Showcase
Improving Unicorn Factory’s Job Application Flow: Why investing on UX is important
Feb 2024
Mesai Memoria
UI Design
UX Design
Figma
Navigating around Unicorn Factory feels like a bit of a puzzle. Trying to apply for a job can get pretty frustrating and seems more complicated than it should be.
Problem #1 - Applying for a job
I have to write a similar note to a client every single time I apply for a job.
So I tried applying for a job, and the first step was to write a note for the hiring client. I did that and submitted it. Then, when I went to apply for another, I had to do the same thing all over again. It's time consuming to have to write a note from scratch every time.
I really wish there was a way for me to save my notes and reuse them for other job applications. That would make the process a lot smoother.
Problem #2 - The Dashboard
Where can I see my past applications? What does shortlist mean?
I tried clicking on my stats in the dashboard, but nothing happened—they're not interactive. I thought the dashboard would give me easy access to different pages, but it doesn't. Even though I can see job notifications, I can't click on them to see more details. And the job shortlist is confusing— I'm not sure if those are my past applications. Plus, there's a "provide feedback" section in my jobs shortlist, I don’t know what it means. There’s also an empty date field, but I'm not sure what it's for.
It would be great if I could see all my past job applications in one place, so I can keep track of them easily.
Meaningful navigation labels indicate that the company considers users’ needs and understands their mental models and vocabulary. When people are faced with clever or nondescript category names, they may not be able to determine whether the relevant content exists on the site. As a result, they will become frustrated and may abandon the site.
Trustworthiness in Web Design: 4 Credibility Factors
Problem #3 - Job status
I’m confused about my job status. I don’t know how to save my changes. What does providing feedback mean? I have not even talked to the hiring client yet.
I looked at one of my old job applications, and it asked me for feedback. I didn't understand what it meant. When I opened it, I saw options for my job application status. At first, I thought I was supposed to give feedback about my experience with the hiring client. But it turns out, I just needed to update my job application status, which was pretty confusing.
I wish the instructions were clearer and it was easier to check my job status.
Users should not have to wonder whether different words, situations, or actions mean the same thing. Follow platform and industry conventions.
10 Usability Heuristics by NN/g
Recommendation #1 - Improve navigation, provide easy access to the most important pages in the dashboard
Make sure freelancers can easily find recent notifications, past job applications, and a clear call-to-action to check out more jobs and finish setting up their profiles. This smooth process helps freelancers navigate the platform with ease, making their experience even better.
Let's improve the sidebar navigation by including only the most essential links, with a focus on jobs—the core of the platform's purpose.
Recommendation #2 - Create a separate page for relevant information, such as past job applications
We don't have to cram all the info onto one page. Splitting content across different pages makes everything feel more organized and easier to understand. By creating separate pages for important topics, users can focus on one thing at a time, making the experience smoother and more digestible.
Recommendation #3 - Use a clearer and simpler language, avoid using jargons
Let's keep the language consistent throughout the site, making it simpler and more user-friendly for everyone. Instead of "Past job applications," we can use "Jobs you applied for." And for clarity, let's switch "Feedback" to "Status," reflecting what the section really is about.
Recommendation #4 - Make the job status more apparent, display it in relevant areas
Visibility in system status is very important. The design should always keep users informed about what is going on. Communicate clearly. Utilize chips to display status in essential areas.
The design should always keep users informed about what is going on, through appropriate feedback within a reasonable amount of time.
- Communicate clearly to users what the system’s state is — no action with consequences to users should be taken without informing them.
- Present feedback to the user as quickly as possible (ideally, immediately).
- Build trust through open and continuous communication.
10 Usability Heuristics by NN/g
Investing in user experience design is essential because it directly influences how your users feel about your product. Well-executed UX design can mean the difference between a user who stays and one who leaves in frustration. Throughout our audit of Unicorn Factory, we've seen areas where user experience could be dramatically improved to make the platform more intuitive and user-friendly. By improving navigation, using simpler language, organizing information in a more digestible way, and making job statuses more apparent, we can make the user's journey smoother and more enjoyable. In the end, satisfied users are more likely to recommend the platform to others, increasing the user base and ensuring the success of the product. Investing in UX design isn't just about making your product look good—it's about understanding your users, meeting their needs, and helping them succeed.
Navigating around Unicorn Factory feels like a bit of a puzzle. Trying to apply for a job can get pretty frustrating and seems more complicated than it should be.
Problem #1 - Applying for a job
I have to write a similar note to a client every single time I apply for a job.
So I tried applying for a job, and the first step was to write a note for the hiring client. I did that and submitted it. Then, when I went to apply for another, I had to do the same thing all over again. It's time consuming to have to write a note from scratch every time.
I really wish there was a way for me to save my notes and reuse them for other job applications. That would make the process a lot smoother.
Problem #2 - The Dashboard
Where can I see my past applications? What does shortlist mean?
I tried clicking on my stats in the dashboard, but nothing happened—they're not interactive. I thought the dashboard would give me easy access to different pages, but it doesn't. Even though I can see job notifications, I can't click on them to see more details. And the job shortlist is confusing— I'm not sure if those are my past applications. Plus, there's a "provide feedback" section in my jobs shortlist, I don’t know what it means. There’s also an empty date field, but I'm not sure what it's for.
It would be great if I could see all my past job applications in one place, so I can keep track of them easily.
Meaningful navigation labels indicate that the company considers users’ needs and understands their mental models and vocabulary. When people are faced with clever or nondescript category names, they may not be able to determine whether the relevant content exists on the site. As a result, they will become frustrated and may abandon the site.
Trustworthiness in Web Design: 4 Credibility Factors
Problem #3 - Job status
I’m confused about my job status. I don’t know how to save my changes. What does providing feedback mean? I have not even talked to the hiring client yet.
I looked at one of my old job applications, and it asked me for feedback. I didn't understand what it meant. When I opened it, I saw options for my job application status. At first, I thought I was supposed to give feedback about my experience with the hiring client. But it turns out, I just needed to update my job application status, which was pretty confusing.
I wish the instructions were clearer and it was easier to check my job status.
Users should not have to wonder whether different words, situations, or actions mean the same thing. Follow platform and industry conventions.
10 Usability Heuristics by NN/g
Recommendation #1 - Improve navigation, provide easy access to the most important pages in the dashboard
Make sure freelancers can easily find recent notifications, past job applications, and a clear call-to-action to check out more jobs and finish setting up their profiles. This smooth process helps freelancers navigate the platform with ease, making their experience even better.
Let's improve the sidebar navigation by including only the most essential links, with a focus on jobs—the core of the platform's purpose.
Recommendation #2 - Create a separate page for relevant information, such as past job applications
We don't have to cram all the info onto one page. Splitting content across different pages makes everything feel more organized and easier to understand. By creating separate pages for important topics, users can focus on one thing at a time, making the experience smoother and more digestible.
Recommendation #3 - Use a clearer and simpler language, avoid using jargons
Let's keep the language consistent throughout the site, making it simpler and more user-friendly for everyone. Instead of "Past job applications," we can use "Jobs you applied for." And for clarity, let's switch "Feedback" to "Status," reflecting what the section really is about.
Recommendation #4 - Make the job status more apparent, display it in relevant areas
Visibility in system status is very important. The design should always keep users informed about what is going on. Communicate clearly. Utilize chips to display status in essential areas.
The design should always keep users informed about what is going on, through appropriate feedback within a reasonable amount of time.
- Communicate clearly to users what the system’s state is — no action with consequences to users should be taken without informing them.
- Present feedback to the user as quickly as possible (ideally, immediately).
- Build trust through open and continuous communication.
10 Usability Heuristics by NN/g
Investing in user experience design is essential because it directly influences how your users feel about your product. Well-executed UX design can mean the difference between a user who stays and one who leaves in frustration. Throughout our audit of Unicorn Factory, we've seen areas where user experience could be dramatically improved to make the platform more intuitive and user-friendly. By improving navigation, using simpler language, organizing information in a more digestible way, and making job statuses more apparent, we can make the user's journey smoother and more enjoyable. In the end, satisfied users are more likely to recommend the platform to others, increasing the user base and ensuring the success of the product. Investing in UX design isn't just about making your product look good—it's about understanding your users, meeting their needs, and helping them succeed.
