Career Connect
Career Connect Washington (CCW) launched an innovative platform to help students and young adults launch their dream careers.
Career Connect Washington (CCW) is a statewide initiative uniting business, education, and community leaders to create work-based and academic programs that help students and young people explore, prepare, and launch meaningful careers. CCW recognized the need for a tool to connect Washington’s youth with thousands of emerging career opportunities, ensuring they’re ready to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
My role
Lead UX Designer
User research,
User flows,
Wireframes
Mockups,
Prototypes,
Accessibility,
HTML/CSS
Team
Project Manager (x1)
Lead UX Designer (me)
Developers (X4)
Stakeholders (x6)
Project duration
January 2020 –
October 2020
Empowering the youth with tools for success
CCW wanted to create a career-connected learning and resource directory incorporating their career explore, prep, and launch programs for categorizing different activities and resources. They also wanted to refresh the design of their existing website. Spanning from elementary school (job fairs, guest speakers) to post-high school (internships, apprenticeships), CCW envisioned a platform for students and young adults to find career learning opportunities alongside resources like financial aid, housing, legal support, and more. The directories would remove barriers for students, allowing them to focus on their careers instead of life’s challenges.
One website, two directories
Career learning directory
Career resources directory
Empathy meets research
While the core requirements were provided by CCW, the challenge was translating the explore, prep, and launch career pathways into an intuitive search directory for students. In contrast, the career resource directory was pretty straightforward. We also did not have direct access to students and young adults to interview and understand their direct needs. We had to rely on the information provided by CCW. To address these challenges, we conducted extensive research. Drawing insights from student platforms and job search tools like Glassdoor. We audited state-run career programs to ensure the design was intuitive and supportive.
Website audit
Idaho Next Steps
Used a simple career search focused on career industry and salary.
Website audit
Washington 211
Helped people find support resources close to them by simply providing a location.
Website audit
Professional Pictures
Focused on helping people learn about different career paths.
Website audit
California CareerZone
Provided a fun, plan-based approach and used illustrations to tell a story.
Prioritizing user needs through goals and stories
User story
As a student, I want to explore career programs that align with my interests so I can plan my future.
User story
As a parent, I want to compare program requirements so I can ensure my child meets them.
User story
As a young adult, I want to find paid apprenticeships so that I can start a career.
Tackling technical challenges
The two search directories were web apps intended to be embedded into CCW’s WordPress website. Collaborating closely with the development team, we assessed technical feasibility, identified potential integration challenges, and aligned on design solutions that supported both functionality and the user journey.
Where brainstorming meets design
I used the “How might we” framework to guide the design process and tackle key challenges. These questions shaped our approach and informed user flows, mapping how users transitioned from the website into the two embedded directories. Based on these brainstorming sessions, wireframes emerged, prioritizing intuitive navigation and clear entry points to the directories to create a seamless experience.
- How might we differentiate between the career prep, launch, and explore programs?
- How might we direct users to the different directories based on their needs?
- How might we help users find opportunities and resources in their location?
Website to directory user flow
Designing with purpose and play
I created two design concepts aligned with CCW’s branding, presenting a cohesive vision for the directories. After choosing a concept, I developed mockups and interactive prototypes to map user flows, simulate searches, and ensure engagement. Custom icons and bright colors were used to keep the design fun and playful while improving usability and visual appeal for both functional and enjoyable experiences.
Home
Career learning directory - list
Career resource directory - list
Career learning directory - map
Career learning program
Success through iterative testing
Throughout the process, I collaborated with CCW stakeholders and a 20+ member advisory committee to present, test, and refine the designs. Feedback from testing sessions and technical feasibility considerations allowed us to iterate quickly and address user needs effectively. This feedback loop ensured that new features were seamlessly integrated and that the final design was user-centered and technically viable.
Design impact
Seamless integration
The redesigned website and search directories felt like one tool, creating a cohesive user experience.
Design impact
Stakeholder feedback
Stakeholders praised the user-friendly design and engaging visual elements, highlighting its ability to connect with users effectively.
Design improvement
Continued partnership
Successful project delivery led to additional work with CCW, including new tools for business program submissions.
Lessons in building confidence
This project was a pivotal moment in my journey as a lead designer. It gave me the opportunity to advocate for both users and my team, strengthening my ability to balance user needs, stakeholder input, and technical constraints.
The power of early user testing
Limited access to users underscored the need to advocate for their needs through research, stakeholder insights, and industry best practices. This experience reinforced the value of early user testing and strengthened my ability to champion user perspectives without direct access.
Growth through collaboration
This project strengthened my confidence as a lead designer, sharpening my ability to advocate for user needs and collaborate effectively with developers. The experience highlighted how strong teamwork can overcome challenges and deliver seamless, impactful designs.
