ga personal project v1

Friday, October 18, 13

GAMAN

“enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity”


PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Gaman is a mobile application that helps job seekers focus on finding a job by matching emotions with manageable activities.

The challenge: Finding a job while unemployed is difficult. The process is overwhelming with so many things to take care of (resume, LinkedIn, etc.). There’s also the matter of a loneliness and loss of routine.

The Solution: A mobile companion that reminds job seekers of best practices for job searching and connects them with allies to keep the momentum going.


KEY SCREENS AND FEATURES


PLANNING


Research Ideas


DESIGN RESEARCHMethod: I researched existing employment resources (websites, iOS apps, and in-person services). I evaluated how they help job seekers find employment. During the course of the research, I also started to evaluate if any options address the emotional side of job loss.

To gain better understanding on emotional impact, I spoke with two people who were recently unemployed.

Findings: Key finding - The in-person services and some blog posts said that losing a job shares the same stages of grief as death.

Websites - Most are primarily job listings and tactical actions (fill out a profile). The emotional component of job loss is usually only covered in blog posts. .

Apps - Wide range. Everest is about big dreams and creating manageable steps. SuperBetter was similar but required a lot of setup and identification of issues. Unstuck guides users to find issues, but doesn’t provide long-term support or actionable items.

Interviews - Informal interviews with colleagues had the common themes of hurt, rejection, and loneliness. They also mentioned being overwhelmed or uninformed about options.

Opportunities Identified: Create an easy way to monitor emotions and keep focused on tasks. I identified three types of potential users for this product:

1). Unemployed2). Ex-military3). Support organizations/outplacement services


Competition

Resource Strategic(Why?)

Tactical(How?)

Emotional(Motivation)

Job Search Sites(Dice, Glassdoor,

Monster, etc.)

Have the latest informationBe complete

Complete applicationHere are jobs based on the

skills in your resumeApply for jobs

None

LinkedInHere’s who you know

These are people in the industry/company you’re

interested in

Complete profile Apply for jobs

Join groupsShare news

Some posts on emotional intelligence from third-parties

iOS Apps (Unstuck, SuperBetter, Everest)

Psychology background with the assumption that you want

to be healthier

Complete challengesRecord current thoughtsList challenges and goals

Focus on motivation and getting unstuck

In-person (Outplacement agency,

NOVA/EDD, etc.)

Broad topics, but main goal is to get the job seeker hired

Many classes/seminars/workshops on how to do ___

Addresses the emotional states of job seeker, but limited

options for long-term support


PERSONA IDEATION


PRIMARY PERSONASusan needs to keep track of the “administrivia” and stay motivated

She was recently laid off, the first time she has ever lost her job. As a high-achiever, she isn’t used to failing. With the stress of finding a job, she is overwhelmed by information. At the same time, she is also unaware of the many resources available to her.

“I want to make this a temporary stumbling block.”

“How is this system going to help me?”

DRIVERS CONCERNS

©Tony Alter http://www.flickr.com/people/78428166@N00/


http://www.flickr.com/people/78428166@N00/


SECONDARY PERSONARob needs to adjust to civilian life after military service

Rob was in the Army for 8 years after college. He had tours of duty around the world. After almost a decade of military service, he wants to transition to civilian life. The change has been difficult and he doesn’t know what to do.

“My future is in civilian world, I gotta make it happen for my family.”

“What does this app know about my background and challenges?”

DRIVERS CONCERNS

©Tony Alter http://www.flickr.com/people/78428166@N00/




CONCEPTUAL IDEATION


DESIGN ITERATION | DESIGN HYPOTHESIS

ITERATION 1

Method: I tested a paper prototype of a LinkedIn helper application. Once the idea was laid out on paper, the flow and the value was not apparent.

Findings: Instead of helping a job seeker navigate and utilize LinkedIn resources, the application became another later of complexity.

LinkedIn is always updating and can vary by user. The resources were not available to cover LinkedIn in a meaningful way.

Opportunities Identified: Look at what resources job seekers need to fill-out profiles. What are the challenges in keeping users engaged?


Early Wireframes


DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS


USER ROLES

Outplacement / Support Groups create

and share jobseeker content. Leverages existing resources

to help in-person.

Job Seeker uses Gaman to find resources, keep track of job tasks, and enlist the help

of allies.

Allies

Job Seeker


NEXT STEPS

Refine the user rolesValidate personas

Explore other applicationsResearch which current methods help users the most


THANK YOUGeorge KomotoGeorge.Komoto/at/gmail.com


ga personal project v1

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