Taproot Plus
Taproot Plus
Onboarding
Onboarding
Onboarding
Onboarding
and Activation
and Activation
and Activation
and Activation
2020
2020
Taproot Plus is a Saas B2B and B2C platform by Taproot Foundation that connects skilled professionals with nonprofit organizations in need of support. The platform streamlines the process of matching volunteers to impactful projects, fostering collaboration and community growth.
Taproot Plus is a Saas B2B and B2C platform by Taproot Foundation that connects skilled professionals with nonprofit organizations in need of support. The platform streamlines the process of matching volunteers to impactful projects, fostering collaboration and community growth.
10 minutes to read
10 minutes to read
This project significantly improved the onboarding experience for Taproot Plus users, resulting in a 15% increase in activation rates. Through research, testing, and iteration, I addressed key pain points and created a more intuitive process.
On this project, I took the lead in addressing critical usability challenges within the onboarding process. By improving accessibility and creating a more intuitive, engaging, and user-friendly experience, I simplified complex workflows, resolved key pain points, and significantly boosted activation rates. My efforts not only enhanced the onboarding journey but also empowered volunteers to seamlessly contribute their skills and make a meaningful impact.
This project significantly improved the onboarding experience for Taproot Plus users, resulting in a 15% increase in activation rates. Through research, testing, and iteration, I addressed key pain points and created a more intuitive process.
On this project, I took the lead in addressing critical usability challenges within the onboarding process. By improving accessibility and creating a more intuitive, engaging, and user-friendly experience, I simplified complex workflows, resolved key pain points, and significantly boosted activation rates. My efforts not only enhanced the onboarding journey but also empowered volunteers to seamlessly contribute their skills and make a meaningful impact.
This project significantly improved the onboarding experience for Taproot Plus users, resulting in a 15% increase in activation rates. Through research, testing, and iteration, I addressed key pain points and created a more intuitive process.
On this project, I took the lead in addressing critical usability challenges within the onboarding process. By improving accessibility and creating a more intuitive, engaging, and user-friendly experience, I simplified complex workflows, resolved key pain points, and significantly boosted activation rates. My efforts not only enhanced the onboarding journey but also empowered volunteers to seamlessly contribute their skills and make a meaningful impact.
Challenge
Taproot Plus faced challenges with low activation rates among volunteer users due to a confusing onboarding process. Users frequently signed up for the wrong account type and experienced unreliable email communication, such as missing confirmation emails. These issues created barriers for volunteers eager to contribute their skills and limited the platform's ability to effectively connect nonprofits with the support they needed.
Challenge
Taproot Plus faced challenges with low activation rates among volunteer users due to a confusing onboarding process. Users frequently signed up for the wrong account type and experienced unreliable email communication, such as missing confirmation emails. These issues created barriers for volunteers eager to contribute their skills and limited the platform's ability to effectively connect nonprofits with the support they needed.
The Process
Discover
Discover
Define
Define
Develop
Develop
Deliver
Deliver
1
Research
Identifying Problems
User Surveys
Usability Testing
Heuristic Evaluation
Comparative Competitive Analysis
2
Synthesis
User Journey
Affinity Mapping
Feature Prioritization
3
Ideation
User Persona
Mood Board
Design Studio
Mid and High Fidelity Mockups
4
Implementation
Mid and High Fidelity Prototypes
Usability Testings
Reiteration
Team Feedback
Handoff to Engineering
Testing
5
Reflection
Usability testing
User Feedback
Next Steps
User surveys and Usability testings
I conducted a user survey to gain deeper insights into user perspectives and identify the challenges they faced. Following the survey, I performed a series of usability tests to observe user behavior and understand their interactions with the platform.
User surveys and Usability testings
I conducted a user survey to gain deeper insights into user perspectives and identify the challenges they faced. Following the survey, I performed a series of usability tests to observe user behavior and understand their interactions with the platform.
User surveys and Usability testings
I conducted a user survey to gain deeper insights into user perspectives and identify the challenges they faced. Following the survey, I performed a series of usability tests to observe user behavior and understand their interactions with the platform.
Key Takeaways
Navigation & Sign-Up Process: Users struggled to navigate the website and were unclear about the process of signing up as volunteers.
Password Creation: All users had to make multiple attempts to create a password due to a poorly functioning password strength indicator, forcing them to guess.
Trust Issues: Four participants expressed concerns about trusting organizations on Taproot Plus.
Clickability Confusion: Users were unsure whether certain elements on the platform were clickable.
Location Misunderstanding: Participants believed they could only apply for projects within their local area, missing remote opportunities.
Key Takeaways
Navigation & Sign-Up Process: Users struggled to navigate the website and were unclear about the process of signing up as volunteers.
Password Creation: All users had to make multiple attempts to create a password due to a poorly functioning password strength indicator, forcing them to guess.
Trust Issues: Four participants expressed concerns about trusting organizations on Taproot Plus.
Clickability Confusion: Users were unsure whether certain elements on the platform were clickable.
Location Misunderstanding: Participants believed they could only apply for projects within their local area, missing remote opportunities.
Recommendations
Improve the functionality of the password strength indicator to provide clear feedback.
Add more information about Taproot Plus and the nonprofits we partner with on the Home page to build trust and transparency.
Create clear and action-driven CTA buttons with descriptive keywords.
Introduce hover states for all clickable elements to improve clarity.
Separate the Volunteer and Nonprofit user experiences to streamline onboarding.
Specify whether projects are remote or in-person to manage user expectations.
Recommendations
Improve the functionality of the password strength indicator to provide clear feedback.
Add more information about Taproot Plus and the nonprofits we partner with on the Home page to build trust and transparency.
Create clear and action-driven CTA buttons with descriptive keywords.
Introduce hover states for all clickable elements to improve clarity.
Separate the Volunteer and Nonprofit user experiences to streamline onboarding.
Specify whether projects are remote or in-person to manage user expectations.
Heuristic evaluation
The next phase was a heuristic evaluation where I analyzed the Taproot Plus account creation flow. Employing Jakob Nielsen’s 10 usability heuristics, I aimed to pinpoint potential challenges users might encounter, ensuring alignment with industry standards.
Heuristic evaluation
The next phase was a heuristic evaluation where I analyzed the Taproot Plus account creation flow. Employing Jakob Nielsen’s 10 usability heuristics, I aimed to pinpoint potential challenges users might encounter, ensuring alignment with industry standards.
Heuristic evaluation
The next phase was a heuristic evaluation where I analyzed the Taproot Plus account creation flow. Employing Jakob Nielsen’s 10 usability heuristics, I aimed to pinpoint potential challenges users might encounter, ensuring alignment with industry standards.
1. Users have to guess the password complexity or try multiple times.
2. If a volunteer accidentally creates an account as a nonprofit — there is no other way to recover except to contact us.
3. Users have to scroll to see “Sign Up with LinkedIn.”
1. Users have to guess the password complexity or try multiple times.
2. If a volunteer accidentally creates an account as a nonprofit — there is no other way to recover except to contact us.
3. Users have to scroll to see “Sign Up with LinkedIn.”
4. Lack of contrast – Accessibility violation according to WCAG 2.0 Compliance. It requires a contrast ratio of 3:1 for UI components. A contrast ratio for some colors is 1.31 or less. 5. Users receive an email confirmation before, before actual email confirmation.
4. Lack of contrast – Accessibility violation according to WCAG 2.0 Compliance. It requires a contrast ratio of 3:1 for UI components. A contrast ratio for some colors is 1.31 or less. 5. Users receive an email confirmation before, before actual email confirmation.
UI Elements Lack of Alignment: The user interface suffers from misaligned elements, leading to inconsistent visual experience that impacts usability and overall design cohesion.
UI Elements Lack of Alignment: The user interface suffers from misaligned elements, leading to inconsistent visual experience that impacts usability and overall design cohesion.
Affinity Mapping
After gathering up enough information from user interviews and surveys. I used a method called Affinity Mapping to consolidate the data and insights that I found from each individual. I then categorized these findings into “I” statement segments to get a clear and better understanding of where I needed to focus my efforts when going into the design process.
Affinity Mapping
After gathering up enough information from user interviews and surveys. I used a method called Affinity Mapping to consolidate the data and insights that I found from each individual. I then categorized these findings into “I” statement segments to get a clear and better understanding of where I needed to focus my efforts when going into the design process.
Affinity Mapping
After gathering up enough information from user interviews and surveys. I used a method called Affinity Mapping to consolidate the data and insights that I found from each individual. I then categorized these findings into “I” statement segments to get a clear and better understanding of where I needed to focus my efforts when going into the design process.
"
I want clear and timely updates at every step of my experience.
"
I want clear and timely updates at every step of my experience.
"
I want to feel confident that the platform understands my unique needs and provides a tailored experience.
"
I want to feel confident that the platform understands my unique needs and provides a tailored experience.
"
I want my concerns to be acknowledged and addressed so I can confidently navigate the platform and contribute effectively.
"
I want my concerns to be acknowledged and addressed so I can confidently navigate the platform and contribute effectively.
Key Takeaways
Confusion around account type selection during onboarding.
A desire for clear, step-by-step guidance in setting up profiles.
Frustration caused by technical issues, such as undelivered confirmation emails.
These insights guided the creation of personas and informed the solutions I designed to address these challenges.
Key Takeaways
Confusion around account type selection during onboarding.
A desire for clear, step-by-step guidance in setting up profiles.
Frustration caused by technical issues, such as undelivered confirmation emails.
These insights guided the creation of personas and informed the solutions I designed to address these challenges.
Key Takeaways
Confusion around account type selection during onboarding.
A desire for clear, step-by-step guidance in setting up profiles.
Frustration caused by technical issues, such as undelivered confirmation emails.
These insights guided the creation of personas and informed the solutions I designed to address these challenges.
User Persona
Based on my research, I developed a user persona to encapsulate the diverse needs of Taproot Plus users. Demographic data revealed that 40% of users fell within the 25-34 age range, and 60% of users were female.
User Persona
Based on my research, I developed a user persona to encapsulate the diverse needs of Taproot Plus users. Demographic data revealed that 40% of users fell within the 25-34 age range, and 60% of users were female.
User Persona
Based on my research, I developed a user persona to encapsulate the diverse needs of Taproot Plus users. Demographic data revealed that 40% of users fell within the 25-34 age range, and 60% of users were female.
Feature Prioritization
Based on the trends I identified during the research, I narrowed a list of demands and features. I used the MoSCow method to prioritize features. MoSCoW method was designed as a prioritization framework for time-boxed projects.
Feature Prioritization
Based on the trends I identified during the research, I narrowed a list of demands and features. I used the MoSCow method to prioritize features. MoSCoW method was designed as a prioritization framework for time-boxed projects.
Feature Prioritization
Based on the trends I identified during the research, I narrowed a list of demands and features. I used the MoSCow method to prioritize features. MoSCoW method was designed as a prioritization framework for time-boxed projects.
Must-Have
Update the password-strength indicator.
Clear CTA buttons with keywords.
Show whether projects are remote or in-person.
Separate Volunteer and Nonprofit experience.
Update UI elements: colors, fonts, icons, alignment.
Must-Have
Update the password-strength indicator.
Clear CTA buttons with keywords.
Show whether projects are remote or in-person.
Separate Volunteer and Nonprofit experience.
Update UI elements: colors, fonts, icons, alignment.
Should Have
Provide more information about Taproot Plus and Nonprofits we work with on the Home page.
Add hover state for all clickable elements.
Prevent posting the same project multiple times.
Should Have
Provide more information about Taproot Plus and Nonprofits we work with on the Home page.
Add hover state for all clickable elements.
Prevent posting the same project multiple times.
Design
Based on my research findings, I created an updated user flow to make onboarding easier and more intuitive. I developed a high-fidelity prototype, conducted several rounds of usability testing, and moved the design into production.
Design
Based on my research findings, I created an updated user flow to make onboarding easier and more intuitive. I developed a high-fidelity prototype, conducted several rounds of usability testing, and moved the design into production.
Design
Based on my research findings, I created an updated user flow to make onboarding easier and more intuitive. I developed a high-fidelity prototype, conducted several rounds of usability testing, and moved the design into production.
Before
After
In this section, I updated the navigation to ensure users always knew where they are in the onboarding process and to minimize distractions. I separated the Volunteer and Nonprofit account creation flows for clarity, added a password error indicator to guide users in meeting complexity requirements, and introduced the ability to return to previous steps in the process seamlessly.
In this section, I updated the navigation to ensure users always knew where they are in the onboarding process and to minimize distractions. I separated the Volunteer and Nonprofit account creation flows for clarity, added a password error indicator to guide users in meeting complexity requirements, and introduced the ability to return to previous steps in the process seamlessly.
In this section, I updated the navigation to ensure users always knew where they are in the onboarding process and to minimize distractions. I separated the Volunteer and Nonprofit account creation flows for clarity, added a password error indicator to guide users in meeting complexity requirements, and introduced the ability to return to previous steps in the process seamlessly.
Here, I improved accessibility by increasing contrast for better visibility. I also added a clear message displaying the user's email and provided options to resend the email or request help if they didn’t receive it.
Here, I improved accessibility by increasing contrast for better visibility. I also added a clear message displaying the user's email and provided options to resend the email or request help if they didn’t receive it.
Here, I improved accessibility by increasing contrast for better visibility. I also added a clear message displaying the user's email and provided options to resend the email or request help if they didn’t receive it.
Introduced a guided tour to educate users about the service, highlighting its features and the value they can gain from using it. Updated UI elements to ensure consistency and build trust with users. Improved the alignment of all interface components for a more cohesive and polished look.
Introduced a guided tour to educate users about the service, highlighting its features and the value they can gain from using it. Updated UI elements to ensure consistency and build trust with users. Improved the alignment of all interface components for a more cohesive and polished look.
Introduced a guided tour to educate users about the service, highlighting its features and the value they can gain from using it. Updated UI elements to ensure consistency and build trust with users. Improved the alignment of all interface components for a more cohesive and polished look.
Key Takeaways
After ensuring the design effectively resolved user challenges, I moved it into production. Here are some key insights gathered during usability testing with the prototype:
Users navigated the onboarding process more confidently and made fewer errors when selecting "For Volunteers" or "For Nonprofits."
The improved password-strength indicator provided clear feedback, significantly reducing user frustration.
Clearer CTAs and hover states for clickable elements enhanced usability and user trust.
An expanded and reorganized skills section made it easier for users to find relevant projects.
Key Takeaways
After ensuring the design effectively resolved user challenges, I moved it into production. Here are some key insights gathered during usability testing with the prototype:
Users navigated the onboarding process more confidently and made fewer errors when selecting "For Volunteers" or "For Nonprofits."
The improved password-strength indicator provided clear feedback, significantly reducing user frustration.
Clearer CTAs and hover states for clickable elements enhanced usability and user trust.
An expanded and reorganized skills section made it easier for users to find relevant projects.
Key Takeaways
After ensuring the design effectively resolved user challenges, I moved it into production. Here are some key insights gathered during usability testing with the prototype:
Users navigated the onboarding process more confidently and made fewer errors when selecting "For Volunteers" or "For Nonprofits."
The improved password-strength indicator provided clear feedback, significantly reducing user frustration.
Clearer CTAs and hover states for clickable elements enhanced usability and user trust.
An expanded and reorganized skills section made it easier for users to find relevant projects.
Reflection
This project significantly improved the onboarding experience for Taproot Plus users, resulting in a 15% increase in activation rates. Through research, testing, and iteration, I addressed key pain points and created a more intuitive process.
During the project, I also identified an opportunity to expand skill options to help users find more relevant projects. While this was outside the project’s scope, it remains a priority for future improvements. This experience reinforced the importance of user-centered design and continuous collaboration to deliver impactful solutions.
Reflection
This project significantly improved the onboarding experience for Taproot Plus users, resulting in a 15% increase in activation rates. Through research, testing, and iteration, I addressed key pain points and created a more intuitive process.
During the project, I also identified an opportunity to expand skill options to help users find more relevant projects. While this was outside the project’s scope, it remains a priority for future improvements. This experience reinforced the importance of user-centered design and continuous collaboration to deliver impactful solutions.
Reflection
This project significantly improved the onboarding experience for Taproot Plus users, resulting in a 15% increase in activation rates. Through research, testing, and iteration, I addressed key pain points and created a more intuitive process.
During the project, I also identified an opportunity to expand skill options to help users find more relevant projects. While this was outside the project’s scope, it remains a priority for future improvements. This experience reinforced the importance of user-centered design and continuous collaboration to deliver impactful solutions.
