Empower Your Career Goals with
Empower Your Career Goals with
Empower Your Career Goals with
Guidease
Guidease
Connect with career experts, gain guidance, and upskill for future growth.
Connect with career experts, gain guidance, and upskill for future growth.
Connect with career experts, gain guidance, and upskill for future growth.
01
OVERVIEW
01
OVERVIEW
Students and early working professionals struggle to find expert guidance and mentorship due to the lack of user friendly platforms connecting them with experienced mentors. This obstacle prevents access to valuable insights and mentorship opportunities, hindering informed decisions and skill improvement.
The primary issue is the absence of a seamless means for obtaining guidance, impacting their academic and professional progress.
By designing this app, I aimed to bridge the gap and provide people with a platform that helps them with their career advancement.
Students and early working professionals struggle to find expert guidance and mentorship due to the lack of user friendly platforms connecting them with experienced mentors. This obstacle prevents access to valuable insights and mentorship opportunities, hindering informed decisions and skill improvement.
The primary issue is the absence of a seamless means for obtaining guidance, impacting their academic and professional progress.
By designing this app, I aimed to bridge the gap and provide people with a platform that helps them with their career advancement.
Problem Statement
Students and new working professionals often feel lost when navigating their career development and advancement. Designing an app that connects them with suitable guidance experts and helps enhance their skills can provide the support they need to progress.
Students and new working professionals often feel lost when navigating their career development and advancement. Designing an app that connects them with suitable guidance experts and helps enhance their skills can provide the support they need to progress.
Tocumen International Airport outdated WiFi design negatively impacts users and businesses by causing poor user experiences, limited functionality, negative brand perception, and missed revenue opportunities. Upgrading to modern design solutions is essential for meeting user expectations and maximizing business potential.
Hypothesis
Hypothesis 1
Individuals wants to seek the advice of professionals to aid them in advancing their careers.
Hypothesis 1
Individuals wants to seek the advice of professionals to aid them in advancing their careers.
Hypothesis 2
Individuals desire to enhance their skills in order to advance in their careers.
Hypothesis 2
Individuals desire to enhance their skills in order to advance in their careers.
Why these hypothesis?
Why these hypothesis?
While considering the development of a guidance app, I brainstormed numerous ideas for its features to ensure it becomes the go to resource for users seeking career advice. After thoroughly evaluating the pros and cons of various functionalities, I decided to focus on two key services:
1. Appointments with career guidance experts
2. Webinars for users
Therefore, I need to ensure that these services are needed by potential users. Thus, I came up with the above 2 hypothesis.
While considering the development of a guidance app, I brainstormed numerous ideas for its features to ensure it becomes the go to resource for users seeking career advice. After thoroughly evaluating the pros and cons of various functionalities, I decided to focus on two key services:
1. Appointments with career guidance experts
2. Webinars for users
Therefore, I need to ensure that these services are needed by potential users. Thus, I came up with the above 2 hypothesis.
02
RESEARCH
This research aimed to validate my two core hypotheses, which formed the backbone of the project. By confirming these assumptions, we could ensure the design decisions were well informed and aligned with user needs and project goals.
In my pursuit of thorough research, I implemented a comprehensive strategy encompassing marketing research, surveys in form of Google Forms, and interviews.
This research aimed to validate my two core hypotheses, which formed the backbone of the project. By confirming these assumptions, we could ensure the design decisions were well informed and aligned with user needs and project goals.
In my pursuit of thorough research, I implemented a comprehensive strategy encompassing marketing research, surveys in form of Google Forms, and interviews.
Online research (Secondary research)
After searching online, I discovered information from news reports that shows there is a big gap in the market we want to enter. Many students and working professionals have a hard time finding good advice and help from experts. They don't have an easy way to connect with people who can guide them.
People are looking for ways to get personal help to make better choices in their education and careers.
After searching online, I discovered information from news reports that shows there is a big gap in the market we want to enter. Many students and working professionals have a hard time finding good advice and help from experts. They don't have an easy way to connect with people who can guide them.
People are looking for ways to get personal help to make better choices in their education and careers.
Key news findings:
Key news findings:
Hindustan Times
Nearly half of India's working professionals want to switch jobs this year
Hindustan Times
Nearly half of India's working professionals want to switch jobs this year
The Economic Times
Nearly 85% of higher education candidates not equipped to take career decisions.
The Economic Times
Nearly 85% of higher education candidates not equipped to take career decisions.
The Economic Times
According to Great Learning's 'Upskilling Trends Report 2024-25,' 85% of professionals in India plan to invest in upskilling initiatives
The Economic Times
According to Great Learning's 'Upskilling Trends Report 2024-25,' 85% of professionals in India plan to invest in upskilling initiatives
The Economic Times
In India, 86.8% career guidance often comes from family and friends with no certified expert guidance
The Economic Times
In India, 86.8% career guidance often comes from family and friends with no certified expert guidance
Indian Today
90% of students opt for a wrong career path due to a lack of career guidance and the persisting gap between skills and aptitudes.
Indian Today
90% of students opt for a wrong career path due to a lack of career guidance and the persisting gap between skills and aptitudes.
The Economic Times
A new survey by Pearson Skills Outlook reveals that 88% of Indian workers believe they need to keep relearning and training throughout their careers to remain relevant to employers.
The Economic Times
A new survey by Pearson Skills Outlook reveals that 88% of Indian workers believe they need to keep relearning and training throughout their careers to remain relevant to employers.
Initial Survey (primary research)
In order to verify our problem statement and gain some insight into the opinions of others, I carried out surveys. These are the outcomes. I gathered close friends, relatives, and other contacts.
There were 12 respondents to the survey. The following are some quick demographics:
Our audience was youthful, with 100% of participants being in the 17-35 age range.
All participant are living in India.
33.3% of respondents identified as female, and 66.7% as male.
66.7% having established career, 16.7% in mid career and 16.6% being students.
In order to verify our problem statement and gain some insight into the opinions of others, I carried out surveys. These are the outcomes. I gathered close friends, relatives, and other contacts.
There were 12 respondents to the survey. The following are some quick demographics:
Our audience was youthful, with 100% of participants being in the 17-35 age range.
All participant are living in India.
33.3% of respondents identified as female, and 66.7% as male.
66.7% having established career, 16.7% in mid career and 16.6% being students.
Have you ever found yourself doubting your career path such as, college major, career choice, or ability to get a job, etc.?
Have you ever found yourself doubting your career path such as, college major, career choice, or ability to get a job, etc.?
50% of the participants said they have experienced having doubted their career choices, while 33.3% were unsure about it.
50% of the participants said they have experienced having doubted their career choices, while 33.3% were unsure about it.
How likely are you to seek help for for your career with professionals, if easily available?
How likely are you to seek help for for your career with professionals, if easily available?
66.7% of the participants said they are most likely to seek help, while 25% unsure and 8.3% said most likely not.
66.7% of the participants said they are most likely to seek help, while 25% unsure and 8.3% said most likely not.
If available, how likely are you to foresee yourself using a mobile/web application to connect with these experts?
If available, how likely are you to foresee yourself using a mobile/web application to connect with these experts?
91.6% said that they are willing use such apps if available while 8.4% said it’s highly unlikely that they will.
91.6% said that they are willing use such apps if available while 8.4% said it’s highly unlikely that they will.
Do you think having expert guidance increases your chances of success in your career?
Do you think having expert guidance increases your chances of success in your career?
83.3% of the participants agreed, while 16.7% unsure or did not agree.
83.3% of the participants agreed, while 16.7% unsure or did not agree.
83.3% of the participants agreed, while 16.7% unsure or did not agree.
Interviews
Interviewing participants has been essential to my research, enabling meaningful conversations and deeper insights into their motivations and challenges. This interactive approach fostered a safe space for honest sharing, greatly enhancing the quality of my findings.
To gain insights into their current behavior and pain points, I had one on one calls with two survey participants who are also working professionals. I informed them about my study and asked open ended questions, giving them the space to share their thoughts freely.
Interviewing participants has been essential to my research, enabling meaningful conversations and deeper insights into their motivations and challenges. This interactive approach fostered a safe space for honest sharing, greatly enhancing the quality of my findings.
To gain insights into their current behavior and pain points, I had one on one calls with two survey participants who are also working professionals. I informed them about my study and asked open ended questions, giving them the space to share their thoughts freely.
Abhinav Kandwal (UI/UX designer)
Abhinav Kandwal (UI/UX designer)
Soumy Naudiyal (Market Research)
Soumy Naudiyal (Market Research)
The following are my findings from conducting these interviews. These findings helped me to get personal insights from the potential user base for the app.
The following are my findings from conducting these interviews. These findings helped me to get personal insights from the potential user base for the app.
“Offering a diverse range of experts across various fields would cater to the diverse needs of users on the booking app.”
“Offering a diverse range of experts across various fields would cater to the diverse needs of users on the booking app.”
“Interactive elements like Q&A sessions or webinars would enhance the overall experience."
“Interactive elements like Q&A sessions or webinars would enhance the overall experience."
“I expect a guidance app to provide personalized advice and insights tailored to my career goals and challenges.”
“I expect a guidance app to provide personalized advice and insights tailored to my career goals and challenges.”
"I would find features like a user-friendly interface, expert profiles, and the ability to schedule one-on-one sessions appealing.”
"I would find features like a user-friendly interface, expert profiles, and the ability to schedule one-on-one sessions appealing.”
"I'm definitely interested in using such an app once it's available. It could become a valuable resource in my decision making process and contribute to my professional development."
"I'm definitely interested in using such an app once it's available. It could become a valuable resource in my decision making process and contribute to my professional development."
“A simple onboarding process would make the app more appealing.”
“A simple onboarding process would make the app more appealing.”
“I would appreciate an app that is easy to navigate, with clear sections for expert profiles, scheduling, and accessing resources."
“I would appreciate an app that is easy to navigate, with clear sections for expert profiles, scheduling, and accessing resources."
“Implementing a rating and review system would enhance the process of selecting the expert. ”
“Implementing a rating and review system would enhance the process of selecting the expert. ”
03
ANALYSIS
Prior to collecting research data, I formulated two hypotheses to provide a directional guide for the research approach.
Throughout the research I summarized it to a few key points from primary and secondary research below:
Prior to collecting research data, I formulated two hypotheses to provide a directional guide for the research approach.
Throughout the research I summarized it to a few key points from primary and secondary research below:
Key findings:
Key findings:
Key point #1
Many individuals aspire to change their jobs, yet often find themselves uncertain about how to go about it.
Key point #1
Many individuals aspire to change their jobs, yet often find themselves uncertain about how to go about it.
Key point #2
In India, career guidance often comes from family and friends with no certified expert guidance.
Key point #2
In India, career guidance often comes from family and friends with no certified expert guidance.
Key point #3
90% of students opt for a wrong career path due to a lack of career guidance and the persisting gap between skills and aptitudes.
Key point #3
90% of students opt for a wrong career path due to a lack of career guidance and the persisting gap between skills and aptitudes.
Key point #4
The survey revealed that over half of the participants encountered challenges in navigating their career paths and expressed a preference for utilizing mobile applications to connect with career experts.
Key point #4
The survey revealed that over half of the participants encountered challenges in navigating their career paths and expressed a preference for utilizing mobile applications to connect with career experts.
Key point #5
A new survey by Pearson Skills Outlook reveals that 88% of Indian workers believe they need to keep relearning and training throughout their careers to remain relevant to employers.
Key point #5
A new survey by Pearson Skills Outlook reveals that 88% of Indian workers believe they need to keep relearning and training throughout their careers to remain relevant to employers.
Key point #6
Employees are seeking opportunities to upskill themselves in order to access better job prospects and secure salary increases.
Key point #6
Employees are seeking opportunities to upskill themselves in order to access better job prospects and secure salary increases.
Upon compiling and summarizing the research data, I have reached a pivotal stage where I can confidently affirm the accuracy and validity of the hypotheses I initially formulated.
Upon compiling and summarizing the research data, I have reached a pivotal stage where I can confidently affirm the accuracy and validity of the hypotheses I initially formulated.
Hypothesis 1
Individuals wants to seek the advice of professionals to aid them in advancing their careers.
Hypothesis 1
Individuals wants to seek the advice of professionals to aid them in advancing their careers.
Hypothesis 1
Individuals wants to seek the advice of professionals to aid them in advancing their careers.
✅ Validated
✅ Validated
Hypothesis 2
Individuals desire to enhance their skills in order to advance in their careers.
Hypothesis 2
Individuals desire to enhance their skills in order to advance in their careers.
Hypothesis 2
Individuals desire to enhance their skills in order to advance in their careers.
✅ Validated
✅ Validated
After conducting my research, I discovered that there were no Direct competitors for the app, Guidease. This indicated a tremendous growth potential for my app. However, it also posed a significant risk - why hadn't anyone else thought of this idea already? To address this risk, I decided to capitalize on the opportunity and develop an app that fulfills a need users weren't even aware of.
The insights from my research not only shaped my problem statement but also guided me in generating possible solutions. While my initial problem statement has stayed constant throughout the app's development, the strategies have evolved as I've advanced in the process.
After conducting my research, I discovered that there were no Direct competitors for the app, Guidease. This indicated a tremendous growth potential for my app. However, it also posed a significant risk - why hadn't anyone else thought of this idea already? To address this risk, I decided to capitalize on the opportunity and develop an app that fulfills a need users weren't even aware of.
The insights from my research not only shaped my problem statement but also guided me in generating possible solutions. While my initial problem statement has stayed constant throughout the app's development, the strategies have evolved as I've advanced in the process.
04
OBJECTIVES &
GOALS
UserFocused Platform:
Creating a mobile application that is user friendly, intuitive, and accessible, ensuring that students and working professionals can easily navigate the platform to find the guidance and mentorship they need.
Creating a mobile application that is user friendly, intuitive, and accessible, ensuring that students and working professionals can easily navigate the platform to find the guidance and mentorship they need.
Quality Guidance:
Ensure that the guidance provided through the application is of high quality and relevance, maintaining the trust and value of the mentorship relationships.
Ensure that the guidance provided through the application is of high quality and relevance, maintaining the trust and value of the mentorship relationships.
Educational and Professional Growth:
Foster an environment where users can make informed decisions, enhance their skills, and advance in their academic or professional journeys with the help of expert guidance.
Foster an environment where users can make informed decisions, enhance their skills, and advance in their academic or professional journeys with the help of expert guidance.
Personalized Matching:
Personalized Matching:
A robust algorithm that matches users with the most suitable experts based on their individual needs, goals, and preferences.
A robust algorithm that matches users with the most suitable experts based on their individual needs, goals, and preferences.
Why a mobile application?
Enhanced User Experience: Mobile application can make use of features like sensors, GPS, push notifications, and cameras on the smartphone to produce a more comprehensive and engaging experience.
Access to Device Features: Apps can easily integrate with device features like the camera, microphone, GPS, and contacts because they can have direct access to them. More feature-rich and durable apps catered to certain user requirements may result from this.
Seamless experience: Apps are optimized for performance on mobile devices, offering faster load times, smoother navigation, and better overall performance compared to mobile websites. This can result in a more seamless and enjoyable user experience.
User data: Mobile application can store data of users can and the data collected can then be used in personalisation, improving user experience, future development Etc.
Mobile phone penetration: In 2023, the penetration rate of smartphone in India reached 71% and was estimated to reach 96% in 2040. - new Indian express
Enhanced User Experience: Mobile application can make use of features like sensors, GPS, push notifications, and cameras on the smartphone to produce a more comprehensive and engaging experience.
Access to Device Features: Apps can easily integrate with device features like the camera, microphone, GPS, and contacts because they can have direct access to them. More feature-rich and durable apps catered to certain user requirements may result from this.
Seamless experience: Apps are optimized for performance on mobile devices, offering faster load times, smoother navigation, and better overall performance compared to mobile websites. This can result in a more seamless and enjoyable user experience.
User data: Mobile application can store data of users can and the data collected can then be used in personalisation, improving user experience, future development Etc.
Mobile phone penetration: In 2023, the penetration rate of smartphone in India reached 71% and was estimated to reach 96% in 2040. - new Indian express
05
DESIGN
After conducting Research through online research, interview and verifying the problem statements I started with the designing process.
After conducting Research through online research, interview and verifying the problem statements I started with the designing process.
User Persona
Now, that I had all the information that I needed about the Target Audience, I moved on to framing a user persona, which was the culmination of all the research that I had done prior to this step. It helped me to decide the primary features for the app and guided my design decisions.
Now, that I had all the information that I needed about the Target Audience, I moved on to framing a user persona, which was the culmination of all the research that I had done prior to this step. It helped me to decide the primary features for the app and guided my design decisions.
Style Guides
Brand Colour
Brand Colour
#4355FE
#4355FE
#07289D
#07289D
#AAE7B4
#AAE7B4
#2B2B2B
#2B2B2B
Fonts
Fonts
Roboto Flex
Roboto Flex
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890
1234567890
12PX abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
12PX abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
14PX abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
14PX abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
16PX abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
16PX abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
20PX abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
20PX abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
24PX abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
24PX abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
28PX abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
28PX abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
User Flow
Following an extensive research and meticulous design phase, I seamlessly transitioned into the practical implementation of creating a user-centric flow for the app. The iterative process involved aligning every interaction with the app's objectives, anticipating user needs, and refining the flow to optimize user engagement.
Having a clear understanding of the user flow was crucial, given that the app primarily offered two essential services: appointment booking and webinars.
Following an extensive research and meticulous design phase, I seamlessly transitioned into the practical implementation of creating a user-centric flow for the app. The iterative process involved aligning every interaction with the app's objectives, anticipating user needs, and refining the flow to optimize user engagement.
Having a clear understanding of the user flow was crucial, given that the app primarily offered two essential services: appointment booking and webinars.
Low Fidelity Wireframes
The subsequent stage in the process involved wireframing for the application. It was essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the application's functionality before proceeding with the design phase.
The subsequent stage in the process involved wireframing for the application. It was essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the application's functionality before proceeding with the design phase.
High Fidelity Wireframes
After creating a low-fidelity prototype, I proceeded to develop a high-fidelity prototype to refine the design further. The transition from low to high fidelity involved enhancing the prototype's visual and interactive elements to closely resemble the final product.
After creating a low-fidelity prototype, I proceeded to develop a high-fidelity prototype to refine the design further. The transition from low to high fidelity involved enhancing the prototype's visual and interactive elements to closely resemble the final product.
06
USER FLOW
High fidelity wireframes with user flow.
Onboarding
The onboarding process is intentionally designed for simplicity, with three informative slides presented after users click "Let's Get Started." These slides clearly communicate the product's unique selling points, ensuring users understand its key benefits right from the start.
The onboarding process is intentionally designed for simplicity, with three informative slides presented after users click "Let's Get Started." These slides clearly communicate the product's unique selling points, ensuring users understand its key benefits right from the start.
Onboarding/Sign up
I focused on having users enter only relevant information, avoiding unnecessary input fields or requests for irrelevant details to create a smoother experience. Additionally, I ensured users could bypass the sign up process, allowing them to experience the app first hand before deciding to provide their details and committing to the app.
I focused on having users enter only relevant information, avoiding unnecessary input fields or requests for irrelevant details to create a smoother experience. Additionally, I ensured users could bypass the sign up process, allowing them to experience the app first hand before deciding to provide their details and committing to the app.
Signup
Signup
User information
User information
Why is the sign up process the way it is?
Why is the sign up process the way it is?
While designing the onboarding sign-up page, I had several ideas for what I wanted to achieve with its layout and functionality. I conducted research on a few apps and gathered valuable insights from previous interviews. Here's a brief summary of what I developed:
Easy Navigation: The sign-up page was designed to be minimalist, with clean lines and intuitive navigation to reduce any confusion during the onboarding process.
Skipping the process: Allow users the option to skip the sign-up process and use the app without creating an account. This is particularly beneficial for users who are already familiar with the app or those who want to explore it before fully committing to signing up.
Progress Indicators: To reduce user drop-off, I integrated progress indicators so users could see how far along they were in the onboarding process.
User details: The app collects user information through a simple, three-step process to avoid overwhelming users. I've minimized the number of fields, requesting only the essential details necessary to provide personalized services within the app.
While designing the onboarding sign-up page, I had several ideas for what I wanted to achieve with its layout and functionality. I conducted research on a few apps and gathered valuable insights from previous interviews. Here's a brief summary of what I developed:
Easy Navigation: The sign-up page was designed to be minimalist, with clean lines and intuitive navigation to reduce any confusion during the onboarding process.
Skipping the process: Allow users the option to skip the sign-up process and use the app without creating an account. This is particularly beneficial for users who are already familiar with the app or those who want to explore it before fully committing to signing up.
Progress Indicators: To reduce user drop-off, I integrated progress indicators so users could see how far along they were in the onboarding process.
User details: The app collects user information through a simple, three-step process to avoid overwhelming users. I've minimized the number of fields, requesting only the essential details necessary to provide personalized services within the app.
Making An Appointment
Booking appointments is a core feature of the app and the primary revenue source, so it was designed with the highest priority to ensure optimal functionality and user experience.
When designing the app's Appointment user flow it was essential to carefully consider the organization of information and the user experience.
Key aspects I focused on include:
Booking appointments is a core feature of the app and the primary revenue source, so it was designed with the highest priority to ensure optimal functionality and user experience.
When designing the app's Appointment user flow it was essential to carefully consider the organization of information and the user experience.
Key aspects I focused on include:
Registering For A Webinar
In this app, webinars serve two primary functions:
Generating Additional Revenue: Webinars offer experts a secondary income stream by allowing them to reach multiple participants simultaneously at a lower cost per person compared to one-on-one appointments. This scalable model maximizes earning potential while providing valuable knowledge to a wider user base.
Increase experts authority on the app: Webinars provide experts with a platform to showcase their knowledge to a broader audience, increasing their visibility and credibility within the app. This helps them build authority and attract more clients, positioning them as leaders in their field.
In this app, webinars serve two primary functions:
Generating Additional Revenue: Webinars offer experts a secondary income stream by allowing them to reach multiple participants simultaneously at a lower cost per person compared to one-on-one appointments. This scalable model maximizes earning potential while providing valuable knowledge to a wider user base.
Increase experts authority on the app: Webinars provide experts with a platform to showcase their knowledge to a broader audience, increasing their visibility and credibility within the app. This helps them build authority and attract more clients, positioning them as leaders in their field.
Schedule/Appointments & webinars
The schedule page allows users to conveniently access appointment and webinar details. Users can easily toggle between the two main schedule categories: appointments and webinars. These are further categorized into three sections: upcoming, completed, and canceled for appointments, and upcoming and completed for webinars.
The schedule page allows users to conveniently access appointment and webinar details. Users can easily toggle between the two main schedule categories: appointments and webinars. These are further categorized into three sections: upcoming, completed, and canceled for appointments, and upcoming and completed for webinars.
Messages With the experts
When designing the message section, I adhered to Jakob's law, which posits that users will apply expectations from familiar products to similar ones. Thus, I utilized established models from popular texting apps like WhatsApp, making necessary adjustments while ensuring alignment with our app's branding and usage.
When designing the message section, I adhered to Jakob's law, which posits that users will apply expectations from familiar products to similar ones. Thus, I utilized established models from popular texting apps like WhatsApp, making necessary adjustments while ensuring alignment with our app's branding and usage.
Notifications
I divided the notifications into two sections:
'ALL': Displays all notifications
'Appointments': Displays notifications specifically related to appointments and webinars
My reasons for such design choice:
The reasoning behind this design choice is that appointments with experts and webinars are central to the app’s purpose. Since these services are crucial to users, it is essential to enable them to easily filter and manage notifications related to these events.
I divided the notifications into two sections:
'ALL': Displays all notifications
'Appointments': Displays notifications specifically related to appointments and webinars
My reasons for such design choice:
The reasoning behind this design choice is that appointments with experts and webinars are central to the app’s purpose. Since these services are crucial to users, it is essential to enable them to easily filter and manage notifications related to these events.
