Guiding young black talent in launching their careers
Psalt Rise are launching a brand new learning platform, “The Hub”, for programme participants of their career-advancement pathway. This sees young people around the United Kingdom launching their careers, developing their skills and building connections.
I led the user experience design of the platform, collaborating in a team of four to launch a landmark platform for Psalt Rise and their community.
Carl, Conrad, Kelly, Oluwatimilehin (Core team)
main opportunity
increasing clarity on eligibility before sign up
For young black talent, Psalt Rise’s existing programme sign-up experience was confusing.
Audit feedback showed the programme requirements were unclear as to who was able to sign up to the programme and what the programme was about.
Old flow - Clunky, doesn't express Psalt and accessibility issues.
New flow - begins with context on the programme before sign up
Solution
defining how each user group engages with the digital platform
Though the programme was tailored for black 18-25 year olds, it’s possible that anyone could decide to sign up. For the business, this could create overload when managing candidate applications and increase the need for manual tasks.
To simplify the process for Psalt Rise's admin and give candidates the best opportunity possible, I created a flow chart to define the experience of each potential application. The team agreed on three potential users who were:
a) Ineligible for the programme
b)Eligible but not ready for the programme
c) Fit for the programme
Team discussions on correct flow
Flow chart for sign up
a) ineligible candidate flow
“If 1,000 people sign up with the new flow, how do we decide who takes part?”
I segmented the form questions to inform Psalt as to whether the applicant would be a good fit. For the user also, they are able to better consume the questions asked to apply better.
The screen shown is the "eligibility" screen, after a user has understood the eligibility requirements from the website. I explored other options however with internal testing, it was fit to approach with the first design.
1 - Enter details shown
2 - User enters details but is not eligible for the programme
3 - Eligibility requirements are re-emphasised and user is directed to return to "home".
Archived way to show eligibility through a message prompt
End-to-end "not eligible" applicant flow
b) Eligible but not ready for the programme
not ready? no worries, there’s a space in the psalt community
This screen allows Psalt Rise to understand the applicants ability to commit to their 12-week programme (Come Correct). Two of the key requirements were for the candidate to be passionate and ready to begin a full-time role within the next 12 months.
If perhaps the candidate was eligible for the programme but not quite ready, they'd have the option to join the Psalt community.
For young black talent, they can clearly show their passion for the programme and how they'd be willing to begin a full time role as soon as possible.
1 - Readiness questions are shown
2 - User answers the questions but does not show dedication to the programme
3 - Readiness requirements are re-emphasised and user is directed to join the community
End-to-end "eligible but not ready" applicant flow
c) Fit for the programme
boosting confidence for applicants with a confirmation screen
For a user who was eligible, they would experience the end-to-end flow from signing up to being placed in a community whilst waiting for admission into the programme cohort.
It was crucial to ensure users input the correct information so Psalt’s data of the applicant was accurate and the person applying can do so with the best of their ability.
To achieve this, alongside a “how did you hear about us” screen, I created a confirm your details screen. Here, users can easily scan their application to ensure the data is correct. For the design, I explored onboarding flows and application forms from job boards such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor alongside other relevant industries such as community and SaaS.
Confirm your details screen
End-to-end "fit for the programme" applicant flow
Flow chart for sign up
road to development: challenges and learning
collaborating with developer and head of design implement the designs
When implementing the design, I liaised with Carl, the developer, by sending loom videos and prototypes to explain the designs. I also worked with Conrad, head of design, to refine bits of the copy and have his input on the design flow. From this, we were able to have a version of the design which had the skeleton of the design.
With the sign up screens, I created two versions. The first was incorporating the human element through imagery, derived from my user interviews with the Psalt community where they expressed its important to them. This design boosts engagement and creates a sense of excitement during the onboarding experience.
The second design was a simpler looking form which gets straight to the point.
Initially developed design
Design 1 - dream design
Design 2 - still works design (the selected design)
road to development: design language / system
collaborating with developer and head of design implement the designs
To ensure similarity with the design, I defined the visual language and annotated the flows. This action was also made to ensure consistency across the entire platform, as we were also implementing my designs for the Hub..
Homepage for design language to be implemented
Feedback and annotation for development
The "Psalt System" where our design system would be
On screen design annotation for accuracy
road to development: challenges and learning
focus of the platform shifted to functionality due to time cost and time
We weren't able to get the exact final design, considering time, budget and a lot on the plate of one developer. Looking back, I could have acted earlier when sharing the visual language. I've taken and applied this learning in new projects, even outside of design. The earlier you communicate, the easier it would be for others collaborating with you.
Sharing my lessons on communication via linkedin
media coverage & testimonials
psalt rise | linkedin
"He’s helped us completely reimagine how our platform works from the inside out. He didn’t just share feedback he conducted research, worked with the team, and helped shape a new user experience that’s transforming the way we support Black talent"
Sam akinuyi
“I’ve been really impressed by his creativity, focus and passion. I’ve seen how he absorbs information/context and deliver a great creative solution.”
Founding Partner, Psalt
Nicola Harrison
“I’ve been really impressed by his passion, dedication and commitment to his UX career. It’s fantastic to see his drive for delivering great work and also for continual learning and self-improvement. I’m looking forward to seeing his achievements build!”
Head of Technology & Innovation, Heineken
Leroy marke
“He’s got that unteachable thing of being able to make things happen. He has that wonderful thing of being incredibly engaging, warm and highly capable with work ethic and humility to keep learning.
It’s the kind of combination that makes me excited for his future and also fully convinced that he will succeed in whatever he wants to do.”
