The YMCA of Los Angeles is a community-driven organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility It provides a wide range of programs, including education, wellness, and leadership initiatives, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have access to resources that help them reach their full potential.
Methods: Market research, personas, experience mapping, wireframes, prototyping, user testing
Tools: Sketch, Figma, G Suite, Miro, Paper & Pencil
The Challenge
The YMCA Los Angeles sought to develop a mobile-first learning platform for teens and young adults in low-income communities, providing accessible life skill education on the go. With 96% of young adults (18-29) owning a smartphone, mobile learning was the ideal approach.
Research & Insights
The Solution
An interactive mobile app that delivers practical skillsthrough an intuitive and engaging experience, bridging the gap between accessibility and education.
Understanding the Market & Users
To build a compelling learning experience, we analyzed competitors and e-learning platforms:
Direct competitors: Boys & Girls Club & LA Parks & Rec—focused on youth programs but lacking mobile learning.
E-learning apps: LinkedIn Learning, Masterclass, The Great Courses—offering flexibility but missing real-time engagement.
User Interviews & Key Insights
We spoke with current and recent students to understand their online learning experiences.
Key findings:
✅ Preferred online learning for flexibility & convenience.
✅ Biggest challenge: Lack of teacher & peer interaction.
✅ Video-based content improved engagement over text-heavy formats.
Designing for Accessibility & Engagement
Persona: Emma
Emma, a busy shift manager, spends most of her free time commuting on the subway. She needs a flexible way to add to her skills while on the move.
Using Emma’s journey, we mapped out the ideal learning flow:
Quick access to relevant courses.
Intuitive onboarding for first-time users.
Seamless lesson continuation for returning users.
Prototyping & Testing
Building the Experience
Design Studio: Rapid iterations on layouts for onboarding, homepage, course list, and lessons.
Dual User Flows: One for new users, another for returning users to ensure a smooth re-entry into learning.
Usability Testing & Key Fixes
We tested both new and recurring user flows with real participants:
🚀 Navigation Fix: Clicking on a lesson redirected users incorrectly—adjusted to go directly to the lesson.
🆘 Ask Instructor Button: Users missed it—increased size and visibility.
.
Final Product & Impact
Key Features
✅ Seamless onboarding for new users.
✅ Easy course resumption for returning users.
✅ Live Q&A and instructor engagement to boost interaction.
✅ Video-first learning experience to improve retention.
Final Solution & Impact
The YMCA mobile learning app has the potential to become a vital tool for young people seeking alternative education.
Future considerations:
Expand access beyond YMCA members for greater reach.
Partner with educational institutions to provide certifications or credits.
Personal Takeaway
As someone who completed a four-year degree online, this project challenged me to set aside my own biases and focus on data-driven insights. Designing an inclusive, accessible learning experience reaffirmed my belief in lifelong learning, and I’m excited about the potential impact this platform could have.
