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EMPOWERING PEOPLE FOR SUCCESSFUL U.S. IMMIGRATION

Legal Platform

Lead the UX design process

Project Objectives

  • This project aims to understand what are the key challenges and obstacles faced by individuals when searching for information about immigration. By exploring these factors, the study aims to develop a platform that enhances the overall experience for individuals seeking accurate and personalized immigration legal information.

Schedule

  • May 2023 - Sep 2023

Tools

  • Illustrator, Figma, Axure

PROCESS

The creation of the platform followed a double diamond design approach, facilitating concurrent tasks and adjustments as necessary. Originating from a necessity identified during the research phase, the project prioritized addressing the primary challenge: the proliferation of misinformation on immigration to the United States. Its mission aimed to assist individuals in making informed decisions and successfully navigate the immigration application process.

RESEARCH

SURVEYS

I surveyed individuals currently in the immigration process to explore their pre-application information sources.

Twenty-six participants contributed insights into where they sought guidance and legal representation when applying for migration processes in the United States. Here are the findings.

  • Individuals seeking legal information to immigrate to the USA commonly explore this sources:​

  • Factors People Consider When Deciding Whom to Hire for Legal Representation

COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS

I meticulously examined multiple platforms that offer legal advice and consultation services, such as online legal service providers and law firms. These insights revealed the strategies used to disseminate legal information and the obstacles individuals may face. I aimed to identify effective strategies used by competitors, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and exploit competitor vulnerabilities strategically.

KEY FINDINGS

SURVEYS INSIGTHS

Downsides of Seeking Legal Information to Immigrate to the USA from the Most Common Answers:

  • Misconceptions:

    • Some individuals may become misled into believing that simply being in the immigration process guarantees success, which is not always true. Influencers may inadvertently create unrealistic expectations about the immigration journey.

  • Potential for Misinformation:

    • Depending solely on influencers for guidance can lead to the dissemination of inaccurate or incomplete information, potentially leading individuals down the wrong path or causing unnecessary delays in the immigration process.

    • Relying on family and friends can lead to missed opportunities for obtaining professional legal advice and assistance, potentially jeopardizing the chances of successfully securing immigration approval.

Cons of Factors to Consider When Deciding on Legal Representation:

  • Lack of Knowledge:

    • Potential Missteps: Insufficient understanding of immigration laws and procedures may lead to mistakes or oversights in the application process, jeopardizing the chances of a successful outcome.

  • Economic Constraints:

    • Limited Options: Financial limitations may restrict individuals' access to quality legal representation, forcing them to choose less experienced or less reputable attorneys or to forgo legal assistance altogether, potentially compromising the quality of legal advice and help received.

  • Language Barriers:

    • Communication Challenges: Language barriers can hinder effective communication with legal professionals, leading to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and inadequate representation.

    • Limited Access to Information: Individuals with language barriers may need help accessing comprehensive legal information and resources, hindering their ability to make informed decisions and understand their rights and obligations.

PERSONAS

JOURNEY MAP

VALUE PROPOSITION CANVAS

How Might We spread reliable immigration information and raise awareness about misinformation in a clear, easy-to-understand, and engaging manner, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about immigration and legal compliance?

JOURNEY MAP

VALUE PROPOSITION CANVAS

How Might We facilitate connections between new immigrants and those who have already successfully immigrate, enabling them to exchange resources, provide mutual assistance and navigate their navigation paths with shared guidance.    

JOURNEY MAP

VALUE PROPOSITION CANVAS

How Might We ensure that people effortlessly receives accurate and tailored advice on the immigration process, regardless of geographical location. 

​

IDEATE

GOAL STATEMENT

The tool is an interactive platform designed to provide reliable immigration information and combat misinformation. It offers personalized resources based on users' needs, educational modules with videos and infographics, a database of verified legal resources, and community forums for peer and expert advice. The tool supports multiple languages to cater to diverse users, includes a survey for personalized assistance, shares inspiring immigration stories, and provides timely updates on policy changes.

 

Collaborations with immigration experts ensure the accuracy of information, while the user-friendly design and feedback mechanisms not only enhance accessibility but also support continuous improvement.

DESIGN RECOMENDATION

WIREFRAMES

I began with basic hand-drawn sketches to outline the structure and layout of the feature.

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The interface should include:

  • Immediate Help Button: A quick-access button for users needing instant guidance or support. When activated, the user can gain deeper understanding of the links on the website.

  • Text-to-Audio Conversion feature: Converts selected text into audio for users who prefer listening over reading.

  • Multilingual Support: Users can share and access content in their preferred language, promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and reaching a wider audience.

  • Literacy-Friendly Content: Pop-ups provide explanations for challenging words and features, enhancing understanding, improving vocabulary, and promoting literacy skills.

  • Interactive Glossaries: Users can interactively understand terms by clicking on them, enhancing user engagement, improving comprehension, and facilitating learning.

  • Anonymity by Default: Users can share stories anonymously, fostering a safe and open environment for sharing personal experiences without fear of judgment, ensuring user privacy and comfort.

MID-FI PROTOTYPE

Due to participants' reluctance to engage repeatedly in the testing process, I chose to develop a medium-fidelity prototype for interface testing. This allowed me to balance realistic functionality testing with reduced time and resource demands compared to high-fidelity prototypes.

Personalized Profile Assessment:

A thorough questionnaire that evaluates users' backgrounds, qualifications, skills, and aspirations to customize a legal immigration path.

Testimonial Hub: A dedicated section where users can read and share firsthand immigration experiences.

USABILITY TESTING

TEST #1

Participant was similar to JULIO’S profile:

​

Maximum level of education: High School

Has some familiarity with computers

Never consult anything about immigration

I developed a MID-fidelity prototype using Axure and subsequently conducted a user test involving three participants.

 

In order to guide them through the tasks and assess the interface's usability and effectiveness, I interacted with each participant individually through Zoom video calls, during which calls they shared their screens with me.

TEST #2

Participant was similar to JULIO’S profile:

​

Maximum level of education: Technician

Lacks computer familiarity

Have apply for a visa before

TEST #3

Participant was similar to JULIO’S profile:

​

Maximum level of education: Technician

Lacks computer familiarity

Have apply for a visa before

While the participants completed the assigned tasks, I closely observed instances in which they encountered challenges in understanding task fulfillment or identified design glitches within the prototype. After each session, I addressed the identified errors to ensure smoother interactions in subsequent rounds. The final participant who tested the prototype provided valuable feedback, emphasizing the clarity of the service offered, particularly highlighting the intuitive navigation and user-friendly interface.

INTERFACE RECOMMENDATIONS

Obvious and Explanatory Interface

User Problems: ​

  • If users don't understand what a feature does they will avoid and lose interest in the platform.incorrectly.

Approach:

  • Use straightforward, descriptive labels for all navigation elements to ensure users understand their functions.

  • Keep styles consistent for buttons, links, and other interactive components, helping users quickly recognize their functions.

  • Ensure CTAs stand out with appropriate color contrast and size, making them easy to find.

  • Ensure all interactive elements and content are accessible via screen readers.

Aesthetic and Minimalist Design:

User Problems: ​

  • Novice users may struggle to identify what action to take first when a webpage addresses multiple tasks simultaneously, leading to confusion and uncertainty.

Approach:

  • Avoid clutter and keep the design simple. Every extra unit of information competes with the relevant units of information and diminishes their relative visibility.

  • Design each page to focus on a single task or goal. Ensure that each page focuses on a single task and provides all necessary information in a clean layout.

PROTOTYPE

You can see the major flows of the app in the following prototype video.

EXPECTED OUTCOME

The expected outcome for Pocketed Counsel is to empower immigrants by bridging the gap between them and legal assistance. The platform aims to help individuals navigate the complexities of the immigration process confidently. With a user-friendly interface and culturally sensitive approach, Pocketed Counsel seeks to make legal support accessible and transparent for all users.

REFLECTION

Pocketed Counsel emerges from the imperative to humanize and enhance fairness within the immigration process. My experience at a law firm revealed that many individuals innocently migrate to the United States, facing risks such as lack of legal representation, exposure to exploitation, and uncertainty about their rights. They are often misled by false promises, leading to critical errors such as submitting incorrect documentation and missing important deadlines, which hinder them from obtaining necessary protection. In today's immigration environment, individuals face the daunting task of discerning between trustworthy and deceptive information, which can profoundly impact their immigration outcomes and legal status. Unfortunately, some legal professionals exploit people's limited knowledge for personal gain. Despite the platform's ongoing evolution, initial testers have provided positive feedback.

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