ALPACA PROJECT

MY ROLE

UX Researcher & UI Visual Designer

INDUSTRY

Non Profit Organization

TEAM

2 UX Researchers

2 UI Designers

DURATION

4 Weeks

300+ Hours

OVERVIEW

Project Alpaca engaged General Assembly for a three-week UX research and design sprint in March 2023, with a focus on research into the critical user archetypes that interact with the program in dierent capacities.

Project Alpaca (PA) has an existing digital presence with distinct branding across several platforms, including YouTube and Instagram in addition to the primary domain, ProjectAlpaca.org. The main focus of this work is on the primary website, specifically the standard desktop interface (such as a laptop or large tablet). The design team focused in on the experience of potential mentors and donors, conducting robust research and prototyping of potential considerations for redesign.

PROBLEM SPACE

Project Alpaca, established as a 501(c)3 in 2021, assists underrepresented young adults in starting their careers through mentorship. Our website serves mentees, mentors, donors, corporate partners, and other non-profits.

As we redesign our site, we’re focusing on mentees, mentors, and donors to ensure it meets their needs and helps them easily access the information and resources necessary for career success.

INTIAL HYPOTHESIS

Access to industry professionals and resources is often limited for young adults, making it difficult for them to establish themselves in their desired careers after college. The lack of financial support and resources can hinder their ability to achieve upward mobility and succeed in their chosen fields.

CHALLENGE STATEMENT

How might we optimize the experience of potential mentors and donors as they attempt to learn about Project Alpaca online?

PRIORITIZED USERS

Potential Donor

Mentor

Mantee

The personas we’ve created are the embodiment of our research team’s collective insights. Each persona represents three key perspectives - the mentor, the mentee, and the potential donor - and serves as a foundation for our design approach. By understanding their desires, goals, and frustrations, we can focus on enhancing the website experience for each persona.

We have identified the goals, needs, and frustrations of each persona, which our design and research team aims to address. It’s important to note that these issues are not currently being resolved by our competitors. Additionally, we have included background information about each persona to provide context and insight into their daily lives and why they would be interested in the Project Alpaca website.