So… at a high level, what did I do?
XFN Collaboration 🧑🤝🧑
Collaborated with product managers, business analysts, and developers to gather product requirements. Ensured delivered solutions met functionality expectations and accommodated technical limitations.
Inclusive and Iterative Design 🔁
Designed responsive wireframes, prototypes, and visual assets through an iterative and agile design process, while adhering to WCAG AAA accessibility standards.
Design Reviews With Stakeholders 💬
Presented user flows and solutions in regular reviews to facilitate stakeholder feedback throughout the design process.
Data-Driven Design 📊
Analyzed user insights and research to inform design decisions, making sure that the platform effectively addresses the diverse needs of families and educators.
Interdepartmental Teamwork 🤝
Engaged with stakeholders from multiple DOE departments to understand how the platform integrates with other products and sectors.
Design Documentation 📝
Created detailed documentation for design processes and guidelines to support ongoing development and future updates to the platform.
And, what did I learn on this journey?
Flexibility in Design
As the project evolved, the importance of flexibility become really clear. Being able to adapt to changing requirements and unexpected challenges allowed me to pivot and find creative solutions. Moving forward, I aim to stay open-minded and agile, recognizing that design is often an iterative journey rather than a linear process.
Accessibility in the Design Process
This project reinforced how important integrating accessibility into the design process is, rather than treating is as an afterthought or an add-on. Accessibility needs to be a core design principle! By understanding the diverse needs of users and adhering to accessibility standards, we were able to create a platform that is inclusive and serves everyone.
Navigating Unfamiliar Terrain
This project presented the challenge of navigating unfamiliar subject matter (as I've never worked in [special] education, nor have I been a parent), requiring me to rely heavily on user data and insights from subject matter experts. Working with these incredible people who have firsthand experience in the field not only enhanced my understanding of the content, but largely informed our design decisions. This experience underscored the importance of collaboration and research when tackling complex topics.