Jobs Ability: Enhancing Accessibility for Job Seekers with Disabilities

Problem Statement

When I first started my internship with “Our Ability”, I discovered several critical issues. Users reported difficulties navigating the dashboard, finding relevant job postings, and completing their profiles. The platform’s interface did not fully comply with WCAG standards, creating barriers for users with various disabilities.

Research

To truly understand the user's challenges, I embarked on an extensive research journey. Conducted user interviews, gathered feedback through surveys, and observed users interacting with the platforms.

Employment challenges for People with Disabilities

Understanding the job market for people with disabilities requires a comprehensive look at employment rates and the challenges faced in job searching. Here are some key statistics and insights:

To better understand …..

Created detailed user personas, mapping the user journey, identifying key touch points, and conducting affinity mapping to better understand the pain points faced by users with disabilities. This approach allowed me to make informed design decisions that address these challenges, ultimately leading to a more accessible and user-friendly job search platform.

Affinity Mapping

Categorized and analyzed the pain points that were identified during research, which allowed us to prioritize the most critical issues to address.

Design Iteration

Simplifying the dashboard navigation helps users quickly find what they need without feeling overwhelmed

Streamlined the dashboard to provide a clear and concise overview of key actions. Users can now easily access profile completion, video tutorials to up-skill, and job recommendations.

Helping users find relevant job listings quickly reduces frustrations and improves their job search experience

The job listings page now includes advanced filters for experience level, remote work, and date posted. Additionally, a "Match Percentage" feature shows how well a job matches the user’s profile.

Making the application process straightforward ensures that users with various disabilities can apply for jobs without unnecessary hurdles.

The job detail page provides a clean layout with clearly defined sections for job descriptions, responsibilities, and skills needed. The "Apply" button is prominently placed and easy to access.

Offering immediate support through the chatbot ensures that users can resolve issues quickly and continue their job search without delays.

Integrated a chatbot that offers personalized assistance for profile optimization, job search tips, and more. The chatbot guides users through common tasks and answers their questions in real time.

High-fidelity Prototype

Navigation

Simplified the interface, ensuring all buttons and menus were clearly labeled and compatible with screen readers.

Profile Completion

Redesigned form fields to be fully accessible, added clear, step-by-step instructions, and streamlined the resume upload process.

Job Matching

Enhancements included better search filters and personalized job recommendations.

Accessibility Improvements

Ensured compliance with WCAG standards, added high contrast modes, and improved keyboard navigation.

1. Ensuring Color contrast meets WCAG Guidelines > 4.5 : 1

   
   

2. Designing Clear and Accessible Navigation Paths

   
   

3. Optimizing Readability: Placing Labels on Top with Minimal Space

   
   

Design System

Reflection

Key Learnings

• Visual and Functional Consistency: Maintaining visual and functional consistency across all sections of the platform fosters a more cohesive and intuitive user experience.



• Simplifying Complex Workflows: Simplifying the user interface and providing clear, accessible instructions can dramatically improve the user experience, making the platform more intuitive and user-friendly.

Future Enhancement

• Continuous Accessibility Improvements: Regularly update and test the platform to ensure ongoing compliance with the latest accessibility standards.



• Enhanced Personalization: Develop more advanced machine learning algorithms to provide even more personalized job recommendations based on user behavior and preferences.



• Community and Networking Features: Introduce community and networking features where users can connect with peers, mentors, and potential employers.



• Expanded Support Features: Expand the chatbot's capabilities to include more interactive and advanced support features, such as video tutorials and real-time resume reviews.



• Mobile Optimization: Optimize the platform for mobile devices to ensure a seamless experience across all screen sizes.



• Gamification Elements: Integrate gamification elements to make the job search process more engaging, such as achievement badges for profile completion and job applications.