Engage

Engage

Mobile App

UX Designer

UX Researcher

Engage

Bridging the gap between people who want to help and the causes that need them most.

Conceptual application connecting volunteers to local opportunities.

View more working details

Project Type

Mobile app

Duration

10 weeks, Fall 2018

Tools

Figma, Google Suite

Team

3 UX Designers

Design Digest

Connecting purpose with process.

Engage is a conceptual volunteer-matching platform designed to bridge the gap between community members eager to help and nonprofits in need of support. Over the course of this project, I explored the full UX process for the first time—conducting research, defining user needs, designing intuitive flows, and building a clickable prototype. The result is a streamlined, approachable platform that makes volunteering easier, more accessible, and more meaningful for everyone involved.

Introducing Engage

A better way to do good.

Engage is a mobile app created to simplify how volunteers connect with nonprofits and community organizations. Born from a desire to make impact more accessible, Engage helps people find opportunities aligned with their interests, skills, and availability—while giving organizations the tools they need to reach, retain, and recognize volunteer support.

A better way to do good.

Click to view the vision video

Discover

Understanding what motivates meaningful action.

We began by exploring how people currently discover, select, and commit to volunteer work. Through interviews and surveys with both volunteers and nonprofit coordinators, we uncovered common friction points—like lack of awareness, confusing sign-up systems, and missed follow-ups—as well as the emotional drivers that fuel long-term engagement.

As part of a design studio course, my team was tasked with creating an application for a target audience of our choosing. My team focused on volunteers who were seeking opportunities in their area while serving volunteer coordinators.

Problem Statement

Organizations and nonprofits rely on volunteer work to survive but the sign-up process is often cumbersome and inconvenient for all parties. With 31 out of 50 states either requiring or encouraging volunter service for high school graduation, the problems are felt around the nation.

Problem Statement

How might we...

How might we simplify & streamline the volunteering experience for volunteers and volunteer seekers?

How might we...

How might we simplify & streamline the volunteering experience for volunteers and volunteer seekers?

How might we...

How might we simplify & streamline the volunteering experience for volunteers and volunteer seekers?

Vision Statement

Simplify and streamline the volunteering experience for both volunteers and volunteer seekers.

Vision Statement

Simplify and streamline the volunteering experience for both volunteers and volunteer seekers.

Vision Statement

Simplify and streamline the volunteering experience for both volunteers and volunteer seekers.

Define

Matching intent with impact.

From our research, we defined two key user groups: volunteers looking for meaningful ways to give back, and nonprofits needing reliable, skill-aligned support. We framed design opportunities around improving discovery, reducing onboarding friction, and fostering a sense of community and recognition throughout the volunteer lifecycle.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”

– Martin Luther King Jr.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”

– Martin Luther King Jr.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”

– Martin Luther King Jr.

Research

Secondary Research

With a focus on learning primary research methodologies, we used secondary research to set us on the right path. Research revealed these key insights:

Secondary Research

With a focus on learning primary research methodologies, we used secondary research to set us on the right path. Research revealed these key insights:

Secondary Research

With a focus on learning primary research methodologies, we used secondary research to set us on the right path. Research revealed these key insights:

31 out of 50 states either require or encourage volunteer service for high school graduation.

- ecs.force.com

31 out of 50 states either require or encourage volunteer service for high school graduation.

- ecs.force.com

31 out of 50 states either require or encourage volunteer service for high school graduation.

- ecs.force.com

Approximately 25% of Americans volunteer.

- huffingtonpost.com

Approximately 25% of Americans volunteer.

- huffingtonpost.com

Approximately 25% of Americans volunteer.

- huffingtonpost.com

Competitor Analysis

We then took a look at some competitors to see if anyone in the market was already solving these issues.

Competitor Analysis

We then took a look at some competitors to see if anyone in the market was already solving these issues.

Competitor Analysis

We then took a look at some competitors to see if anyone in the market was already solving these issues.

Do Something

Focus is mainly on one-time activities
Does not foster long-term service

Volunteer Match

Inconsistent UI
Organizations must pay to post opportunities

Points of Light

Multiple search engines for volunteer opportunities
Confusing to use

United Way

Difficult to browse
Links go to 3rd-party websites

Primary Research

We had the opportunity to survey and speak with our target audiences to gain better understanding.

Primary Research

We had the opportunity to survey and speak with our target audiences to gain better understanding.

Primary Research

We had the opportunity to survey and speak with our target audiences to gain better understanding.

Surveys

We surveyed 100 people to understand the current approach and attitudes around volunteer service.

Surveys

We surveyed 100 people to understand the current approach and attitudes around volunteer service.

Surveys

We surveyed 100 people to understand the current approach and attitudes around volunteer service.

People want to volunteer but are facing barriers and concerns.

Our respondents generally believed they were too busy to volunteer or didn't know how to get started.

People want to volunteer but are facing barriers and concerns.

Our respondents generally believed they were too busy to volunteer or didn't know how to get started.

People want to volunteer but are facing barriers and concerns.

Our respondents generally believed they were too busy to volunteer or didn't know how to get started.

Hosts need more volunteer help but paperwork and processes are difficult to navigate.

Other key quotes:

Hosts need more volunteer help but paperwork and processes are difficult to navigate.

Other key quotes:

Hosts need more volunteer help but paperwork and processes are difficult to navigate.

Other key quotes:

Cultural Probe

We asked 11 subject matter experts about their experience to dive deeper.

Cultural Probe

We asked 11 subject matter experts about their experience to dive deeper.

Cultural Probe

We asked 11 subject matter experts about their experience to dive deeper.

Insights

Each of our respondents noted that a part of their work day would be organizing and working with volunteers. All of the volunteer coordinators noted that they would be contacting volunteers to ensure that they remembered their task and did not need assistance. Volunteer coordinators who took part in a service event this week noted that it was fun and fulfilling to do the work that is important to them.

Insights

User Interviews

We conducted interviews with key subject mattter experts including both hosts and volunteers with different levels of experience.

User Interviews

We conducted interviews with key subject mattter experts including both hosts and volunteers with different levels of experience.

User Interviews

We conducted interviews with key subject mattter experts including both hosts and volunteers with different levels of experience.

14 Interviews

1 California 1 Colorado 1 Florida 2 Georgia 1 Idaho 2 Louisiana 1 Virginia 4 Washington 1 Cochabamba, Bolivia

14 Interviews

1 California 1 Colorado 1 Florida 2 Georgia 1 Idaho 2 Louisiana 1 Virginia 4 Washington 1 Cochabamba, Bolivia

14 Interviews

1 California 1 Colorado 1 Florida 2 Georgia 1 Idaho 2 Louisiana 1 Virginia 4 Washington 1 Cochabamba, Bolivia

Both sides of the process take a lot of time and energy.

Other key quotes:

Both sides of the process take a lot of time and energy.

Other key quotes:

Both sides of the process take a lot of time and energy.

Other key quotes:

User Observations & Site Visits

We conducted site visits to observe the disconnect between wanting to volunteer and getting involved.

User Observations & Site Visits

We conducted site visits to observe the disconnect between wanting to volunteer and getting involved.

User Observations & Site Visits

We conducted site visits to observe the disconnect between wanting to volunteer and getting involved.

1) Montgomery Hall, Stairwell

Date: September 20 Time: 4:20 – 4:45 PM (25 minutes) This community board is located on the interior wall of a stairwell that receives heavy foot traffic. The board is large and has several posters on it. 306 people passed the board 33 people looked at the board (10.7% of total) 6 people interacted with the board (1.9% of toal)

1) Montgomery Hall, Stairwell

2) Montgomery Hall, Floor Two, Lobby

Date: September 20 Time: 4:20 – 4:45 PM (25 minutes) This board is located between the entrance door to the second floor and an elevator. Compared to the board downstairs, it is smaller and it is more visible to the people leaving the building other than coming inside and onto the second floor. 125 people passed the board 9 people looked at the board (7.2% of total) 2 people interacted with the board (1.6% of total)

2) Montgomery Hall, Floor Two, Lobby

3) Foxy Loxy Cafe, entrance table

Date: September 22 Time: 2:20 – 2:45 PM (25 minutes) Inside this popular coffee shop, there is a community table which advertises events in the area, volunteering opportunities as well as local organizations and companies. Many of the flyers advertise volunteer needing events and organizations. 44 people passed the board 11 people looked at the board (25% of total) 2 people interacted with the board (4.5% of total)

3) Foxy Loxy Cafe, entrance table

Insights

More people engaged with the board at Foxy Loxy – perhaps because they had more time and it was convenient
People are drawn towards the community board more if others are seen engaging with it
A few people took a photo of something on the board. This may be done to save information for future reference

Primary Research Insights

What we found from our survey, interviews, and site visits:

Primary Research Insights

What we found from our survey, interviews, and site visits:

Primary Research Insights

What we found from our survey, interviews, and site visits:

Organizations lack a constant volunteer pool.
It is challenging for organizations to match volunteers with assignments.
High schoolers require inconvenient paperwork.

Affinitization & Opportunities

Our process: 1) Gathered our data from interviews, observations, and initial survey onto yellow sticky notes 2) Affinitized the yellow sticky notes into related groups to analyze trends 3) Labeled the groups using pink sticky notes with titles using a word or simple phrase and used green stickys to label sub-categories 4) Gathered insights from the affinitization. Wrote our insights on on blue sticky notes 5) Asked “How Might We?” and developed questions based on our insights 6) Began the ideation process with solutions to our “How Might We” questions written on green stickys

Affinitization & Opportunities

Process Outcomes:

22 "How might we...?" questions generated:

Our top 5:

22 "How might we...?" questions generated:

Our top 5:

22 "How might we...?" questions generated:

Our top 5:

1) HMW make the volunteer onboarding process easier?

2) HMW better match volunteers to organizations?

3) HMW encourage people to serve?

4) HMW simplify paperwork?

5) HMW inspire service?

Of our 68 insights, 4 categories of trends emerged:

Organizational Challenges

Since volunteer turnover is high, organizations must struggle with the never-ending recruitment process; the supply rarely meets the demand.
It is often difficult for an organization to provide sufficient information for a volunteer to overcome initial fears of becoming involved.
Background checks, training, and vetting processes are important but can be confusing and complicated for an organization to navigate properly.
Scheduling and documenting service hours can be difficult for an organization because every tracking system is different, with labor-intensive and tedious paperwork.

Motivating Volunteers

Motivating adults and teenagers to volunteer are very different processes, with different challenges and outcomes.
Many students are required to serve; mandatory service can negatively impact a volunteer’s attitude.
Volunteers can be unreliable because of competing priorities from paid job duties and personal responsibilities.
It is hard to reliably predict a volunteer’s level of commitment.

Organizing Leadership

Establishing clear expectations with prospective volunteers is essential for successful results.
Making volunteers feel appreciated and cared for is a majority of what volunteer coordinators do, but comprise only a fraction of their assigned responsibilities.
Volunteer retention is greatly affected by the quality and personality of the volunteer leader.
Leaders must ensure there is a good fit between the needs of the organization and the individual volunteer.

Individual Volunteer Traits

People are often under the impression that they are too busy to serve, but people who prioritize service somehow manage to find the time to serve.
There are core groups of “super volunteers:” 20% of the volunteers do 80% of the work.
People volunteer for a sense of community, purpose and reward.
People want to share their service experiences with others; during and after.

Research Implementation

Archetypes:

The Busy Bee

This user is overwhelmed by their current schedule. They often use a paper planner to plan their day. They participate in one day service opportunities when they feel pressured to but often leave feeling rewarded and enriched.

The Helicopter Parent

This user has a child who participates in service as required by their school. The child is too young to get to service by themselves so it often turns into a family outing. This parent has been told by service organizers that this volunteering role is more independent but they have a hard time letting go. After all, the parent is the child’s main secretary.

The Understaffed Coordinator

This user is stressed out due to there being too much work and not enough hands to do it. Their stress levels are beginning to negatively affect their work. They fear burning out of the position.

The Reliable Retiree

This user is highly reliable. They are always on time, they do their set task well and are genuinely happy to do the work. They are a cornerstone of the service project but are not so great at recruiting. Because they have been committed for so long, new training and change in the role is very difficult for them to adapt to.

The Service Wannabe

This user has noticed that their community needs help. They are interested in helping and want to get involved. They could be a great addition to the service team. However, they are nervous to get started and might not know how to get started. Complicated on-boarding and scary time commitments often deters them.

The Scrooge

This user does not participate in service projects. They simply do not care. They have a sense that they have worked to get everything in their life and so should everyone else. They will assist their immediate family if they find themselves in need but it will be out of a sense of obligation and guilt. Charity work is donating their old clothes.

Personas and User Jounrey Maps:

Want to learn more?

Full process details are included in the book.

Open process book

Design

Designing connection that lasts.

We created low- and mid-fidelity wireframes to explore how the platform could surface opportunities based on location, interest, or cause. We then refined flows for user onboarding, opportunity matching, and nonprofit dashboards. A clean, uplifting visual system helped reinforce the platform’s mission: make doing good feel good.

Goals

1) Develop and provide a system that enhances the volunteering experience. 2) Help people foster successful, long-lasting, impactful volunteer relationships on a local and global scale.

Goals

1) Develop and provide a system that enhances the volunteering experience. 2) Help people foster successful, long-lasting, impactful volunteer relationships on a local and global scale.

Goals

1) Develop and provide a system that enhances the volunteering experience. 2) Help people foster successful, long-lasting, impactful volunteer relationships on a local and global scale.

Core Needs

1) People want to volunteer, but don’t know how to get started or are afraid of the time commitment 2) Some volunteers and organizations aren’t always a good fit 3) Organizations constantly spend time recruiting volunteers

Core Needs

Overall: 1) People want to volunteer, but don’t know how to get started or are afraid of the time commitment 2) Some volunteers and organizations aren’t always a good fit 3) Organizations constantly spend time recruiting volunteers 4) Tracking and reporting volunteer attendance is important to both the volunteer and volunteer seeker Additional user needs:

Core Needs

Volunteers:

Motivate youth to volunteer
Find volunteer opportunities based on interest
Simplify on-boarding and signing in/out of their service location

Volunteer Seekers:

Discourage volunteers from cancelling
Ease the process of finding and recruiting new volunteers
Assist in attendance tracking

Potential Solutions

Volunteer Preference Quiz & Matching

Users will answer questions about their ideal experience and interests, and will be matched with suitable organizations

User Profiles & Ratings

Volunteers and organizations will have profiles where they can be rated on their effectiveness & reliability. Volunteers can earn digital badges for their engagement.

Volunteer Management System

Volunteers can sign up for shifts in-app and communicate with organizations directly about any changes. Organizations can track trends in volunteer supply and engagement.

Social Sharing

Organizations can share their success stories to recruit more volunteers. Volunteers can share with their friends to encourage more people to serve.

Storyboarding

UI Development & Testing

We then took a look at the UI design and prepared for initial user testing.

UI Development & Testing

We then took a look at the UI design and prepared for initial user testing.

UI Development & Testing

We then took a look at the UI design and prepared for initial user testing.

Low fi:

Volunteer view:

Organization view:

Mid fi:

Map:

Mid-Fi User Testing Results

We used the following Confirmatory Research Design Methodologies: 1) Usability Studies and Rating 2) Expert Review

Mid-Fi User Testing Results

We used the following Confirmatory Research Design Methodologies: 1) Usability Studies and Rating 2) Expert Review

Mid-Fi User Testing Results

We used the following Confirmatory Research Design Methodologies: 1) Usability Studies and Rating 2) Expert Review

Findings

Users understood the concept without having been told anything Users wanted more social integration Text and buttons were universally too small

Findings

Users understood the concept without having been told anything Users wanted more social integration Text and buttons were universally too small

Findings

Users understood the concept without having been told anything Users wanted more social integration Text and buttons were universally too small

Updated UI:

Volunteer view:

Organization view:

High-Fi User Testing Results

“This is fun! I’m actually having fun! I wish I had this in high school” “The interface is super clean and minimal yet has all of the information I would need to complete the task. I really like where this going.” “I want this. It would make my job so much easier. I need this now.”

High-Fi User Testing Results

Volunteer-Focused Findings

1) Users understood the concept and the user flow very well 2) Users were able to complete tasks easily

Volunteer-Focused Findings

1) Users understood the concept and the user flow very well 2) Users were able to complete tasks easily

Volunteer-Focused Findings

1) Users understood the concept and the user flow very well 2) Users were able to complete tasks easily

Organization-Focused Findings

1) Users understood the concept and usability very well 2) Users highly enjoyed the calendar feature

Organization-Focused Findings

1) Users understood the concept and usability very well 2) Users highly enjoyed the calendar feature

Organization-Focused Findings

1) Users understood the concept and usability very well 2) Users highly enjoyed the calendar feature

Deliver

Ready to make an impact.

Finding and keeping enough volunteers to keep a nonprofit organization running can be a challenge. Finding an organization that you believe in and can make a difference with is also a challenge. Engage makes both processes simple with profile matching and scheduling assistants.

The final Engage prototype includes a mobile app for volunteers and a responsive dashboard for nonprofits. Key features include personalized matches, impact tracking, and built-in communication tools. Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or a seasoned organizer, Engage empowers everyone to make service more intentional—and more human.

Preference Quiz

In the onboarding proces volunteer candidates complete a quiz to find their ideal match.

Preference Quiz

In the onboarding proces volunteer candidates complete a quiz to find their ideal match.

Preference Quiz

In the onboarding proces volunteer candidates complete a quiz to find their ideal match.

Calendar Coordination & Event Management

Volunteers and coordinators can easily check their calendars for upcoming events. Organizations are able to add events and track their sign-ups for each opportunity.

Calendar Coordination & Event Management

Volunteers and coordinators can easily check their calendars for upcoming events. Organizations are able to add events and track their sign-ups for each opportunity.

Calendar Coordination & Event Management

Volunteers and coordinators can easily check their calendars for upcoming events. Organizations are able to add events and track their sign-ups for each opportunity.

Attendance Tracking

Volunteers check-in and out of the location by scanning the QR code provided to the facility making logging important volunteer hours easy for both parties.

Attendance Tracking

Volunteers check-in and out of the location by scanning the QR code provided to the facility making logging important volunteer hours easy for both parties.

Attendance Tracking

Volunteers check-in and out of the location by scanning the QR code provided to the facility making logging important volunteer hours easy for both parties.

Review and Reflect

At the end of the shift, organizations and volunteers can rate each other bsaed on their performance and experience with options to leave a short review or highlight on their public profile.

Review and Reflect

At the end of the shift, organizations and volunteers can rate each other bsaed on their performance and experience with options to leave a short review or highlight on their public profile.

Review and Reflect

At the end of the shift, organizations and volunteers can rate each other bsaed on their performance and experience with options to leave a short review or highlight on their public profile.

Reward

Volunteers get reward badges based on their accomplishmnets such as showing up on time, being reliable, earning hour milestones, and other successes.

Reward

Volunteers get reward badges based on their accomplishmnets such as showing up on time, being reliable, earning hour milestones, and other successes.

Reward

Volunteers get reward badges based on their accomplishmnets such as showing up on time, being reliable, earning hour milestones, and other successes.

Debrief

Engage was my first experience tackling the full end-to-end UX process—from initial research all the way through to prototyping and delivery. I fell in love with research, content strategy, and accessibility. This was my first attempt at UI design!

I learned how meaningful design can be when it’s rooted in empathy and purpose. This project solidified my passion for human-centered design and gave me a strong foundation to build on moving forward. Forever grateful to this project and team!