Jamie Paradis
Jamie Paradis

DiceApply

one application, endless opportunities

Based on user research, DiceApply simplifies the job application process for young tech professionals by drawing inspiration from the Common App and leveraging industry expertise to create a streamlined, intuitive platform.

Role
TIME
TEAM
UX Researcher, UX Designer
Summer 2024
DHI Group Internship
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Overview

Dice is a leading career marketplace for technology professionals, catering specifically to individuals seeking opportunities in the tech industry.

DiceApply was developed to address the complexities faced by young tech professionals in the job application process. Through comprehensive user research, it became clear that this demographic needed a more streamlined and intuitive platform, much like the Common App used for college applications. DiceApply was created to fill this gap, offering a solution that simplifies the application process while leveraging industry-specific insights.

Problem Statement

The job application process for tech professionals, especially those in their early careers, can be overwhelming and time-consuming. The need to fill out multiple applications, often with redundant information, leads to frustration and fatigue. Users expressed a desire for a centralized platform that would allow them to apply for multiple roles with minimal repetitive effort.

Research & Insights

To ensure the platform met the needs of its target audience, extensive research was conducted, including surveys, interviews, and usability testing. The findings revealed a clear demand for a solution that could reduce the burden of repetitive tasks in the application process. The research also highlighted the importance of a familiar and user-friendly interface.

Design Process

The design process was iterative, starting with minimalistic sketches to get ideas on the table, then wireframes to pitch design ideas to the rest of the UX team, and eventually evolving into high-fidelity prototypes.

Early Dice Apply Sketches

User feedback was integral at every stage, collected through usability tests, surveys, and user interviews. This feedback informed critical design decisions, ensuring the interface was intuitive, the user journey was seamless, and the product met the expectations of the target audience. Continuous iteration allowed for adjustments to the design, such as improving navigation flows, adjusting content hierarchy, and refining interactive elements.

First Wireframe

Key features of the design included a centralized application form that minimized repetitive data entry, customizable job alerts tailored to users' specific skills and preferences, and an intuitive dashboard for tracking the status of applications. Additional features, such as real-time notifications, a streamlined search functionality, and a mobile-responsive design, were implemented to enhance user engagement and ensure accessibility across devices. Throughout the process, the design was tested for scalability, ensuring that it could accommodate a growing user base while maintaining performance and usability.

Screenshot of Final Prototype Modal
Screenshot of Final Prototype


Final Prototype
The final prototype represents the culmination of an extensive design process, incorporating feedback from multiple user testing sessions and stakeholder reviews. This prototype showcases the fully-realized vision of the product, with a focus on user-centered design principles, accessibility, and a seamless user experience.

This prototype includes several key features designed to enhance the job application process for users. It offers tech-specific short answer questions, allowing candidates to highlight their relevant skills and experience effectively. Additionally, company-specific and role-specific questions are dynamically generated to ensure that applicants provide the most pertinent information for each job they apply to. The system also utilizes an inheritance feature, enabling applicants to carry over relevant information from previous applications, streamlining the process and reducing repetitive tasks.

Please explore the interactive prototype below to experience the final design in action.

Conclusion


DiceApply stands as a testament to the power of user-centered design. By focusing on the needs and challenges of its target audience, the platform successfully simplifies the job application process, providing a much-needed solution in the tech industry. Throughout this project, I learned the importance of iterative design and how critical it is to involve users at every stage. Their feedback not only shaped the final product but also taught me how to balance user expectations with technical feasibility and business goals.

This project challenged me to refine my skills in creating dynamic and adaptable interfaces, particularly in designing tech-specific, company-specific, and role-specific questions that cater to a wide range of users. The development of the inheritance feature further expanded my understanding of how to streamline complex processes while maintaining a user-friendly experience.

As a designer, I grew in my ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, navigate the complexities of integrating user feedback, and make data-driven decisions that enhance both usability and functionality. DiceApply is more than just a successful product; it’s a milestone in my journey as a UX designer, showcasing my commitment to creating impactful, user-centric solutions.

Final Internship Presentation to DHI Group's C-Suite

I specifically speak about DiceApply beginning at 7:05 in the video, but I discuss the research and findings leading up to the idea throughout the video.