WRTC
Project Name
WHO RUN THE CODE
Industry
Tech Education & Career Development
My Role
Lead Product Designer
Project Type
Web Application
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Overview

Who Run The Code is a web platform designed to support women entering the tech industry by providing educational resources, mentorship opportunities, job listings, and a supportive community. The platform aims to bridge the gender gap in tech by offering curated content, industry connections, and real-world case studies that empower women to build successful careers in technology.

As the Lead Product Designer, I was responsible for crafting an intuitive and visually engaging user experience, ensuring seamless access to resources, interactive community features, and career advancement tools. I collaborated with developers, researchers, and industry experts to create a platform that fosters growth and inclusivity.

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Problems

Women remain underrepresented in the tech industry due to a lack of support, mentorship, and accessible career pathways. Many aspiring female technologists struggle to find clear entry points into tech, while those transitioning from other fields face additional challenges such as upskilling and networking. Furthermore, the absence of visible role models discourages many women from pursuing careers in technology. Who Run The Code was created to tackle these challenges by offering a structured, beginner-friendly roadmap to entering the tech workforce.

Objectives

  • Develop a user-friendly platform where women can easily access career resources, mentorship programs, and industry connections.
  • Provide a centralized hub of educational content, job listings, and networking opportunities.
  • Create an engaging and inclusive community that encourages women to share experiences and support each other.
  • Design an intuitive and visually appealing platform that resonates with users and fosters long-term engagement.

Target Audience

Who Run The Code is designed for women at different stages of their tech careers, including:

  • Aspiring developers and designers looking for structured guidance on entering the industry.
  • Career switchers transitioning from non-tech fields and seeking mentorship and educational resources.
  • Recent graduates searching for internship and job opportunities in tech.
  • Experienced professionals interested in networking and contributing as mentors to support the next generation of women in tech.

Research and Discovery

To understand the needs of women in tech, we conducted extensive research through surveys, interviews, and competitor analysis. Findings revealed key barriers preventing women from entering the industry, including limited access to mentorship, difficulty finding internships, and a lack of visibility of female role models. Additionally, we analyzed existing platforms and identified gaps in their accessibility, engagement, and resource offerings.

Key Insights

  • Many women struggle with imposter syndrome and seek supportive communities for encouragement.
  • Access to internships and apprenticeships is a major hurdle for those entering tech.
  • Users prefer a structured learning path rather than scattered resources.

These insights shaped the platform’s core features, ensuring an intuitive and structured experience tailored to user needs.

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Ideation and Concept Development

During the ideation phase, we focused on designing a structured and user-centric platform that integrates multiple key features, including:

  • Community Listings: A directory of organizations supporting women in tech.
  • Job & Internship Listings: A dedicated space for finding career opportunities.
  • Mentor Matching: A system connecting users with experienced professionals for guidance.
  • Educational Content Hub: A centralized space offering beginner guides, articles, and technical resources.

We designed wireframes and tested multiple navigation structures to ensure seamless access to these features, making adjustments based on user feedback to improve clarity and usability.

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Design and Execution

The platform’s design was developed to be engaging, accessible, and inclusive. We prioritized clean typography, bold colors, and a responsive layout to ensure usability across devices. Key design choices included:

  • A vibrant color palette to create a modern and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Clear, structured layouts to enhance readability and navigation.
  • Interactive features such as mentorship sign-ups, search filters, and progress tracking to increase engagement.

Our design choices ensured that the platform remained both visually appealing and highly functional, allowing users to seamlessly navigate resources and connect with industry professionals.

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Testing and Iteration

We conducted usability testing with women interested in tech careers to gather feedback on navigation, clarity, and engagement. The results led to several improvements:

  • Refined onboarding flow to better guide new users.
  • Enhanced job search functionality with filters for internships and apprenticeships.
  • More intuitive mentor-matching interface for easier connections.

These refinements ensured that Who Run The Code effectively addressed user needs while maintaining a seamless experience.

Final Outcome

Who Run The Code successfully launched as a comprehensive platform providing women with essential tools to break into the tech industry. The platform received positive feedback for its accessibility, usability, and engaging design, making it easier for women to access resources, connect with mentors, and explore career opportunities. The structured approach to job search, community networking, and skill development positioned Who Run The Code as an invaluable resource for aspiring female technologists.

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Reflection and Lessons Learned

This project highlighted the importance of designing for inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that digital products cater to diverse user needs. User research played a critical role in shaping the platform’s direction, and continuous testing helped refine the experience. Moving forward, future iterations could include:

  • AI-driven career recommendations based on user profiles and learning preferences.
  • Expanded global community outreach to support women in tech worldwide.
  • Live mentorship events and interactive workshops for real-time learning experiences.

Who Run The Code is more than just a platform—it’s a movement dedicated to empowering women in tech and fostering a more diverse and inclusive industry.