friends of the miracle mile

OVERVIEW

Friends of the Miracle Mile is a California 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to connecting their resources to community causes.

The nonprofit supports a variety of nonprofits and programs to serve many communities in the Pasadena area. This particular project was for their upcoming expungement program.

My team consisted of members of Code the Change, a USC student organization. I worked alongside another designer, a team of developers, a tech lead, and a project manager

The Goal

Create a website that would help inform people about the expungement program and provide resources for job readiness for the future.

Final Product

Core Functionalities

information about the program

Give key information about what the program entails, the documents needed to proceed, and benefits of participating in the program.

Submit eligibility form

Allow users to check whether or not they are eligible for the program. If not, help users gather the necessary information to be a part of the program.

present success stories

Allow users to browse through different success stories for insights on previous participants for more personal anecdotes.

provide resources

Provide resources for job readiness for the future such as workshops, booklets, consulting, and document revisions.

My Takeaways

User-Centric Approach

Working with a nonprofit and diverse team emphasized the importance of understanding the unique needs and preferences of our target audience and dive deeper into their narrative. This experience reinforces the significance of a user-centered design approach.

Empathy and Social Impact

Engaging with a nonprofit exposed me to real-world challenges and social issues. This experience cultivated empathy, compassion, and a sense of purpose in creating designs that make a positive impact on society.

Balancing Creativity and Constraints

Collaborating with a nonprofit and multidisciplinary team taught me how to balance my creative vision with the practical constraints of the project. Working closely with another designer provided exposure to different perspectives and expertise as well. I learned how to integrate insights, create precise and accurate documentation for developers, and accommodate multiple stakeholders which enhanced my problem-solving abilities.

Value of Purposeful Design

I gained a deeper understanding of how purposeful design can drive positive change and contribute to the mission of a nonprofit organization. With continuous feedback and refinement, I was able to refine my skills in an iterative design process.