Case Study

Architecting for Inclusive Hiring

I helped candidates with disabilities build meaningful professional connections by transforming a job platform with an accessible recruiter experience.

Access

Connection

A sample of the final deliverable from the InclusiVision project: candidate and application activity for a single job post.
A sample of the final deliverable from the InclusiVision project: candidate and application activity for a single job post.
A sample of the final deliverable from the InclusiVision project: candidate and application activity for a single job post.

Key Activities

Competitive Research and Opportunity Report

Detailed Data-Driven Digital Strategy

Comprehensive Functional Documentation

Duration

4 months

Role

Solo UX Designer

Challenge & Vision

InclusiVision was created to promote workplace inclusivity. Its platform required candidates with disabilities to leave the site to find job opportunities, which created a disruptive experience and prevented InclusiVision from fully empowering its community. This challenge was an opportunity to design a more inclusive, seamless experience that fostered genuine connections between candidates and employers.

An illustration of a website and a businessperson. A large X interrupts the line between them, representing a disjointed candidate journey.

Challenge & Vision

InclusiVision was created to promote workplace inclusivity. Its platform required candidates with disabilities to leave the site to find job opportunities, which created a disruptive experience and prevented InclusiVision from fully empowering its community. This challenge was an opportunity to design a more inclusive, seamless experience that fostered genuine connections between candidates and employers.

An illustration of a website and a businessperson. A large X interrupts the line between them, representing a disjointed candidate journey.

Challenge & Vision

InclusiVision was created to promote workplace inclusivity. Its platform required candidates with disabilities to leave the site to find job opportunities, which created a disruptive experience and prevented InclusiVision from fully empowering its community. This challenge was an opportunity to design a more inclusive, seamless experience that fostered genuine connections between candidates and employers.

An illustration of a website and a businessperson. A large X interrupts the line between them, representing a disjointed candidate journey.

Problem

The platform’s user flow was a source of frustration for job seekers with disabilities. While they could create an InclusiVision profile to showcase their skills and accommodations, they were forced to leave the site to search for job openings. This disjointed journey made it difficult to find opportunities that fit candidates’ unique needs and prevented InclusiVision from fulfilling its core mission of truly supporting its users.

Goal and Objectives

My goal was to empower candidates with disabilities by designing a new job posting feature that seamlessly integrated career opportunities, providing a streamlined and accessible way to connect with employers. To achieve this, I focused on three key objectives:

Reduce friction in the job-seeking journey

Enhance the user experience by promoting ease of use and digital accessibility

Position the platform as a one-stop-shop for inclusive employment

Role and Contributions

I led the project as the sole user experience (UX) and digital accessibility specialist, collaborating with two developers and a quality analyst (QA). This included conducting a competitive audit of similar platforms, creating user flows and wireframes to define the new journey, and designing high-fidelity mockups for both desktop and mobile. My contributions laid the foundational information architecture and interaction design to ensure a seamless and accessible experience for all InclusiVision users.

Process & Approach

My process is how I turn a business challenge into a strategic solution. This structured approach, adapted for the InclusiVision project, shows how I prioritize human needs and deliver a final product with meaningful impact.

Discover

Ideate

Validate

Deliver

Discover

Ideate

Validate

Deliver

1

Discover

2

3

4

Discover

Understanding the Problem

My first task was a high-level competitive audit to understand how other platforms supported job seekers with disabilities. I also conducted an internal audit of the existing user flow to identify key pain points. By focusing on the full journey for candidates with disabilities, I was able to define the core problem: a lack of access to jobs and connections with employers. This foundational research laid the groundwork for an intuitive and inclusive solution.

Key Learnings

Job postings expand inclusive opportunities by allowing employers to reach wider audiences

Accessibility can be an impactful value proposition that stands out from industry expectations

Transparent pricing is attractive to people who use multiple competing platforms to accomplish their goals

A table comparing the price, accessibility focus, profile types, and functionality of InclusiVision against four competitors.

Discover

Understanding the Problem

My first task was a high-level competitive audit to understand how other platforms supported job seekers with disabilities. I also conducted an internal audit of the existing user flow to identify key pain points. By focusing on the full journey for candidates with disabilities, I was able to define the core problem: a lack of access to jobs and connections with employers. This foundational research laid the groundwork for an intuitive and inclusive solution.

Key Learnings

Job postings expand inclusive opportunities by allowing employers to reach wider audiences

Accessibility can be an impactful value proposition that stands out from industry expectations

Transparent pricing is attractive to people who use multiple competing platforms to accomplish their goals

A table comparing the price, accessibility focus, profile types, and functionality of InclusiVision against four competitors.

Discover

Understanding the Problem

My first task was a high-level competitive audit to understand how other platforms supported job seekers with disabilities. I also conducted an internal audit of the existing user flow to identify key pain points. By focusing on the full journey for candidates with disabilities, I was able to define the core problem: a lack of access to jobs and connections with employers. This foundational research laid the groundwork for an intuitive and inclusive solution.

Key Learnings

Job postings expand inclusive opportunities by allowing employers to reach wider audiences

Accessibility can be an impactful value proposition that stands out from industry expectations

Transparent pricing is attractive to people who use multiple competing platforms to accomplish their goals

A table comparing the price, accessibility focus, profile types, and functionality of InclusiVision against four competitors.

Ideate

Building the Solution

After developing a clear understanding of the candidate journey, I created new user flows and wireframes that integrated a job-seeking feature directly into the platform. This new flow connects candidates with employers through job listings, removing a major friction point. I designed high-fidelity Figma mockups for desktop and mobile with intuitive designs, uncomplicated interactions, and clear organization that prioritized accessibility standards from the beginning.

Key Learnings

Intuitive user flows are critical to a seamless experience

A human-first digital strategy is key to integrating new features into existing platforms

Designing for accessibility from the ideation phase creates an inclusive final product

A design of the new profile page for recruiters. It has a professional introduction followed by the jobs that the recruiter has posted.

Ideate

Building the Solution

After developing a clear understanding of the candidate journey, I created new user flows and wireframes that integrated a job-seeking feature directly into the platform. This new flow connects candidates with employers through job listings, removing a major friction point. I designed high-fidelity Figma mockups for desktop and mobile with intuitive designs, uncomplicated interactions, and clear organization that prioritized accessibility standards from the beginning.

Key Learnings

Intuitive user flows are critical to a seamless experience

A human-first digital strategy is key to integrating new features into existing platforms

Designing for accessibility from the ideation phase creates an inclusive final product

A design of the new profile page for recruiters. It has a professional introduction followed by the jobs that the recruiter has posted.

Ideate

Building the Solution

After developing a clear understanding of the candidate journey, I created new user flows and wireframes that integrated a job-seeking feature directly into the platform. This new flow connects candidates with employers through job listings, removing a major friction point. I designed high-fidelity Figma mockups for desktop and mobile with intuitive designs, uncomplicated interactions, and clear organization that prioritized accessibility standards from the beginning.

Key Learnings

Intuitive user flows are critical to a seamless experience

A human-first digital strategy is key to integrating new features into existing platforms

Designing for accessibility from the ideation phase creates an inclusive final product

A design of the new profile page for recruiters. It has a professional introduction followed by the jobs that the recruiter has posted.

Validate

Refining the Experience

Due to time and resource constraints, I was unable to conduct formal user testing. Instead, I performed a rigorous heuristic evaluation to validate the designs against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This paved the way for a final product that met a high standard of accessibility and usability even without direct user feedback. This process proved that a strategic, data-informed approach can still deliver an intuitive and inclusive digital experience.

Key Learnings

Heuristic evaluations can validate experience decisions when user testing is not possible

Commitment to quality can create more user-centered solution despite resource constraints

WCAG standards are a critical tool for inclusive design

The website color palette above a sample of four double A to triple A color contrast ratings based on WCAG guidelines.

Validate

Refining the Experience

Due to time and resource constraints, I was unable to conduct formal user testing. Instead, I performed a rigorous heuristic evaluation to validate the designs against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This paved the way for a final product that met a high standard of accessibility and usability even without direct user feedback. This process proved that a strategic, data-informed approach can still deliver an intuitive and inclusive digital experience.

Key Learnings

Heuristic evaluations can validate experience decisions when user testing is not possible

Commitment to quality can create more user-centered solution despite resource constraints

WCAG standards are a critical tool for inclusive design

The website color palette above a sample of four double A to triple A color contrast ratings based on WCAG guidelines.

Validate

Refining the Experience

Due to time and resource constraints, I was unable to conduct formal user testing. Instead, I performed a rigorous heuristic evaluation to validate the designs against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This paved the way for a final product that met a high standard of accessibility and usability even without direct user feedback. This process proved that a strategic, data-informed approach can still deliver an intuitive and inclusive digital experience.

Key Learnings

Heuristic evaluations can validate experience decisions when user testing is not possible

Commitment to quality can create more user-centered solution despite resource constraints

WCAG standards are a critical tool for inclusive design

The website color palette above a sample of four double A to triple A color contrast ratings based on WCAG guidelines.

Deliver

Proving the Impact

The final deliverables were a set of high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and detailed functional specifications that were ready for development. I designed WCAG-compliant features that help people with disabilities use the platform effectively, including efficient color contrast for colorblind users and intuitive ordering for users who navigate websites with a keyboard. The solution was to fulfill the business need of increasing user engagement and the human need of connecting job seekers with meaningful opportunities. The new feature provided a clear and accessible path for candidates to achieve their goals.

Key Learnings

Cohesive information architecture can streamline multi-step flows into single pages

Clear visual cues and actionable system messages that decrease unintentional actions and increase trust in the platform

Positioning key content at the top of pages can make a platform more inclusive and compatible with assistive technology

The final desktop and mobile designs of the new post page that candidates use to review and apply for job opportunities.

Deliver

Proving the Impact

The final deliverables were a set of high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and detailed functional specifications that were ready for development. I designed WCAG-compliant features that help people with disabilities use the platform effectively, including efficient color contrast for colorblind users and intuitive ordering for users who navigate websites with a keyboard. The solution was to fulfill the business need of increasing user engagement and the human need of connecting job seekers with meaningful opportunities. The new feature provided a clear and accessible path for candidates to achieve their goals.

Key Learnings

Cohesive information architecture can streamline multi-step flows into single pages

Clear visual cues and actionable system messages that decrease unintentional actions and increase trust in the platform

Positioning key content at the top of pages can make a platform more inclusive and compatible with assistive technology

The final desktop and mobile designs of the new post page that candidates use to review and apply for job opportunities.

Deliver

Proving the Impact

The final deliverables were a set of high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and detailed functional specifications that were ready for development. I designed WCAG-compliant features that help people with disabilities use the platform effectively, including efficient color contrast for colorblind users and intuitive ordering for users who navigate websites with a keyboard. The solution was to fulfill the business need of increasing user engagement and the human need of connecting job seekers with meaningful opportunities. The new feature provided a clear and accessible path for candidates to achieve their goals.

Key Learnings

Cohesive information architecture can streamline multi-step flows into single pages

Clear visual cues and actionable system messages that decrease unintentional actions and increase trust in the platform

Positioning key content at the top of pages can make a platform more inclusive and compatible with assistive technology

The final desktop and mobile designs of the new post page that candidates use to review and apply for job opportunities.

Measurable Outcomes

My inclusive design solutions were strategically crafted to empower candidates and foster genuine connections, and the following projected outcomes demonstrate how prioritizing access and connection can solve business needs.

  1. 10%

    average month-over-month increase in job postings since launch, demonstrating a solution that provides exponential value over time

  2. 3x

    higher annual traffic to profile pages, suggesting job postings create new visibility and opportunities for candidates with disabilities

  3. 50+

    interactions with job postings, proving the designs are successful at fostering professional connections

Measurable Outcomes

My inclusive design solutions were strategically crafted to empower candidates and foster genuine connections, and the following projected outcomes demonstrate how prioritizing access and connection can solve business needs.

  1. 10%

    average month-over-month increase in job postings since launch, demonstrating a solution that provides exponential value over time

  2. 3x

    higher annual traffic to profile pages, suggesting job postings create new visibility and opportunities for candidates with disabilities

  3. 50+

    interactions with job postings, proving the designs are successful at fostering professional connections

Measurable Outcomes

My inclusive design solutions were strategically crafted to empower candidates and foster genuine connections, and the following projected outcomes demonstrate how prioritizing access and connection can solve business needs.

  1. 10%

    average month-over-month increase in job postings since launch, demonstrating a solution that provides exponential value over time

  2. 3x

    higher annual traffic to profile pages, suggesting job postings create new visibility and opportunities for candidates with disabilities

  3. 50+

    interactions with job postings, proving the designs are successful at fostering professional connections

Human Impact

While the numbers tell a powerful story, nothing captures the success of a project like a real person's experience.

Joi didn’t bring accessible design as a checklist, she brought it as a strategic plan that helped the business empower those who need it most.

InclusiVision Engineer

Personal Reflection

Empowering inclusive connections between recruiters and candidates sends a powerful message that professionals with disabilities are valued and seen, which resonated deeply with my belief in the impact accessibility has on people’s lives. This project reinforced my belief that inclusion is a pillar of successful design. I was able to create a solution that solved a business problem with a positive impact on a community.

Personal Reflection

Empowering inclusive connections between recruiters and candidates sends a powerful message that professionals with disabilities are valued and seen, which resonated deeply with my belief in the impact accessibility has on people’s lives. This project reinforced my belief that inclusion is a pillar of successful design. I was able to create a solution that solved a business problem with a positive impact on a community.

Personal Reflection

Empowering inclusive connections between recruiters and candidates sends a powerful message that professionals with disabilities are valued and seen, which resonated deeply with my belief in the impact accessibility has on people’s lives. This project reinforced my belief that inclusion is a pillar of successful design. I was able to create a solution that solved a business problem with a positive impact on a community.

Future Considerations

While the project was successfully delivered, the MVP release left out some recommended functionality. There are several areas for future improvement to enhance platform performance, usability, and impact:

Resolve any gaps in WCAG compliance to reinforce the platform's commitment to inclusivity

Implement job searching and filtering to keep the platform scalable as the number of job postings increases

Add direct in-site messaging between candidates and recruiters, further streamlining professional connections

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