New PAth
Provide a comprehensive platform for ex-offenders to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to successfully reintegrate into the workforce.
Job and course searching, documentation creation and management, interview prep
Project Overview
The challenge
Prisoners finishing prolonged sentences face significant challenges for re-entering the work force. Limited access to technology (reliance on mobile devices for internet access), a lack of a experience in job/certification searching processes and the absence of essential documents such as CVs and rights to work in the UK further impact their ability to secure employment and rebuild their lives.
The goal
To address these challenges, the goal of this project was to develop a career coaching app designed to empower ex-offenders by providing them with the tools and resources needed to re-enter the workforce provided through a service fully usable on a mobile interface.
Responsibilities
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Conducted in-depth research on the experiences and challenges faced by ex-offenders.
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Interview with industry experts to inform the ideation of the app.
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Developed user personas to represent the target audience.
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Created wireframes and prototypes to visualise the app's interface and user flow.
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Conducted usability testing to gather feedback and refine the app's design.
Understanding the user
Literature Review
Understanding the Ex-Offender Experience
This literature review focuses on the challenges faced by ex-offenders in reintegrating into society, particularly in relation to employment. Key findings include:
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Employment Barriers: Research highlights the significant obstacles faced by ex-offenders in securing employment, including criminal records, lack of skills, and discrimination (Maruna, 2001; Pager, 2003).
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Stigma and Discrimination: Studies emphasise the negative impact of societal attitudes and stereotypes on employment opportunities for ex-offenders.
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Social Capital and Networks: The importance of strong social networks and mentorship in facilitating reintegration is emphasised.
The Role of Technology in Re-entry
The review explores the significant role of technology in supporting re-entry efforts. Key findings include:
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Potential of Technology: Technology can provide essential tools and resources for ex-offenders, such as job search assistance, skill development opportunities, and access to support networks.
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Gaps in Existing Technology: There is a need for specialised technology solutions tailored to the unique needs of ex-offenders. A 2023 article by Televerde (Televerde, 2023) emphasises the role of technology in prison reform and re-entry. Highlighting the potential for technology to equip individuals with essential tech skills, improve communication channels with loved ones, and provide access to educational and support resources.
Key Insights
The research revealed several key insights:
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Technology has the potential to significantly impact the reintegration process by providing essential tools and resources
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A comprehensive approach addressing various aspects of reintegration, including employment, education, and mental health, is crucial.
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Developing solutions that align with the specific needs and preferences of ex-offenders for effective outcomes.
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Addressing the pervasive issue of stigma and discrimination in the job market is vital for successful reintegration.
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Investing in skill development programs can enhance employability and long-term success.
Pain Points
User Personas
Based on the research findings, two primary user personas were developed:
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Alex Turner: A 32-year-old single parent with a criminal record, seeking stable employment to support their family.
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Riley Carter: A 21-year-old young offender with limited education and work experience, aiming to build a positive future.
User Journey
The Design
Wire frames
Here are a series of wireframes that were developed to visualise the app's interface. A minimalist approach was adopted, incorporating lists and cards to improve navigation for users with varying levels of tech proficiency.
Digital wireframes
To effectively communicate the app's structure and functionality digital wireframes were created. These wireframes used Google Material 3 design system for ease of accessibility and consistency. Key screens, including the home screen, user profile, job search, and skill development sections, were prioritised for wireframing. Iterative design principles were employed to refine the layout and information hierarchy.
Key Design Considerations:
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Colour Psychology: A purple colour scheme was employed for call-to-action buttons to enhance visual hierarchy and guide user interaction. To avoid overwhelming users, this colour palette was not used on the 9 buttons on the home page to avoid overuse.
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Intuitive Navigation: Clear and consistent navigation elements were incorporated to improve user flow throughout the app.
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Accessibility: Following google accessibility guidelines on colours and font size I could ensure the app was usable by individuals with varying abilities.
Low-fidelity prototype
I created a low-fidelity prototype from the user flow diagram and wireframes to test functionality before incorporating it into the final design and to ensure accessibility for end-users. These would be used for the first round of usability testing
View prototype
Usability testing
Usability test with Rehabilitation Specialist - Vikki
To assess the app's effectiveness and identify potential areas for improvement, a usability test was conducted with Vikki, a criminal psychologist specialising in offender rehabilitation. A series of tasks and questions were designed to evaluate the app's services on offer, and alignment with the needs of ex-offenders."
Importance of Gradual Goal Setting
Vikki emphasised the need for a phased approach to setting goals, as overwhelming ex-offenders with too many tasks at once can be counterproductive.
Focus on Skills
Vikki highlighted the importance of emphasising skill development over employment history, as many ex-offenders lack relevant work experience.
Job Seeker Support
The app can play a crucial role in tracking job applications and interviews, helping ex-offenders compile evidence for job seeker allowances.
Document Management Challenges
Ex-offenders often struggle with organising and presenting necessary documents. The app should provide tools and guidance to address this.
Gender-Specific Motivators
Vikki noted that women ex-offenders may prioritize social connections and personal growth, while men often focus on financial gain. The app should consider these differences in motivation.
Usability test with HR Director - Roz
To gauge the app's usefulness in supporting ex-offenders' career readiness, a usability test was conducted with Roz, an HR director with experience in facilitating reintegration programs. Roz's expertise in hiring ex-offenders provided valuable insights into the specific requirements and challenges they face in the job market.
Relevant Skills and Experience
Employers prioritise candidates with relevant skills and experience, even if they lack traditional job experience. Ex-offenders can highlight transferable skills acquired during incarceration.
Legal Requirements
Ex-offenders must disclose unspent convictions but are not obligated to disclose spent convictions. However, transparency can be beneficial in building trust.
Employer Initiatives
Companies may offer programs to provide ex-offenders with work experience and opportunities for reintegration.
Conviction Disclosure
Employers are concerned about the nature of the conviction and its potential impact on the workplace. Transparency and honesty regarding convictions, especially spent ones, can demonstrate trustworthiness.
Persistent Convictions
Some convictions, such as those involving serious offenses, may require ongoing disclosure. The app should assist users in understanding these requirements.
Essential Documents
Proof of spent convictions, address, National Insurance number, and right to work are some of the critical documents for employment.
Other usability tests
To evaluate the app's user interface and navigation, a series of traditional usability tests were conducted with a diverse group of participants. These tests aimed to assess the app's clarity, intuitiveness, and overall user experience, particularly for individuals with varying levels of technological proficiency.
Usability Testing Insights and Next Steps
Key Themes and Implications of experts usability tests
Key Insight
Users could potentially be overwhelmed by the initial presentation of multiple goals and targets on the home page.
Next Steps
Implement a "To-Do List" Approach: Transition the goal presentation from multiple tracked targets to a dynamic to-do list format. This allows users to focus on one goal at a time, reducing feelings of overwhelm and improving motivation. Prioritisation Features: Incorporate features that allow users to prioritise goals based on their individual needs and preferences. This can help users stay focused on the most important tasks.
Key Insight
Vikki and external research (Shannon Trust & UK Government Reports) highlight the prevalence of low literacy rates among ex-offenders.
Next Steps
Multimedia Content Integration: Implement multimedia content formats, such as videos and infographics, alongside written content. This allows users with varying literacy levels to access and understand information effectively.
Home Page Video Explainer: Develop a short, engaging video that explains the app's key sections and their benefits. This can be the initial focus of the home page, replacing text-heavy content.
Interactive Tutorials: Embed interactive tutorials within the app to guide users through key features. These tutorials can use a combination of text, visual cues, and narration to deliver clear instructions.
Key Insight
Roz emphasised the importance of transparency regarding convictions, especially spent ones.
Next Steps
Dedicated Conviction Disclosure Section: Create a specific section within the document management module to allow users to upload and store proof of spent convictions.
Guidance and Templates: Provide guidance on the legal requirements for disclosing convictions and offer templates for crafting disclosure statements.
Integration with Background Check Services: Explore partnerships with background check services to streamline the verification process and provide employers with necessary information.
Key Insight
The app can provide additional support features to help improve a users ability to communicate with support workers and provide proof of their progress in finding a job for job seekers allowance.
Next Steps
Integrated Messaging Platform: Incorporate a secure messaging platform within the app to allow users to communicate directly with their assigned social workers.
Job Application Tracking: Implement a feature to track job applications, interviews, and follow-up activities.
Evidence Collection: Provide a tool for users to upload and store documents required for job seeker allowances or other benefits.
Going Forward
Based on the valuable insights gathered from the usability tests, the following key areas require attention for app improvement:
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Enhanced Skill Assessment: Develop a more comprehensive tool to identify transferable skills and provide tailored recommendations.
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Accessibility Improvements: Ensure the app is compatible with assistive technologies and adheres to accessibility guidelines.
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Guidance on Conviction Disclosure: Offer clear information and templates for disclosing convictions.
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Safety Considerations: Explore features to address potential safety concerns related to certain convictions.
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Personalised Support: Implement a recommendation system and provide tailored guidance and mentorship.
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Improved User Interface: Refine the app's navigation, layout, and visual design based on user feedback.
By implementing these improvements the career coaching app can provide a more effective and supportive experience for ex-offenders.
Additional Recommendations:
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Conduct Ongoing Usability Testing: Regularly conduct usability tests to gather feedback on the app's performance and identify areas for improvement.
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Collect User Analytics: Track user behaviour and usage patterns to gain insights into app usage and identify potential issues.
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Iterative Design: Embrace an iterative design process to refine and improve the app based on user feedback continuously.