How to Encourage Diversity in the Job Search Process with Plugged: A UX Case Study

3 min readMay 4, 2020

Client: Plugged
Task: Mobile App Redesign based on Research and Design Recommendations
Time Constraint: 3 weeks
Tools: Axure, Marvel
Prototype

C O N T E X T

Despite the fact that HBCU’s account for just 3% of four-year nonprofit colleges, they account for 25% of black undergraduates who earn degrees in STEM fields. In addition, according to a study by the National Science Foundation, Howard University was the top producer of black undergraduates who went on to earn PhD’s in STEM fields. However, top tech companies continue to be missing a virtually untapped talent pool.

P R O B L E M

HBCU students represent some of the top talent among prospective job candidates, yet recruitment efforts from top tech companies at these institutions is still scarce. Furthermore, Application Tracking Systems and recruiters can leave top talent out of the pool because of formatting, optimization, or an abundance of inquiries.

G O A L

How could we help PLUGGED create a simplified but comprehensive mobile experience to connect HBCU students with companies? Subsequently, how could we alleviate the technical and optimization issues that leave top talent out of the pool?

R E S E A R C H

Feature Analysis

Survey

Key Insights

Recommendations:

Users want simplicity and less redundancy — consider logging in through LinkedIn
Indicate work-life balance for job, or some sort of rating system
Events should be recruiting-focused over social events
Social feed not necessary
For this app to set itself apart, employers and job applicants need to continue to experience success

Competitive Analysis

Based on our interviews, feature analysis, and additional secondary research, we identified three main competitors.

• LinkedIn — the majority of people interviewed indicated that LinkedIn was one of the main platforms for their job search due to the popularity of the network and the personalization of their job searching; however, we found LinkedIn to be cluttered and extremely difficult to navigate
• GlassDoor — was another popular app mentioned during our user interviews. The simplicity of job searching and insights into companies inside information such as work-life-balance, salaries, and culture proved to be useful
• Indeed — contained the least amount of frills. You are able to upload your resume and search for jobs without any additional hassle
We noted that all three competitors lacked resources for HBCU students to engage directly with events meant to encourage diversity in the workplace.