SPEAKEASE
Marketplace for language experts
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Speakease is a marketplace for language experts in interpretation, sign language interpretation, and transcription. With smarter search powered by AI technology and an extensive database of professional experts, users can find an ideal match in a more streamlined, hassle-free manner. It helps you during live meetings, whether it's onsite or virtual.
MY CONTRIBUTIONS
Scope
Proposed to a mid-sized technology company as a near future business opportunity, to commercialize in the next 2-3 years.
Time
4 weeks
Role
User Research | Web Design | UX | UI | Prototype
Tools
Figma
DEFINE REQUIREMENTS
A mid-sized technology company specializing accessibility communication tools for the deaf and hard of hearing community reached out for a new business opportunity idea. I worked with the stakeholders to understand business goals, define project scope, and set expectations. The project was defined to create a space that connects individuals in need of language expertise with the right language experts, providing convenience and ease of access.
The concept design was later proposed as a near future business opportunity to be able to commercialize in the next 2-3 years.
PROBLEM
"Not sure where to start."
- small business owner who needs ASL interpretation for his employee
We live in a global world, and as we become more connected, we face an increasing number of language barriers in our everyday lives - workplaces, medical care, legal situations, and more. Even with a rise of online job-searching platforms, it can be challenging to find language-specific, high-quality translation services for both personal or business needs.
Due to difficulty in searching and logistical complications, users opt for agencies even if there are higher fees and daunting process.
USER RESEARCH
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
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Understand how translators “market” themselves to find new part time jobs
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Understand what are the requirements when searching for a translator service
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Understand what type of jobs are needed
MARKET RESEARCH
Key Findings
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With the advancements in technology and AI, there are abundant options for interpretation and translation services for personal and business meetings.
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However, since meetings are fundamentally a form of communication between people, in-person interpretation services are valuable to ensure that the human aspect is preserved in certain types of meetings and situations.
Due to the increasing trend of global teams and interactions, there is a clear mismatch in supply and demand within the language services industry.
USER INTERVIEWS
I conducted series of 1on1 in-depth user interviews to understand from both the client and the expert-perspectives.
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an interpretor
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a stenographer
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a small business owner
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an individual with non-English speaking parents
Business/Individuals
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With increase in virtual meetings, businesses have seen increase in need for interpretation
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Agencies are not cost-effective for individuals or smaller businesses
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One of the main pain points was that it was difficult starting with the search for a language expert
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Finding a service provider is always a repetitive task that requires a lot of time
Language Experts
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Interpreters and translators work in settings such as schools, hospitals, courtrooms, meeting rooms, and conference centers
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Part-time work is common, and work schedules may vary for this profession
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Limited to job opportunities within his/her own network
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Logistical complications, including financial implications due to tax requirements when working as an individual
"I prefer not to work with agencies, but sometimes you do because it's easier."
- an interpreter
ANALYZE + IDEATE
USER AND TASK FLOWS
I found out that a lot of the users struggle with the logistics of finding an expert/job opportunity and following through.
By creating a marketplace where all language experts can be brought together for anybody to be able to start a direct connection, help manage projects, and follow thought til the end where billing and payment are all in one platform, this can be an industry changer where agencies are no longer needed, eliminating unnecessary friction between multiple parties and high costs.
Unlike other services, these jobs require specific skill sets and availabilities at specific times and dates, which sets them apart from other consultant booking sites.
PROTOTYPE
After defining the problem, conducting research, and generating ideas, I shifted my focus to designing an interactive prototype. The goal was to address user needs and provide a holistic experience. Drawing inspiration from modern UI trends, I defined a visual style and created a user experience that covers job searching, job posting, communication, and payments. I engaged in four rounds of design iterations, collaborating closely with stakeholders throughout the process.
BRANDING AND STYLE GUIDE
I aimed to create a brand that portrays professionalism but with a casual and friendly personality that will allow for any business of all sizes and even individuals to reach out without any hesitation. As this platform is an open marketplace for potential clients and experts to meet, I wanted the overall branding to be approachable and inviting.
UX DESIGN FEATURES
To facilitate effective management for our users, UX and UI focused on incorporating familiar tools that users are already accustomed to into the responsive website. These tools include a calendar for scheduling, a communication tool for seamless conversation, and a secure payment system for hassle-free invoicing.
Visual representation of on-going project for quick and easy tracking
Smart search recommending best candidates that match user criteria and availability
Ability to message to multiple candidates at once for efficient communication and time management
One place to manage all your communication and project files that are related to the project for streamlined project management
USER TEST + ITERATE
DESIGN EVALUATION
Using the interactive prototype, I performed various usability tests and organized the collected data to prioritize issues based on criticality and impact.
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9 unmoderated tests
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2 moderated, in-person test
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2 group critiques
Below shows data synthesis and design improvements to enhance usability.
IMPROVED UI AND ADDED FEATURES
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Ensuring consistent language and terms to help users better understand the process.
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Providing clear labeling and color indicators to ensure the branding color doesn't clash with how the color is used to direct and inform users.
A notification for new messages in the header, providing quick and easy access to messages in scenarios with long lists of projects.
The ability to add experts to the project directly from the main listing page.
FINAL DESIGN
NEXT STEPS
Now that the need for this type of platform has been proven and approved by the company, I will further develop it to incorporate all the necessary flows for the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This includes the flow for experts to create their profile pages, details on document sharing and form submissions, and more.
Once that is done, I plan to collaborate with developers to create a working prototype. This prototype will be tested with the appropriate user group to evaluate its usability before making further business decisions. The comfort level of the user will guide the business, and once the site is live, it will be important for us to monitor website traffic and conversion rates to ensure that the interactions are leading to successful project matches.