Client
BrainsFirst
Role
Graduate Designer
Industry
IT · Human Resources
Timeline
2019 · 10 mos
BrainsFirst offers brain-based assessment games to assess cognitive abilities in relation to job roles. I saw potential in their product and decided to use this as an opportunity for my graduation project. As a user experience designer & researcher, I researched the experienced transition from graduate student to entry-level job. Aimed at creating an improved experience for potential talent in the Netherlands.
Developed a B2C proposition to disrupt HR
As a graduate intern, I researched the growing discrepancy not only in the Netherlands but globally between the skills that employees possess and the skills that employers are looking for. My design challenge: “How might we stimulate young talent in navigating towards IT-related career opportunities that fit them by nature?”. BrainsFirst approached me to conceptualize and design a digital solution to help young talent (from study to entry-level job) in finding their naturally suited fit for an IT job direction or career path.
To state the problem
“There is a growing discrepancy not only in the Netherlands but globally between the skills that employees possess and the skills that employers are looking for.”
Design question
“How might we stimulate young talent in navigating towards IT-related career opportunities that fit them by nature?”
The goal is to conceptualize and design a digital solution to help young talent (from study to entry-level job) in finding their naturally suited fit for an IT job direction or career path.
Synthesized research
After applying desk research, interviews, generative sessions, and personas, these were my key-findings:
- We see a continuing gap and mismatch between education and real work experiences.
- The Netherlands is experiencing a shortage in the labor market, especially IT.
- Companies today not only hire but also educate lower-skilled staff in-house.
- BrainsFirst can visualize currently unused human potential in a-typical talents.
- Young talent is clueless in the transition from undergraduate to entry-level job.
- Young talent can be split up into two archetypes, distinctive by their self-reliance.
User stories
After applying desk research, interviews, generative sessions, and personas, these were my key-findings:
“As young talent I want information and resources regarding the science and their background so I can entrust them.”“As young talent I want transparent and respectful usage of personal data so I can outweigh the risks of sharing it.”“As young talent I want to have an overview so I can easily navigate towards what I need.”“As young talent I want to compare my fit with opportunities so I can make well considered choices for myself and my future.”“As young talent I want to see the steps and processes of a recruitment funnel before applying.”
Refined concepts
Using ideations sessions to collect as much ideas followed by prototyping sessions to develop a final proof of concept.As an ambassador of co-creation and user validation, I try to understand and explore things rapidly with others.
Concept directions
Using ideations sessions to collect as much ideas followed by prototyping sessions to develop a final proof of concept.As an ambassador of co-creation and user validation, I try to understand and explore things rapidly with others.
Developed deliverables
During my graduation project, I finalized the following:
- Final thesis with 250 pages
- Design brief
- Design criteria
- Customer journeys
- Written scenarios
- Sketches
- Flowcharts
- Wireframes
- High-fidelity prototype
- Usability test plans
- Service blueprint
- Brand personality
Brainpool
During my graduation project, I finalized the following:
A cognitive tool that assesses talent providing
them with insights and motivating them to
make the next step in their career.Ensuring talent feels confident enough to learn
about or act on a specific job offer whether or
not considered before as a future possibility.
I cannot elaborate fully due to confidentiality agreements.
Brainpool • Case study
- Growth Design & Website Design: Lead the design efforts on our B2B website, ensuring it effectively communicates our value proposition and converts visitors into clients. Collaborate with the marketing and product team to create on brand user flows and landing pages that drive engagement (e.g., time on page) and ultimately conversions to demos booked.
- HR Tooling Design: Design and improve tools such as our HR Insights Report, Resource Hub, and community features. These tools will help HR teams make the most of OpenUp’s offerings, fostering higher engagement and activation of users within their organization.
- Brand Library & Templates: Take the lead in creating and maintaining a comprehensive brand library, including templates for flyers, social media posts, slide decks, and other materials. Ensure that marketing and customer success teams have easy access to on-brand, ready-to-use assets.
- User Research: Partner with our product team to conduct user research, gathering insights that will inform design decisions and improve the overall user experience. Regularly engage with HR professionals to understand their needs and challenges.
- Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with product managers, developers, and content creators to ensure cohesive and effective product experiences. You’ll be a key player in cross-functional projects, ensuring design consistency and quality across all touchpoints.
Conclusion
“How might we stimulate young talent in navigating towards career opportunities that fit them by nature?”
- Educate talent on their natural human potential.
- Ensure that talent consider and compare fit with opportunities.
- Persuade talent to act on specific job offers.
What I’ve learned
Nothing
Credits
Rob van der Willigen – Chairman • Ferry den Dopper – Counselor • Eric Castien – Supervisor & CEO at BrainsFirst • Andries van der Leij – CTO at BrainsFirst • Ewout Nijman – Mentor & UX Design Lead • Erik Fuente Aira – Mentor & Design Director.