Role: Lead UX Architect/Product Manager

Designed a shelter management MVP to streamline operations, reduce data errors, and improve service tracking. The app focused on ease of use, real-time data, and a simplified intake process. Feedback highlighted smoother workflows and better decision-making, with features like centralized data and cross-sector collaboration enabling more effective service delivery.

Key Challenges:

1. Outdated Systems: Paper forms and spreadsheets caused errors and inefficiencies

2. Manual Data Burdens: Staff spent excessive time on admin tasks, reducing capacity to help clients

3. Poor Collaboration: Shelters struggled with cross-location data sharing, causing delays in services

Objectives:

• Simplify intake and service tracking

• Centralize data for real-time access and better decision-making

• Enable cross-sector collaboration to improve outcomes

Research + Lean UX:

• Workshops: Conducted sessions with stakeholders to identify pain points and prioritize features

• Site Visits: Observed staff workflows to understand operational bottlenecks

• Personas & Journeys: Created personas for staff, managers, and community members to map real needs

Key Deliverables:

• Lean UX Canvas: Defined goals, user needs, and risks to shape the MVP

• Wireframes & Prototypes: Focused on intake, service tracking, and analytics

• Feature Prioritization: Structured voting with stakeholders ensured alignment on critical needs

What We Built:

1. Centralized Services Management:

• Member search, reservations, and check-out simplified admin tasks

• Accurate, real-time updates improved operational efficiency

2. Dynamic Member Directory:

• Check-in system with suspension monitoring and housing metrics

• Easy tracking of member activities and caseworker assignments

3. Dashboard & Analytics:

• High-level metrics like bed usage and housing outcomes for decision-making

• Notifications and widgets streamlined staff communication

4. Document Repository:

• Centralized access to policies and training materials

• Compliance ensured with policy acknowledgment tracking

5. Offline Access & Reporting:

• Offline data capabilities ensured operations during connectivity issues

• Incident reporting supported synchronized updates across devices

6. User Profiles:

• Comprehensive views of member info, including history and housing status

Impact:

• 25% Reduction in Admin Time: Streamlined workflows freed up staff for client-facing tasks

• Improved Data Accuracy: Centralized system reduced manual errors

• Better Collaboration: Cross-sector data sharing enabled faster, coordinated services

How We Measured:

• Metrics: Shelter stay durations, positive housing exits, and recidivism rates

• Feedback: User testing confirmed smoother intake and tracking processes

1. Keep It Simple: Staff prioritized intuitive, easy-to-navigate designs

2. Iterate Often: Frequent feedback helped refine features to meet real-world needs

3. Focus on High Impact: Core features like service tracking and member profiles addressed the biggest pain points

4. Design for Scalability: The MVP laid a strong foundation for future enhancements