A One-Stop Solution for Local, Flexible Work

Project Description:

Butter offers an end-to-end job-finding solution tailored to individuals seeking flexible, short-term roles in their immediate area. Unlike traditional platforms such as Indeed, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor, Butter caters specifically to the gig economy, connecting users to retail, restaurant, and small business jobs in real time. Inspired by the phrase “Bread and Butter” – a staple livelihood – Butter helps users secure daily income without lengthy application processes or commitments to full-time employment.

My Role: Researcher/ UX Designer/ Visual Designer
Timeline: 4 months
Tools Used: Figma, Adobe Creative Suite
Acknowledgments: Ece Dilege, Jennie Heo - Brainstation Toronto

Problem Statement

The current job platforms require extensive application materials, which may deter users looking for immediate, temporary, or part-time opportunities. These platforms lack rapid response and don’t address the unique requirements of gig workers. Butter fills this gap by offering an intuitive, localized app that quickly matches users with nearby short-term jobs.

Goals and Objectives

  • Create a user-friendly platform for finding short-term and part-time job opportunities

  • Enable an easy application and instant interview process, facilitating immediate employment

  • Provide location-based job suggestions tailored to users’ interests and availability

  • Address the need for roles requiring urgent coverage within the same day/night

Target Audience

Individuals seeking flexible, temporary employment, including:

  • Students

  • Gig workers

  • Part-time job seekers

  • Those with varying schedules who prefer local, immediate work opportunities

User Research

Research Goals: To understand the challenges and needs of individuals looking for temporary work, focusing on:

  1. The pain points experienced on traditional job platforms

  2. Key features users seek when finding short-term employment

  3. Desired level of detail and simplicity in the application process

Methodology:

  • User Interviews: Conducted interviews with part-time job seekers, students, and gig workers to gather qualitative insights

  • Competitive Analysis: Analyzed competitors like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn Jobs for insights into user experience gaps in temporary job search

Key Insights:

  • Users desire a quick and easy application process for temporary roles

  • Many job seekers look for local job options that fit into varying schedules

  • There's a strong demand for roles needing immediate start without a multi-step interview process

Persona Development

Developed personas based on user research to represent core users, including:

User Journey Map

Mapped user journeys to highlight Butter's role in simplifying the job search experience:

  1. On-boarding – Users open Butter to set up their profile and enter their location and job preferences

  2. Search – Butter’s algorithm finds and lists job openings nearby

  3. Apply – Users can apply with one click, without needing a cover letter or formal resume

  4. Interview – Built-in chat and video options for instant interviews

  5. Secure – Confirmation received for role acceptance, and payment details arranged

Wireframes and Prototyping

Low-Fidelity Wireframes:
Explored layouts focused on intuitive navigation, easy job browsing, and instant application processes

High-Fidelity Prototypes:
After feedback, high-fidelity prototypes were created with accessible design features such as prominent “Apply Now” buttons, clear job descriptions, and direct communication options.

UI Design

Key Screens

  1. Resume: Resume uploading page where the applicant adds their profile

  2. Jobs: Location-based job listings, with filters for salary, type, and urgency

  3. Application: Single-click application page with all the current or previously applied jobs with a built-in “Quick Interview” option

  4. Education: Guidance on job applications, blog posts and interview prep ideas

Usability Testing

Conducted usability tests with users similar to the target audience to validate design decisions.

Findings and Iterations:

  • Finding: Some users were unclear on application status
    Iteration: Added a “Track Application” feature for transparency

  • Finding: Users wanted more information on the employers
    Iteration: Enhanced employer profiles with ratings and past job listings

Final Design

Butter’s final design is a streamlined, mobile-first platform that empowers gig workers with instant access to job opportunities, featuring:

  • One-click application process for speed and ease

  • Location and availability-based matching that saves users time

  • Built-in communication tools for immediate interviews and job confirmations

  • Enhanced transparency through application tracking and employer ratings

BUTTER - FIGMA FILE

Impact and Learnings

Impact:
Butter has the potential to improve job accessibility for those seeking short-term work by reducing the time and effort needed to secure roles, directly meeting the needs of the gig economy workforce.

Learnings:

  • Designing for immediacy requires simplifying user flows without sacrificing functionality.

  • Usability testing early and often leads to a more tailored product, especially for gig workers who prioritize speed and ease.

Future Steps

  1. Integrate advanced filtering options for more personalized job matching.

  2. Explore feedback loops for continuous app improvement.

  3. Implement a rewards program to retain active users on the platform.

Butter makes flexible work accessible, quick, and stress-free, empowering users
to secure their livelihood effortlessly

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