
Summary
Built a multi-user guidance tool supporting high schoolers, parents, and counselors in the college application journey
My Role
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Led UX strategy for multi-user dashboard, AI interaction model, and onboarding flows
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Designed systems that flexibly scaled across users and feature states
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Collaborated closely with PM/engineers
Timeline
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2024/12 ~ Current
Platform & Scope
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iOS
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Web App
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Commercial Website
An AI-Driven SaaS Dashboard for College Planning Support
The Design Systems / Key Challenges
🧠 Personalized conversation model that adapts to user profile
🔒 Privacy-aware portal logic for parents
📊 Progress index that can’t be gamed—but keeps users engaged
🎯 Modular dashboard states that evolve as users move through journey

Re-strucuter Architecture
As I was designing along the way, I noticed that there is a potential issue with the current Information Architecture, which did become a problem when we shit to iOS app. I took the initiative to restructure and reduce context confusion, and even created space for upcoming features.

How I Validated under limited resource
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Discussed with our CFO, who has decades of experience in the education industry
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Consulted our engineering team to map out the long-term product roadmap and ensure the IA could support upcoming modules
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Audited competitor apps like Naviance (widely used by high schools) to analyze how they cluster features like college lists, goals, and transcripts under unified structures.
Design for Motivation & Clarity
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Rewrote passive empty states (e.g., “Your profile is empty”) into motivational, action-focused prompts like:“ Start your journey—completing your profile unlocks personalized guidance.”
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Refined labels and microcopy across dashboard cards and tabs to better match user mental models, reducing confusion and clarifying feature purpose.
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Designed a clear entry point and flow for the new EssayXpert feature, breaking down the intimidating essay-writing process into approachable steps and smart suggestions.
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Roadmap & Vision:
Scaling with Intentional Design

Decentralized Ask Eddie
Shifted the AI chatbot from a static navigation tab to a floating action button (FAB) that lives within context
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Temporary Parent Mode
Introduced a vision for temporary, limited-access accounts for parents and counselors

Assignments & Deadlines
Planned a dedicated space for tracking due dates across essays, applications, and tasks