YMCA Learning App Case Study
Empowering Young Adults
with Practical Life Skills
Client : YMCA
Project : Apprenticeship
Role : UI/UX Designer | Duration: 3 Weeks
Tools : Figma, Miro, Illustrator
How can practical life skills be made accessible to underserved youth in Los Angeles?
The YMCA Los Angeles branch faced this challenge, aiming to empower young adults with essential skills in job readiness, communication, and basic financial literacy. As the sole UI/UX Designer, I developed a user-friendly app that delivers these practical skills through a supportive, accessible digital experience. Dive into my process to see how a user-centered approach turned a complex learning goal into a practical, engaging tool that resonates with young adults.
The YMCA Learning App MVP
Before diving into the design journey, here’s a look at the MVP—the final screen prototype of the YMCA Learning App. This interface represents the culmination of user research, empathetic design thinking, and iterative refinement, focusing on accessible, practical skill-building for young adults.
onboarding
onboarding
onboarding
onboarding
onboarding
Day/Night Mode
Quiz
My Design Process
Empathy-Driven Discovery:
Understanding User Needs
Zoom Interviews with Young Voices!
To better understand how young adults (18-25) engage with learning apps and what drives them to build new skills, I conducted 6 user interviews, focusing on open-ended questions and exploring the ‘why’ behind their behaviours.
Insights form user interviews-
I just want to learn things that actually help me handle life on my own.
Life’s busy. I want lessons that are quick but actually teach me something real.
Sometimes I don’t even know where to start. If the app could guide me step-by-step, I’d feel more confident.
Success Strategies from 6 Top Educational Apps
I conducted a simultaneous competitive and comparative analysis alongside business research. This approach allowed me to understand how similar platforms address user pain points and pinpoint specific strategies that resonate with young adults seeking accessible learning tools. By evaluating competitors, I identified key expectations and unmet needs, guiding my design to deliver real value through features that align with user aspirations and the YMCA's mission to empower underserved young adults.
Take away : Simple, jargon-free language Engagement through small, tangible wins Flexible access
Defining the Solution: User Persona and User Flow
Developing User Personas : ROY
From my research, I created personas representing the diverse backgrounds and goals of young adults using the app. Roy’s persona was a constant reminder to prioritize simplicity, accessibility, and encouragement in the design.
Goal
"I want to get my finances in order and be more independent."
"I am keen on learning things like how to manage my money, save, and improve my credit score."
"Hopes to own my own home someday.
Wants to be part of a community that informs each other."
"Wants to receive accurate information about life skills."
Pain Point
I don't have much money, so it's hard for me to afford formal education or training programs."
" I have a really busy work life, so I can't make time for regular classes."
"I am not sure where to find good and cheap ways to improve myself."
Mapping User Flows
Using the personas as a guide, I crafted user flows for key tasks, such as accessing modules, tracking progress, and completing skill-building exercises. Each flow was designed to be intuitive and frictionless, making learning straightforward for users.
Establishing a Cohesive UI Design System
To create a visually consistent and accessible app experience, I developed a UI design system that emphasized clarity and user-friendliness. This system laid the foundation for a cohesive experience across all screens and elements, enhancing accessibility and user engagement.
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