Team Tools Timeline
Individual Figma Jan. 30th- May 2nd 2025
Brief
This project aimed to explore how nonprofit after-school organizations use technology in their fast-paced, community-driven environments. Through user research and interviews, I identified key challenges these organizations face. Based on those insights, I designed an app prototype that addresses their most pressing needs with a practical, user-centered solution.
Research Plan
Topic
Nonprofit organizations that provide after-school programs for youth and offer volunteering opportunities.
Goals
1. Learn if and how technology is used in this industry
2. Discuss what resources or tools are most valuable
3. Gain a deep understanding of the challenges or needs that employees face
4. Determine how technology can be used to assist employees or offer solutions
Methodology
1:1 interview consisting of 6 participants. Each participant session was 15-30 minutes. Interviews happened over the phone or in person.
Interview questions
1. Can you tell me about your role at [Organization]
and how long you’ve worked here?
2. What are some of the biggest challenges you face in
your day-to-day work or volunteer activities?
3. Are there any tools or apps you use to help with
your work? If yes, how effective are they?
4. What is the most time consuming part of your
work?
5. How do you communicate with other team
members, volunteers or children?
6. What is the onboarding process like for new
employees and volunteers?
7. What kind of support or resources would make your
work easier?
8. Do you use mobile apps to help you at work, if yes
can you tell me why you use it?
9. How do you feel about using technology or apps at
work?
10. Is there a current process, tool or resources that is
particularly effective or useful at [Organization]?
Participant Screening
• Works at a non-profit organization
with an after school program
• Lives in the United States
• Has worked at least 3 months
Research Synthesis
Interview Notes & Affinity Mapping
10 Data Trends
Key Findings & Takeaways
1. Most participants expressed that their biggest challenges at work are being understaffed and needing
additional funding.
2. Most participants are comfortable with technology and use digital tools to help them complete day to
day tasks.
3. Most participants expressed the importance of being able to streamline tasks because they work in a fast
paced environment where it’s difficult to juggle multiple things.
4. Most participants expressed that they don’t get many volunteers and having more volunteers would be
beneficial because they are understaffed and don’t have enough funding to hire more people or offer a
competitive pay.
5. Safety is an important factor in these organizations because they are responsible for the children/teens
enrolled in the programs, that is why each organization has a lengthy and multi-step volunteer onboarding
process.
Insights Summary
Through my research synthesis I’ve determined that the biggest challenge employees face at non-profit after school programs is being understaffed. This is primarily due to not having enough volunteers or funds to hire more paid employees. Since most of the participants I spoke to are satisfied with their current digital tools and are continuously juggling multiple tasks, an app that is primarily intended for volunteers would be more beneficial.
From the interviews, I discovered that every organization has a lengthy and similar onboarding process for volunteers.There are no current methods used to streamline that process and make it easier for interested volunteers to find non-profit organizations and complete onboarding requirements.
User Journey Map
Wireframes
People who are interested in helping and supporting the youth would join the app and start discovering organizations near them. The interested volunteer would then pick a location and begin the onboarding process right from their phone.
In the app, the volunteer would upload necessary safety documents (License or ID, background check results), message the director of the program, and complete any training material. The director or manager of the program receives and has the full profile of the volunteer. The volunteer is now welcome to join their selected afterschool program.
Prototype
Design Components
I chose a bold, cheerful, and youthful color palette to reflect the app’s focus on volunteering with children in after-school programs. I also ensured the colors are distinguishable for users with different types of color blindness. The logo ties in the palette and symbolizes the spirit of giving time to support kids.
Prototype Still Images
Usability Testing
Goals
• Ask for first impressions and purpose of app
• Receive feedback on usability of prototype
• Observe how the prototype is navigated
• Note any confusion
• Ask for recommendations for improvement
• Receive feedback on usability of prototype
• Observe how the prototype is navigated
• Note any confusion
• Ask for recommendations for improvement
Methodology
1:1 meeting , 15-30 minute session
Questions
1. What are your first impressions of the app? What do you think it’s meant to do?
2. How easy or difficult was it to navigate through the app? Why?
3. Were there any moments where you felt confused or unsure about what to do next?
4. What parts of the app felt intuitive or well-designed to you?
5. What would you change or improve to make the app more useful or easier to use?
Feedback
• This screen feels like it's missing something
• It would be nice to include an option to view favorites or filter by places you've volunteered
• "Does this screen ask for your location?"
• Have more filter options, ex: recommendations based off profile in addition to location
• What more can this offer that an online search can't?
• This doesn't feel like the home or beginning screen after signing in, alone it doesn't convey the purpose of the app.
Design Solutions
Feedback highlighted that the search screen felt abrupt as an entry point. I redesigned the flow by adding a dedicated home section, creating a more welcoming and structured introduction. Favorites were introduced for quick access to saved locations, and search was repositioned as a secondary function. New schedule and application screens enrich the home experience, reinforcing the app’s purpose of managing volunteer opportunities and commitments
Final Prototype (Interactive)
Key Takeaways
Research and interviews were central to this project, revealing that a major challenge for nonprofits is a shortage of volunteers. By streamlining the lengthy onboarding process required for child safety, this app aims to remove a major barrier. Moving forward, I want to ensure the app clearly communicates its focus: not only finding volunteer opportunities but making the onboarding process — training, documentation, and identity verification — a core feature.
Future steps for this project include continuing usability testing. I’ve shared the prototype with UX designers for feedback on the concept, navigation, and overall UX/UI, and I plan to test further with volunteers from nonprofit afterschool programs. Designing the registration and onboarding process will be a key next step to capture the full start-to-finish user journey.
