MYCOMPASS
Providing Benefits for the People of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
My Role: UX Designer with Deloitte LLC.
​
Software Used: Figma
PROJECT BACKGROUND
MyCompass is a mobile app experience that makes it easier and more convenient to apply for government sponsored benefits provided by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Services like EBT, SNAP benefits, and LIHEAP are able to be applied for or reapplied for from the MyCompass app. We were tasked with updating and innovating on the existing MyCompass mobile app experience.
​
The Problem:
​
The app needed a UI refresh, and with that an improvement in functionality. Our team wanted to make an experience that was more clear, more accessible and more friendly.
MY ROLE
I joined this project in its final stages as a UX designer. I used the design system and layouts that had been established before my time on the project to build out flows and prototypes for all major functions. I was also tasked with creating the EBT portion of the experience, along with the dashboard.
CREATING USER FRIENDLY FORMS
Our team had the challenge of transforming the physical paper forms used to apply for benefits into a format that is more user friendly. By breaking the forms into sections and adding a friendly visual, we were able to update the experience and lower the cognitive load for the user.
EBT: A CUSTOMÂ COMPONENT.
One of the biggest features we wanted to highlight was the users ability to see their EBT balance at a glance. I designed a widget that would live on the application's dashboard that would allow them total access to their balance information while also creating quick and convenient transparency for the user.
THE DASHBOARD
Lastly, we but it all together. As the first screen a user would see in the main experience, we wanted to be create an information architecture that would guide the user through their benefits. This included their alerts, EBT information, important messages snd a benefits overview. We also chose to include a navigation bar at the bottom to allow easier access to all areas of the app. Below are three different states of the dashboard, showcasing its versatility.
DOCUMENTATION
We worked with a newly developed documentation system created by our internal team. This documentation includes in depth explanations of each screen and each possible user flow. Here are some examples:
%20using%20SSN_edited_edited.jpg)
ACCESSIBILITY
Development asked me to help them with accessibility annotations. Using the A11Y plugin, I was able to add some direction to the custom components, but in the future I would like to explore other ways to better annotate, as this plug in was difficult to augment and work with.
THE SOLUTION
By using bold colors and friendly icons, we created a new experience focusing on the standard user and keeping the ease of use in mind. Simplifying forms into an onboarding style flow allows the user the have a more manageable experience. The inclusion of an all encompassing dashboard also allows the user to quickly see everything they need to take action on. This app is available wherever you download apps! Check it out!