven recommender system tailors professional development content to each user's role, experience, and interests.
Personalized Learning Paths: AI-driven recommender system tailors professional development content to each user's role, experience, and interests.
Impact
Impact
~98% score
~98% score
compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA
compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA
45%
45%
increase in user engagement
increase in user engagement
60%
60%
reduction in time spent searching for resources
reduction in time spent searching for resources
90% users
90% users
satisfied with the new AI assistant feature
satisfied with the new AI assistant feature
Impact
Impact
~98% score
~98% score
compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA
compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA
45%
45%
increase in user engagement
increase in user engagement
60%
60%
reduction in time spent searching for resources
reduction in time spent searching for resources
time reduced to find resources
90% users
90% users
satisfied with the new AI assistant feature
satisfied with the new AI assistant feature
like the new AI feature
Research
Research
Research
Primary Research - User Interview
Primary Research - User Interview
Primary Research - User Interview
We conducted semi-structured User Interviews with 6 participants to gauge their experiences.
We conducted semi-structured User Interviews with 6 participants to gauge their experiences.
We conducted semi-structured User Interviews with 6 participants to gauge their experiences.
We asked how they:
We asked how they:
We asked how they:
Support youth with disabilities
Access and use professional development resources
Network with other professionals
Use technology in their work
Navigate accessibility challenges (for professionals with disabilities)
Support youth with disabilities
Access and use professional development resources
Network with other professionals
Use technology in their work
Navigate accessibility challenges (for professionals with disabilities)
Support youth with disabilities
Access and use professional development resources
Network with other professionals
Use technology in their work
Navigate accessibility challenges (for professionals with disabilities)
What Our transition specialists said:
What Our transition specialists said:
What Our transition specialists said:
Market Research
Market Research
Market Research
We analyzed the landscape for tools available to help transition professionals
We analyzed the landscape for tools available to help transition professionals
We analyzed the landscape for tools available to help transition professionals
Things we found that helped us:
Things we found that helped:
Things we found that helped us:
Things we found that helped us:
Professionals largely connect and share resources through specialized LinkedIn groups and education forums
Existing platforms often lack comprehensive accessibility features, creating barriers for professionals with disabilities
Professionals largely connect and share resources through specialized LinkedIn groups and education forums
Existing platforms often lack comprehensive accessibility features, creating barriers for professionals with disabilities
Professionals largely connect and share resources through specialized LinkedIn groups and education forums
Existing platforms often lack comprehensive accessibility features, creating barriers for professionals with disabilities
Proof of concept
Proof of concept
Proof of concept
To validate our ideas, we conducted a user survey and concept testing sessions to identify issues, opportunities, and possible adoption of the professional development and mentorship features.
To validate our ideas, we conducted a user survey and concept testing sessions to identify issues, opportunities, and possible adoption of the professional development and mentorship features.
To validate our ideas, we conducted a user survey and concept testing sessions to identify issues, opportunities, and possible adoption of the professional development and mentorship features.
Our Tools
Our Tools
Insights from survey (53 Responses)
Insights from survey (53 Responses)
Insights from survey (53 Responses)
We received 53 insightful responses, providing a detailed snapshot of professional engagement and support for transitioning youth.
We received 53 insightful responses, providing a detailed snapshot of professional engagement and support for transitioning youth.
We received 53 insightful responses, providing a detailed snapshot of professional engagement and support for transitioning youth.
High interest in Mentorship
High interest in Mentorship
High interest in Mentorship
Over 90% of survey respondents are interested in participating in the mentorship program, either as mentors or mentees.
Over 90% of survey respondents are interested in participating in the mentorship program, either as mentors or mentees.
Over 90% of survey respondents are interested in participating in the mentorship program, either as mentors or mentees.
Resource sharing is valued
Resource sharing is valued
Resource sharing is valued
Professionals are eager to both access and contribute to a curated resource library.
Professionals are eager to both access and contribute to a curated resource library.
Professionals are eager to both access and contribute to a curated resource library.
Accessibility is key
Accessibility is key
Accessibility is key
100% of respondents emphasized the importance of accessibility features for all aspects of the platform.
100% of respondents emphasized the importance of accessibility features for all aspects of the platform.
100% of respondents emphasized the importance of accessibility features for all aspects of the platform.
Flexible mentorship preferred
Flexible mentorship preferred
Flexible mentorship preferred
Professionals prefer virtual mentorship options to accommodate various schedules.
Professionals prefer virtual mentorship options to accommodate various schedules.
Professionals prefer virtual mentorship options to accommodate various schedules.
Survey Insights
Survey Insights
Processing Research Data
Processing Research Data
Processing Research Data
We further consolidated the research data to draw commonalities
We further consolidated the research data to draw commonalities
We further consolidated the research data to draw commonalities
(Note: Do reach out to me for the full research and design process breakdown. I’m happy to share it!)
(Note: Do reach out to me for the full research and design process breakdown. I’m happy to share it!)
(Note: Do reach out to me for the full research and design process breakdown. I’m happy to share it!)
Accessibility Deep Dive
Accessibility Deep Dive
Accessibility Deep Dive
We conducted extensive research to ensure our platform was accessible to professionals with various disabilities. Here's an overview of our process and key implementations:
We conducted extensive research to ensure our platform was accessible to professionals with various disabilities. Here's an overview of our process and key implementations:
We conducted extensive research to ensure our platform was accessible to professionals with various disabilities. Here's an overview of our process and key implementations:
Research
Research
Research
Our process involved consulting WCAG 2.1 guidelines, interviewing professionals with disabilities about their tech experiences, and analyzing existing accessible platforms for best practices. This comprehensive approach allowed us to gain valuable insights into the needs and challenges faced by users with disabilities in professional settings.
Our process involved consulting WCAG 2.1 guidelines, interviewing professionals with disabilities about their tech experiences, and analyzing existing accessible platforms for best practices. This comprehensive approach allowed us to gain valuable insights into the needs and challenges faced by users with disabilities in professional settings.
Our process involved consulting WCAG 2.1 guidelines, interviewing professionals with disabilities about their tech experiences, and analyzing existing accessible platforms for best practices. This comprehensive approach allowed us to gain valuable insights into the needs and challenges faced by users with disabilities in professional settings.
Key Implementations:
Key Implementations:
Key Implementations:
01
01
01
Accessibility Check One: Contrast Ensured all content and functions are navigable and understandable for someone with a color vision deficiency. Used high contrast color scheme.
Accessibility Check One: Contrast Ensured all content and functions are navigable and understandable for someone with a color vision deficiency. Used high contrast color scheme.
Accessibility Check One: Contrast Ensured all content and functions are navigable and understandable for someone with a color vision deficiency. Used high contrast color scheme.
The entire website also uses a high contrast color scheme and we later verified it with the WCAG guidelines:
The entire website also uses a high contrast color scheme and we later verified it with the WCAG guidelines:
02
02
02
Accessibility Check Two: Keyboard accessibility All features can be accessed and operated using only a keyboard with Touch Targets according to the WCAG
Accessibility Check Two: Keyboard accessibility All features can be accessed and operated using only a keyboard with Touch Targets according to the WCAG
Accessibility Check Two: Keyboard accessibility All features can be accessed and operated using only a keyboard with Touch Targets according to the WCAG
04
04
04
Accessibility Check Three: Typography & Text alternatives: We identified any issues with the text sizes and adjusted as needed. Provided text alternatives for all non-text content
Accessibility Check Three: Typography & Text alternatives: We identified any issues with the text sizes and adjusted as needed. Provided text alternatives for all non-text content
Accessibility Check Three: Typography & Text alternatives: We identified any issues with the text sizes and adjusted as needed. Provided text alternatives for all non-text content
06
06
06
Simple and consistent navigation: Implemented a clear, consistent navigation structure throughout the platform
Simple and consistent navigation: Implemented a clear, consistent navigation structure throughout the platform
Simple and consistent navigation: Implemented a clear, consistent navigation structure throughout the platform
Initial Information Architecture
Initial Information Architecture
Initial Information Architecture
We created a basic professional user flows to outline the professional development and mentorship features:
We created a basic professional user flows to outline the professional development and mentorship features:
We created a basic professional user flows to outline the professional development and mentorship features:
Initial wireframing
Initial wireframing
Initial wireframing
We created wireframes based on the ideas above
We created wireframes based on the ideas above
We created wireframes based on the ideas above
Visual Design Direction
Visual Design Direction
Visual Design Direction
Professional. Inclusive. Empowering.
Professional. Inclusive. Empowering.
Professional. Inclusive. Empowering.
We created an accessible design system to facilitate developer hand-off, including:
A color palette tested for various types of color blindness
Typography guidelines for optimal readability
Component library with built-in accessibility features
We created an accessible design system to facilitate developer hand-off, including:
A color palette tested for various types of color blindness
Typography guidelines for optimal readability
Component library with built-in accessibility features
We created an accessible design system to facilitate developer hand-off, including:
A color palette tested for various types of color blindness
Typography guidelines for optimal readability
Component library with built-in accessibility features
Final Design
Final Design
Final Design
The final solution is an integration of professional development, mentorship, resource sharing, and an AI-powered support features into the Transition Discoveries Professional Platform.
A common dashboard for all professionals brings all features under the same umbrella.
The final solution is an integration of professional development, mentorship, resource sharing, and an AI-powered support features into the Transition Discoveries Professional Platform.
A common dashboard for all professionals brings all features under the same umbrella.
The final solution is an integration of professional development, mentorship, resource sharing, and an AI-powered support features into the Transition Discoveries Professional Platform.
A common dashboard for all professionals brings all features under the same umbrella.
Feature 1
Feature 1
Feature 1
AI-Enhanced Lesson Planner
AI-Enhanced Lesson Planner
AI-Enhanced Lesson Planner
The AI assistant provides customized recommendations based on user profiles, search history, and current queries.
The AI assistant provides customized recommendations based on user profiles, search history, and current queries.
The AI assistant provides customized recommendations based on user profiles, search history, and current queries.
Feature 2
Feature 2
Feature 2
Explore and Engage in Professional Development Opportunities
Explore and Engage in Professional Development Opportunities
Explore and Engage in Professional Development Opportunities
This feature helps professionals find curated webinars, courses, and workshops posted by Transition Discoveries and partner organizations.
This feature helps professionals find curated webinars, courses, and workshops posted by Transition Discoveries and partner organizations.
This feature helps professionals find curated webinars, courses, and workshops posted by Transition Discoveries and partner organizations.
Feature 3
Feature 3
Feature 3
Conversational AI chatbot
Conversational AI chatbot
Conversational AI chatbot
We developed an AI-powered assistant to enhance the user experience and provide personalized support.
We developed an AI-powered assistant to enhance the user experience and provide personalized support.
We developed an AI-powered assistant to enhance the user experience and provide personalized support.
Key Implementations:
Key Implementations:
Key Implementations:
01
01
01
Personalized resource recommendations: AI analyzes user profile and behavior to suggest relevant resources and professional development opportunities
Personalized resource recommendations: AI analyzes user profile and behavior to suggest relevant resources and professional development opportunities
Personalized resource recommendations: AI analyzes user profile and behavior to suggest relevant resources and professional development opportunities
02
02
02
Accessibility support: AI assists users with disabilities by providing alternative navigation methods and content summaries
Accessibility support: AI assists users with disabilities by providing alternative navigation methods and content summaries
Accessibility support: AI assists users with disabilities by providing alternative navigation methods and content summaries
03
03
03
Continuous learning: The AI model improves over time based on user feedback
Continuous learning: The AI model improves over time based on user feedback
Continuous learning: The AI model improves over time based on user feedback
Next Steps
Next Steps
Next Steps
To better support transition professionals and enhance the platform's effectiveness, we're exploring emerging technologies and strategies:
To better support transition professionals and enhance the platform's effectiveness, we're exploring emerging technologies and strategies:
To better support transition professionals and enhance the platform's effectiveness, we're exploring emerging technologies and strategies:
Expanded Accessibility Features
Expanded Accessibility Features
Expanded Accessibility Features
Integrate more advanced accessibility tools, such as real-time speech-to-text for professionals with hearing impairments and improved screen reader compatibility for visually impaired users.
Integrate more advanced accessibility tools, such as real-time speech-to-text for professionals with hearing impairments and improved screen reader compatibility for visually impaired users.
Integrate more advanced accessibility tools, such as real-time speech-to-text for professionals with hearing impairments and improved screen reader compatibility for visually impaired users.
AI-Powered Predictive Analytics
AI-Powered Predictive Analytics
AI-Powered Predictive Analytics
Implement machine learning algorithms to analyze student data and predict potential challenges in the transition process, enabling professionals to proactively address issues.
Implement machine learning algorithms to analyze student data and predict potential challenges in the transition process, enabling professionals to proactively address issues.
Implement machine learning algorithms to analyze student data and predict potential challenges in the transition process, enabling professionals to proactively address issues.
Learnings
Learnings
Learnings
01
01
01
The Power of Inclusive Design
The Power of Inclusive Design
The Power of Inclusive Design
Designing for accessibility from the start not only benefited professionals with disabilities but also improved the overall user experience for everyone. This project reinforced the idea that inclusive design leads to better products for all users.
Designing for accessibility from the start not only benefited professionals with disabilities but also improved the overall user experience for everyone. This project reinforced the idea that inclusive design leads to better products for all users.
Designing for accessibility from the start not only benefited professionals with disabilities but also improved the overall user experience for everyone. This project reinforced the idea that inclusive design leads to better products for all users.
02
02
02
Assumptions Challenged by User Insights
Assumptions Challenged by User Insights
Assumptions Challenged by User Insights
Our initial assumptions were based on literature reviews and preliminary observations. However, our in-depth conversations with transition professionals helped us confirm some hypotheses while uncovering unexpected insights:
We assumed technology adoption would be the biggest challenge, but many professionals were eager for digital tools. The real challenge was ensuring these tools were accessible and adaptable to diverse student needs.
The need for real-time, accessible resources was greater than anticipated, leading to the development of the AI chatbot feature.
This experience further emphasizes the importance of iterative research in ensuring accuracy and addressing user needs. Going forward, I'll prioritize user-centered design and embrace iterative research to create products that empower transition professionals and address their needs effectively.
Our initial assumptions were based on literature reviews and preliminary observations. However, our in-depth conversations with transition professionals helped us confirm some hypotheses while uncovering unexpected insights:
We assumed technology adoption would be the biggest challenge, but many professionals were eager for digital tools. The real challenge was ensuring these tools were accessible and adaptable to diverse student needs.
The need for real-time, accessible resources was greater than anticipated, leading to the development of the AI chatbot feature.
This experience further emphasizes the importance of iterative research in ensuring accuracy and addressing user needs. Going forward, I'll prioritize user-centered design and embrace iterative research to create products that empower transition professionals and address their needs effectively.
Our initial assumptions were based on literature reviews and preliminary observations. However, our in-depth conversations with transition professionals helped us confirm some hypotheses while uncovering unexpected insights:
We assumed technology adoption would be the biggest challenge, but many professionals were eager for digital tools. The real challenge was ensuring these tools were accessible and adaptable to diverse student needs.
The need for real-time, accessible resources was greater than anticipated, leading to the development of the AI chatbot feature.
This experience further emphasizes the importance of iterative research in ensuring accuracy and addressing user needs. Going forward, I'll prioritize user-centered design and embrace iterative research to create products that empower transition professionals and address their needs effectively.
