Experience Awards
 

Designing inclusive internal nomination portal

Experience Awards is a nomination portal designed to recognize and celebrate the outstanding efforts of our staff. The goal is to offer a user-friendly and inclusive nomination interface to overall boost recognition, appreciation, and morale in the workplace. 

Role

Product Design Lead

Duration

March - Jul 2023

Tools

Figma

Maze

Skills

Product Design

User researching & testing

Stakeholder management

Design System

Facing the Problem

At the time, the interface was nowhere close to usable. It lacked user flows and the instructions were unclear in the nomination process - if there even was one. We needed a solution that would allow our staff to explore and engage in this nomination program. Therefore, a comprehensive redesign of the end-to-end digital experience for the interactive portal was needed.

How can we increase nomination participation and engagement?

Research

During my research and brainstorming sessions, I came across several insights and feedback from users of the previous site. I categorized these observations using a user journey map which exposed painpoints and road blocks. 

Painpoints

Login Roadblocks

Logins posed a significant barrier for users, as many were reluctant to engage with the process. As a result, only managers were logging in, while peers largely opted out, leading to minimal participation from the broader team.

Confusing criterias

When asked to enter employee ID for validation in the form, users were unsure where to locate the information, resulting in a high rate of form drop-offs. Additionally, users were under the impression that only managers were qualified to make these nominations.

Poor informative guidance

After logging in, users receive no additional information about the available awards, nomination criteria, or the purpose of the program. This lack of clarity results in low participation and minimal engagement with the initiative.
 

Brand Guide

Launching a new program means redefining and redesigning a brand identity. We collectively agree on one that emphasizes excitement, culture, and honor. I worked with a graphic designer to come up with assets, typography, and color palette best suitable for the website and email templates.

Solutions

The single page home page serves as large navigational system to redirect users to the different award categories. Prior to making a nomination, users are informed of the different categories they can nominate others for and what criterias should be met.

Key changes

Guidance

Go with the flow

Through each step of the user’s journey, I implemented elements, content, and noticeable CTA’s that would guide users in reaching their final task of submitting the nomination form.

Elevated form

with validation

Knowing that logins were an obstacle within the user journey flow, I opted for a USC ID input in the submission forms. This allows us to validate each nomination without implementing such a heavy barrier in the start of the user’s journey. I also added a help option on the side to allow users easily identify their USC ID. 

Mobile Accessibility

To prioritize accessibility, I adopted a mobile-first approach, ensuring quicker and easier access to the website. My goal is to be inclusive of all users, and through user research, I discovered that the majority of our audience relies on mobile devices, making this approach essential for enhancing their experience.

Impact

After handoff, I stayed engaged to ensure a smooth transition from design to implementation and even got my own award for it! This project has been a fun and rewarding journey filled with teamwork and dedication, and I’m proud to have contributed to delivering an engaging product.

Task Completion Rate

Over 100% increase from our previous website

Nomination submissions

Number of nominations successfully submitted

Let's get in touch!

I'd love to hear from you and explore collaboration, answer your questions, or simply chat.

© Christine Wang 2025