Ourability Connect Dashboard
Career Networking Platform for OurAbility Inc
Job searching is harder than ever, especially for those with disabilities. Job postings may not be accessible for people with disabilities, making it harder for them to even find job opportunities. Ability Connect Dashboard empowers disabled job seekers and employers through an AI-powered job search and connection platform. It offers advanced accessibility features, connecting job seekers with potential employers and enabling employers to discover unique talent. Its focus on inclusive and accessible design, and AI technology, prioritizes disabled users' needs, promoting equal opportunity.
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Download Press Kit № 151726 Career Networking Platform for OurAbility Inc by Zilin Zhou to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.
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Ourability Connect Dashboard by Zilin Zhou
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Career Networking Platform by Zilin Zhou
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Zilin Zhou Ourability Connect Dashboard
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Zilin Zhou Career Networking Platform
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OurAbility IncBrand Logo
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Unique Properties
In this project, Zilin designed the Our Ability Connect dashboard system, including the dashboard interface, new user flows, content strategy, etc. He spent time doing research and understanding the overall user experience. His goal for this project was to rethink the user’s need and to redesign the overall user experience to help Our Ability users to create the most functional and accessible dashboard system to empower their employees.
Tags
Dashboard, Accessible Technology, Job Dashboard, Accessibility, Inclusive Design,
Production Technology
This project was approached in three stages to create a dashboard system that meets the needs of users with disabilities. The first stage involved researching and understanding accessibility design using various user research methodologies, such as card sorting, user interviews, and competitive analysis. These methodologies provided valuable insights and a clear direction for product strategies and design. In the second stage, the research findings were compiled and translated into design ideas using tools such as affinity diagrams and mind maps. This stage allowed for the creation of a more cohesive and effective dashboard design. Finally, the third stage involved delivering a user-friendly and intuitive dashboard that went through an iterative research and development process. Adobe Xd was used for designing and prototyping, and the engineering team coded the final product through React Js. Overall, this approach ensured that accessibility was prioritized at every stage of the design process, resulting in a dashboard system that meets the needs of all users.
Design Challenge
During this project, I encountered three primary challenges: Prioritizing Accessibility in Design: The main goal was to ensure accessibility in every aspect of the dashboard design, which can be challenging but essential for empowering every user. As a designer, I believe in contributing to creating more accessible design solutions. Rethinking User Experience: After a thorough analysis of the current Our Ability Connect dashboard system, it was clear that the system lacked consistency and utility. I redesigned the entire system to ensure a more coherent user experience, creating a new web architecture and visual language that prioritized the most crucial features. Limited Time and Resources: Originally intended as a team project, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our work. Despite limited resources and a short timeline, I took on the responsibility of delivering the final product on time, working additional hours each week to ensure its success.
Project Duration
The project started in November 2020 in Syracuse NY and finished in August 2020 in Syracuse NY. The Phase 1 development work started Sep 2020, final MVP product launched in 2022
Operation Flow
OurAbility Dashboard is a professionally designed web application that enables individuals with disabilities to establish essential career connections. Moreover, this system empowers employers to connect with potential employees with disabilities by searching, connecting directly with them within the platform, and posting job opportunities to attract top candidates for their open positions.
Research
This research investigated usability problems faced by OurAbility dashboard users with disabilities. User research methods, including interviews, card sorting, and competitive analysis, were used to analyze the current system and identify good and bad experiences. Additional insight was gained through a cognitive walkthrough and interviews with users, highlighting the importance of accessibility features. Based on the findings, designer was advised to follow accessibility guidelines and obtain more input from disability users. The research also focused on designing accessible features, such as color, using a color review tool. The dashboard color had significant problems, with a low contrast ratio and poor text accessibility. To resolve this issue, a primary color that met accessibility standards and fit the modern system design was found. An Affinity diagram and mind map were created to deliver a user-friendly dashboard validated through iterative research and development. This research contributes to the development of accessible digital systems.
Inspiration
Nowadays, approximately one-fifth of the global population experiences difficulties in accessing the same services and products as people without disabilities. With the goal of designing an accessible and inclusive product that empowers users with disabilities in their employment, I embarked on this project with a simple belief. My research delves into studying different types of accessibility design, understanding current usability issues within existing systems, and redesign
Image Credits
Image #1: Designer Zilin Zhou, OurAbility Connect Dashboard, 2023. Image #2: Designer Zilin Zhou, OurAbility Connect Dashboard, 2023. Image #3: Designer Zilin Zhou, OurAbility Connect Dashboard, 2023. Image #4: Designer Zilin Zhou, OurAbility Connect Dashboard, 2023. Image #5: Designer Zilin Zhou, OurAbility Connect Dashboard, 2023.
Project Overview
Ourability Connect Dashboard Career Networking Platform has been a Bronze winner in the Interface, Interaction and User Experience Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.
Bronze Recognition
Zilin Zhou was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Ourability Connect Dashboard Career Networking Platform.
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