Pattern Sphere
Pattern Sphere is a startup designed to provide a database of patterns that help address systemic problems, inspired by the book, Liberating Voices, by Douglas Schuler. The platform connects users with relevant patterns to support social change efforts, making it easier to identify solutions to complex issues.
My role
UX Designer
UX Researcher
Responsibilities
Research
Interviewing
Personas
User Journey Maps
User Flow
Wireframes
Project Duration
November 2024 – present
Project overview
The problem
The app is being developed exclusively by volunteers. However, the drop-off rate of participants is high as volunteers struggle to understand the project and how they can contribute.
The goal
To support the development of Pattern Sphere by improving volunteer onboarding, engagement and retention.
User Research
Parameters
Study type: Interview
Location: Remote
Participants: 3 current volunteers
Length: 45 minutes
Questions
Is it clear to volunteers how to find and accept tasks?
Do volunteers feel empowered to take on tasks, or do they feel dependent on others for direction?
Are there onboarding resources missing that could better support volunteers in completing their tasks?
Goals
Uncover unmet volunteer needs and expectations during onboarding to shape the next 12-month product strategy.
Identify onboarding communication blockers between volunteers to increase retention rates by 50%.
Understand why volunteers disengage after signing up during various stages of onboarding.
User research
Pain points
Scope
“It took me a couple calls to figure out my scope of work on the project.”
Communication
“I would like to get feedback from teammates on my work.”
Clarity
“Can you please help me understand the project?”
Resources
“If we have any Business Requirements Document (BRD) with a summary, target audience, goals, or any other resources, I would really appreciate it if you could share them.”
A message I received from a teammate:
Persona
Problem Statement
Emily is a motivated volunteer who wants to contribute to Pattern Sphere, but she struggles to understand the project’s goals and who to contact for guidance, making it difficult for her to take on tasks confidently.
User Journey Map
Hypothesis Statement
If Emily has a clearer onboarding process and designated points of contact, then she will feel more confident in her role and be able to contribute effectively to the project.
Takeaways
Impact
By implementing a structured onboarding process, Pattern Sphere can significantly improve volunteer retention and overall engagement. Our goal is to ensure that all contributors feel confident and well-prepared to make a valuable contribution. Clear communication and a strong understanding of the project will empower our volunteers, ultimately enhancing our ability to address systemic issues.
What I Learned
I discovered that unclear communication and undefined roles can significantly hinder volunteer engagement. By conducting user research to understand volunteer needs, I was able to design solutions that directly address these challenges. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of user-centered design for building a successful and sustainable volunteer community.
Next Steps
Develop User Personas
I'm currently conducting research to develop target audience user personas. Once these personas are complete, I plan to incorporate them into our onboarding materials. Having a deeper understanding of our users will enable volunteers to connect more effectively with the project.
Refine Onboarding Process
Using insights from the volunteer research, I will develop more structured onboarding materials. This includes creating step-by-step guides to help new volunteers get started with confidence.
Test and Iterate
After implementing the improved onboarding process, I will gather feedback from new volunteers to assess its effectiveness. By tracking engagement metrics and identifying any remaining challenges, I will continue refining the process to ensure volunteers feel supported and empowered to contribute.
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