Sainsbury’s needed a revamped careers website to align more closely with their brand, streamline the job search process, and leverage modern technologies like geolocation to help users discover roles tailored to their needs. Working on information architecture, geolocation-based search, and improved data input processes, I designed an intuitive, user-first platform that reduced friction and increased engagement for job seekers.
Product
Product Design, UX/UI
Skills
UX, UI, Interaction Design
Role
Product Design Lead
Timeline
2020 - 2021
Team
Sam Marks - Design Director
Toby Margetts - Strategy Director
Thomas Evans - Senior UX Designer
Catia Pedrosa - UX Designer
Leo Cammish - UX/UI Designer
Anna Brooks - UI Designer
Chris Burnell - Senior Front-End Developer
Anh Ta - Senior Back-End Developer
Gioan Tran - Product Manager
01
The Problem
The previous careers platform presented a fragmented user experience with a lengthy search and application process. Users struggled to discover roles in their desired locations, often leading to drop-offs during the search journey. Additionally, the outdated information architecture and input processes added unnecessary friction for users navigating the site.
02
Implement geolocation technology to personalise job searches and reduce input friction.
Streamline the user journey by reducing steps in the search and application process.
Improve the information architecture to make job discovery faster and more intuitive.
Align the platform’s design and functionality with the Sainsbury’s brand identity.
03
Discovery and Research
Conducted usability testing on the existing platform to identify pain points, including lengthy search steps and poor discoverability of roles.
Researched competitor platforms and innovative recruitment websites for inspiration, such as LinkedIn’s dynamic filtering and Google Jobs’ geolocation integration.
Design and Engineering Collaboration
Designed a geolocation API-powered search experience to automatically surface nearby roles based on the user’s location.
Collaborated with engineers to integrate technologies like the Google Maps API for location-based filtering and AWS Lambda for efficient data handling.
Information Architecture Overhaul
Mapped the existing site’s structure and redefined the information architecture to reduce redundant steps.
Introduced dynamic filtering categories (e.g., department, contract type, location) that update in real-time as users refine their search.
Wireframes and Prototyping
Created interactive wireframes and prototypes to test the new job search flow, ensuring seamless navigation and minimal friction.
Worked within Sainsbury’s design system, extending components where necessary to align the platform with their brand guidelines.
Data Input Optimisation
Streamlined the application process by integrating auto-fill functionality using the Google Places API for address inputs.
Reduced data entry fields by 30%, focusing on essential information required for job applications.
04
Geolocation Integration
Implemented geolocation-based search, allowing users to discover roles near their location without manual input.
Added a map view for users to visualise job opportunities relative to their location.
Dynamic Job Filters
Introduced real-time filtering for roles based on department, contract type, and proximity, inspired by industry-leading platforms.
Enabled users to save their favourite searches and filters for repeated use.
Improved Information Architecture
Designed a new site structure that reduced the number of clicks to reach relevant job postings by 40%.
Grouped roles into clear categories and subcategories, making navigation intuitive and user-friendly.
Enhanced Application Process
Simplified the application journey by introducing pre-filled forms and step-by-step guidance.
Reduced application time by 20%, validated through usability testing with real job seekers.
Brand Alignment
Updated the platform’s visual design to align with Sainsbury’s modern branding, incorporating their colour palette, typography, and imagery into the user interface.
05
25% increase in completed job applications due to the streamlined process and geolocation search.
30% faster search times, allowing users to discover roles with fewer steps.
Improved user satisfaction scores by 40%, as measured in post-launch surveys.
Boosted engagement with saved searches and filters, driving a 20% increase in returning users.
06
What Worked Well
Geolocation and dynamic filtering dramatically improved the job discovery process, reducing frustration for users.
Collaboration with engineering teams ensured seamless integration of APIs and backend technologies.
What Could Be Improved
Adding AI-driven job recommendations could enhance the personalisation of the platform further.
Expanding accessibility features, such as voice-activated search, would make the platform more inclusive.
