Stichting PAWW
The challenge
How might we reduce the complexity of the PAWW-application process?
The solution
A new mobile-first design that guides users through the PAWW-application check process in a step-by-step and calm manner, making it easier to follow and reducing stress.
Team
Merel van Ooijen, UX/UI design intern
Julien Kreuk, UX/UI designer
Peter Mulder, UX researcher (external)
Mark van Domburgh, Project manager
Disciplines
UX research
UX design
UI design
Responsibilities
UX research
Wireframing
Prototyping
Testing
Tools
Figma
Figjam
Projects phases
1
Connect
Identifying problems
Formulate design question
Desk research
Test application process on website
Persona’s
Set up design guidelines
2
Concept
Brainstorm
Categorize & analyse ideas
Develop solutions
Low-fidelity prototypes
Test solutions
Select & improve solution
3
Create
High-fidelity prototypes
User testing
Refine design
Research
Key insights on
current situation
After user testing and personally navigating the PAWW-application flow, I found multiple usability challenges. The design needed to be more intuitive, less overwhelming, and optimized for mobile users.
Confusing flow
Users often thought they had completed the process, only to realize they needed to scroll further for more information.
Solution: Implement step-by-step flow with a clear progress bar to indicate current and remaining steps.
Stressful
Users experience stress and have limited concentration for reading large amounts of text.
Solution: Minimize text and use concise language and icons to reduce cognitive load.
Mobile first
Most users access the website on mobile devices.
Solution: Design the website with a mobile-first approach to ensure optimal user experience on smaller screens.
Experimenting
Exploring
solutions
I explored and tested 3 different solutions to improve the checker flow. I chose the stepper for its clarity, ease of use, and familiarity, as it is commonly used on many websites. This ensured it was accessible and low-stress for users.
Solution 1. Stepper
Solution 2. Chatbot
Solution 3. Questionnaire
User testing current and new check-tool
Testing
User insights on
high-fidelity prototype
User testing on the prototype received positive feedback. The stepper design was easier and less stressful to navigate. All users were able to complete the process, something they couldn’t achieve on the current design. Minor improvements were implemented in the final iteration.
Necessities
The grey box with necessary information is not noticeable enough.
Solution: Highlight key requirements, such as having worked 10+ years and the last employer being affiliated with Stichting PAWW.
Reduce stress
Illustrative visuals are not necessarily required.
Solution: Focus on a clean, straightforward design without unnecessary illustrations to maintain clarity and reduce distractions.
Reading direction
The design directs users to an outcome on the right side, disrupting the natural reading flow.
Solution: Redesign the layout to follow a straightforward top-to-bottom reading direction.
Designing
Improving
accessibility
User testing showed that placing outcomes on the right disrupted reading flow and caused confusion. To address this, I redesigned the outcome layout to follow a top-to-bottom reading direction.
Before. This version directed users to an outcome on the right side, adding an unnecessary step and disrupting the reading flow.
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After. The redesign eliminates the extra step, creating a straightforward, top-to-bottom reading flow.
The final product
VR tool for
relaxing at school
Quantuary offers a calming virtual environment where students can reduce stress and overstimulation. Customizable time-of-day and color options help create the perfect setting for each user’s relaxation needs.
What did I learn?
"Watching users interact with the old design showed me the importance of making the process stress-free and user-friendly."
