NewLeaf
A comprehensive app design that aims to solve the social problem of individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration.
UX/UI
Figma
2023
Lead Designer
Student Project
Problem
Each year, over 600,000 individuals are released from U.S. prisons, facing major obstacles to reintegration—especially in employment. Criminal records can prevent access to jobs, housing, education, and public benefits, creating a cycle that increases the risk of recidivism. Most formerly incarcerated individuals want stable, legal employment but are often rejected due to stigma, systemic barriers, and lack of tailored resources.
Opportunity:
Design a digital experience that helps formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society by connecting them with job opportunities, community support, and tools to navigate their new lives.
Context
This project was completed in collaboration with a remote design team as part of a civic-focused UX challenge inspired by Code for America’s mission.
Platform
The solution is a mobile app (NewLeaf) with onboarding, job search, and community features.
Constraints
Remote collaboration limited real-time communication and required clear visual systems and documentation.
Feedback was collected through usability testing and asynchronous team reviews.
Role
As Team Leader, I coordinated progress, ensured design cohesion using a shared style guide and Apple HIG, and designed the onboarding experience—including splash screen, login, profile creation, and tutorial walkthrough.
Tools used:
Figma (UI design)
FigJam (user flowcharts, competitive analysis)
Process
We conducted extensive design research, including:
User Flow Mapping: Built the onboarding journey from splash screen to account creation.
Competitive Analysis: Evaluated Indeed’s structure, identifying opportunities to improve navigation, visual friendliness, and job search personalization.
Usability Testing: We tested with 7 users and collected both quantitative and qualitative feedback.
Key takeaways included:
Users found the app helpful and welcoming, but noted missing navigational features and minor interface issues.
Reviewers wanted clearer app branding, better text hierarchy, and simplified flows for better accessibility.
I implemented design updates to improve onboarding clarity, reduce bugs, and streamline app navigation. Feedback on my onboarding feature praised its visual structure and interactivity, while also identifying areas for improvement—such as profile picture bugs and text-heavy tutorials.
Solution
NewLeaf is a mobile app that empowers formerly incarcerated individuals to restart their lives by making employment and community support more accessible.
Key features:
Onboarding: A smooth, step-by-step introduction using social logins, profile setup, and a guided tutorial.
Job Search: Tailored listings for reentry-friendly employers.
Community & Messaging: A space for users to connect with others for support and advice.
Navigation Bar: Added to improve usability based on competitive gaps.
Style & UI: Cohesive and accessible interface aligned with Apple HIG, incorporating community-centered visual elements.
Impact
Improved Clarity & Access: Onboarding screens made a strong first impression, helping users understand the platform’s purpose and ease of use.
Identified Critical Usability Needs: 7/7 testers cited missing back-navigation, which directly informed updates.
User Satisfaction: Testers praised the design’s welcoming tone, simplicity, and professional appearance.
Next Steps: Finalizing designs with added polish—improving navigation, resolving bugs, and incorporating visual identity like green accents and leaf motifs—will elevate the app into a viable, App Store-ready tool for societal reintegration.
