NEA Mobile App | UI/UX Design

The Kenyan National Employment Authority, in partnership with Smart People Africa, requires a mobile app that will enable Kenyan job seekers to easily access jobs and send in their applications. The goal of this project was to design a mobile app tailored for job seekers, complementing the redesigned desktop platform of the National Employment Authority (NEA) Jobs Portal.

CLIENT: National Employment Authority & SPA

Year: 2023 - 2024

The research process began by building on insights gathered during workshops with NEA stakeholders, which highlighted key frustrations job seekers faced, such as difficulties with registration and navigation. To further validate and expand upon these findings, I conducted an analysis of existing job portal applications to examine frequently used user patterns and identify opportunities for improvement.

By comparing several mobile applications and conducting a UX study into best practices suited to the Kenyan context, I was able to pinpoint features that resonated with users. This comprehensive approach informed the design of the wireframes and mid-fidelity designs, ensuring they addressed the specific needs and preferences of job seekers.

Working within a tight 48-hour timeline, I transitioned to the high-fidelity stage of the project. This phase involved creating a design system for the mobile application to ensure cohesion across the design files. Thanks to the groundwork laid during the mid-fidelity stage, the high-fidelity design process flowed smoothly, enabling a more efficient workflow.

With a clear understanding of user needs, I focused on developing high-fidelity designs that highlighted the app's core features:

Streamlined Registration: A simple, guided process for creating user accounts.

Intuitive Navigation: An easy-to-use interface that allows users to browse job listings effortlessly.

CV Builder: A feature enabling users to create and customize their CVs directly within the app.

Job Application Tracking: Tools for users to apply for jobs and monitor their application progress.

Career Guidance Access: Integration of resources and contact options for career guidance counselors.

Real-Time Notifications: Alerts for application updates and job matches.

These interactive prototypes incorporated the visual design elements established in the design system, ensuring a cohesive look and feel across both mobile and desktop platforms.

Throughout this phase, I collaborated closely with the development team to ensure that the prototypes not only looked polished but also functioned seamlessly on mobile devices.

Once the high-fidelity prototypes were ready, we conducted user testing sessions with job seekers and stakeholder teams, to gather feedback on usability and overall experience. Participants tested all key features, including applying for jobs and tracking their progress. This iterative testing process allowed us to identify any remaining pain points and refine the user experience before final implementation.

With the designs validated through user testing, I collaborated closely with the development team to ensure smooth implementation of the mobile app. Over the development process, we held check-ins and feedback sessions to address any challenges and ensure alignment with the design vision.

Future Testing Plans As we prepare for the app's launch, we are developing a comprehensive testing strategy to gather user feedback in real time. This will include targeted user testing sessions, surveys, and analytics to assess user engagement and satisfaction post-launch. We intend to continuously iterate based on this feedback to refine the user experience and address any issues that may arise.