HUMA App Case Study
UX/UI Design
Independent Project: Design a networking and mentorship app that provides a platform for minorities in the tech industry to connect with mentors and have open, anonymous conversations on career topics.
Methods: Secondary Research, User Interviews, User Testing, Persona Creation, Wireframing, Prototyping
Role: Sole UX/UI Designer
Duration: 12 weeks
Tools: Figma, Google Forms, Zoom, Adobe Illustrator
Connecting people where it matters most
Huma is a networking and mentorship platform aimed at empowering minority groups in the tech industry. It offers personalized mentorship connections, curated resources, and a secure space for anonymous conversations around compensation, workplace issues, and career growth. The app allows users to find and connect with mentors, helping them navigate their careers with confidence.
CHALLENGE
Many people of color in the tech industry struggle to find the right mentorship opportunities, which can affect their professional growth. Research shows that minorities, especially Black women, continue to experience wage disparities, earning 79 cents on the dollar compared to their white counterparts. This highlights a critical need for resources that bridge this gap, helping these individuals build a network and access reliable career advice.
Understanding the gap and addressing the need
HYPOTHESIS
Empowering mentorship through connections
People of colour in tech need a platform that offers accessible, trustworthy mentors and provides a space for open dialogue about sensitive career issues. By connecting users with mentors and giving them an anonymous way to discuss compensation and other workplace challenges, Humor will enable them to advance their careers with more confidence and support.
We will know this to be true when users consistently engage with the app, evidenced by their participation in conversations, mentorship connections, and regular interaction with personalized resources.
SOLUTION
Your go-to platform for career mentorship and growth!
Discover HUMA, the ultimate networking and mentorship app designed for professionals of color in tech. Connect with experienced mentors, engage in anonymous conversations about compensation and workplace issues, and access curated resources to advance your career. Take control of your professional growth with ease and support, all in one place.
SOLUTION 1
Personalized Mentor Connections
Finding the right mentor can be overwhelming for minority professionals in tech. HUMA simplifies this by curating personalized mentor matches based on your goals and interests. Connect easily with experienced mentors for tailored advice, helping you navigate challenges and grow confidently. Whether you need long-term guidance or short-term insights, HUMA supports your journey to success.
SOLUTION 2
Anonymous Compensation Discussions
Discussing salary and workplace issues can be intimidating due to fears of judgment or retaliation. HUMA allows for anonymous conversations about compensation and workplace dynamics, creating a safe space to ask tough questions and share experiences. This open dialogue empowers you to make informed career decisions without revealing your identity.
SOLUTION 3
Community Support Circles
HUMA creates community support circles for users to join small groups based on shared backgrounds or interests. These groups allow individuals to connect, share experiences, and support one another in their careers. By building a sense of community, HUMA promotes collaboration and peer support, helping minority professionals navigate challenges and celebrate successes together.
A closer look at potential users
I conducted five interviews over Zoom with professionals working in various roles within the technology space, including UX/UI Designers and Software Developers. I ensured diversity in experience (age 24-30) by interviewing participants from junior to senior-level positions. By speaking with individuals across different stages of their tech careers, I gained valuable insights that will shape the digital solution.
USER RESEARCH
RESEARCH GOALS
Things to consider:
✦ Understand the challenges professionals in tech face when navigating their career paths and seeking mentorship.
✦ Explore the barriers they encounter when discussing compensation and advancing to senior roles.
✦ Identify how users feel about their access to career development resources within the technology industry.
Listening and understanding users
"I feel like I’m navigating my career alone. I wish I had found a mentor earlier."
“I struggle to figure out what I need to do to reach the next step in my career.”
“I wish there was a place where I could get advice about my career and negotiating pay.”
Turning pain points into features
IDEATION
HUMA is designed with features that directly address the challenges faced by minority professionals in the tech industry. Here are the three highlights developed through the wireframing and prototyping process:
Mentorship Connections
Facilitates personalized mentor matching, helping users connect with experienced professionals in their field for tailored career advice and guidance.
Compensation Discussions
Enables anonymous discussions about salaries and workplace issues, fostering a safe space for open conversations about pay and career-related topics.
Career Development Resources
Provides a curated selection of resources, including articles, videos, and community forums, focused on career advancement, negotiation tactics, and insights into various tech roles.
Putting Designs to the Ultimate Test!
USABILITY TESTING
You’re feeling overwhelmed in your career journey and want to find a mentor for guidance.
Where in the app can you find the Mentorship section to connect with industry professionals who can provide support?
01
You’re looking to discuss salary trends and want to engage in conversations about pay transparency with your peers.
Where in the app would you go to find and participate in anonymous discussions on compensation?
02
During the onboarding process, you were asked about your career goals, background, and identity. How did you feel about the questions asked? Were they clear and relevant to helping HUMA match you with mentors or resources?
03
Addressing the Issues
USABILITY TESTING
I went through the findings that I mapped and sorted out, then chose the top 5 issues that were rated at high severity (3 issues shown below). I needed to make these changes before I created the high-fidelity screens for Huma.
Issue #1
Confusion Over Race and Salary Questions
Evidence: All 6 participants expressed discomfort regarding the questions about race and current salary. They found it abrupt to ask about race immediately after onboarding and were uncertain whether the information would be kept anonymous. Participants also wanted the option to disclose their race voluntarily, indicating a need for clearer communication around these sensitive questions.
Suggested Change: Rearrange the questionnaire to present the race question later, following a better explanation of why this information is being collected. Introduce a dropdown menu for the race question with an option for "prefer not to say." Include a card explaining the purpose of collecting this data and its confidentiality.
Issue #2
Lack of Clarity on Curated Username
Evidence: Participants were unclear about the purpose of the curated username. Many questioned if they could create their own username, feeling the lack of customization negatively impacted their initial experience.
Suggested Change: Provide a brief explanation regarding the curated username during onboarding, along with an option for users to change it to ensure they feel more in control and personalized in their app experience.
Issue #3
Uncertainty About Messaging Expectations
Evidence: Users felt pressured to message someone immediately upon entering the app, which created anxiety and confusion about whether they should explore the app first.
Suggested Change: Remove the immediate messaging prompt and provide users with the option to finish their questionnaire first. Adjust the language to clarify that messaging is optional and that they can explore the app before reaching out to anyone.
What’s Next?
I’ve completed my first UX case study where I handled the full design process from research to final prototypes. It’s been a great learning experience, and I’ve gained valuable insights that I’ll use to improve in future projects. With this foundation in place, I’m looking forward to continuing to sharpen my skills as I take on more challenges and grow as a Product Designer.