The document describes the early planning and design process for a mobile application called Gaman to help unemployed job seekers. It discusses conducting research on existing employment resources and interviewing recently unemployed individuals to understand their emotional and practical needs. Based on this, the document outlines personas for two primary user types: Susan, a recently laid off high achiever, and Rob, a military veteran transitioning to civilian life. It then presents early conceptual ideas and wireframes for tracking job tasks and connecting with support networks to help users stay motivated through the job searching process. The next steps outlined are to refine user roles, validate the personas, explore other applications, and research the most helpful current support methods.

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2. GAMAN
“enduring the seemingly unbearable with
patience and dignity”
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3. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Gaman is a mobile application that helps job seekers focus on finding a job by matching
emotions with manageable activities.
The challenge: Finding a job while unemployed is difficult. The process is overwhelming
with so many things to take care of (resume, LinkedIn, etc.). There’s also the matter of a
loneliness and loss of routine.
The Solution: A mobile companion that reminds job seekers of best practices for job
searching and connects them with allies to keep the momentum going.
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4. KEY SCREENS AND FEATURES
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5. PLANNING
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6. Research Ideas
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7. DESIGN RESEARCH
Method:
I researched existing employment resources (websites, iOS apps, and
in-person services). I evaluated how they help job seekers find
employment. During the course of the research, I also started to
evaluate if any options address the emotional side of job loss.
To gain better understanding on emotional impact, I spoke with two
people who were recently unemployed.
Findings:
Key finding - The in-person services and some blog posts said that
losing a job shares the same stages of grief as death.
Websites - Most are primarily job listings and tactical actions (fill out a
profile). The emotional component of job loss is usually only covered in
blog posts. .
Apps - Wide range. Everest is about big dreams and creating
manageable steps. SuperBetter was similar but required a lot of setup
and identification of issues. Unstuck guides users to find issues, but
doesn’t provide long-term support or actionable items.
Interviews - Informal interviews with colleagues had the common
themes of hurt, rejection, and loneliness. They also mentioned being
overwhelmed or uninformed about options.
Opportunities Identified:
Create an easy way to monitor emotions and keep focused on tasks.
I identified three types of potential users for this product:
1). Unemployed
2). Ex-military
3). Support organizations/outplacement services
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8. Competition
Strategic
Tactical
Emotional
Job Search Sites
(Dice, Glassdoor,
Monster, etc.)
Have the latest information
Be complete
Complete application
Here are jobs based on the
skills in your resume
Apply for jobs
None
LinkedIn
Here’s who you know
These are people in the
industry/company you’re
interested in
Complete profile
Apply for jobs
Join groups
Share news
Some posts on emotional
intelligence from third-parties
iOS Apps (Unstuck,
SuperBetter, Everest)
Psychology background with
the assumption that you want
to be healthier
Complete challenges
Record current thoughts
List challenges and goals
Focus on motivation and getting
unstuck
Resource
In-person
(Outplacement agency,
NOVA/EDD, etc.)
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(Why?)
(How?)
Broad topics, but main goal is to
Many classes/seminars/
get the job seeker hired
workshops on how to do ___
(Motivation)
Addresses the emotional states
of job seeker, but limited
options for long-term support

9. PERSONA IDEATION
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10. PRIMARY PERSONA
Susan needs to keep track of the
“administrivia” and stay motivated
She was recently laid off, the first time she has ever lost
her job. As a high-achiever, she isn’t used to failing. With
the stress of finding a job, she is overwhelmed by
information. At the same time, she is also unaware of the
many resources available to her.
©Tony Alter http://www.flickr.com/people/78428166@N00/
DRIVERS
“I want to make this a temporary
stumbling block.”
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CONCERNS
“How is this system
going to help me?”

11. SECONDARY PERSONA
Rob needs to adjust to civilian life after
military service
Rob was in the Army for 8 years after college. He had
tours of duty around the world. After almost a decade of
military service, he wants to transition to civilian life. The
change has been difficult and he doesn’t know what to do.
©Tony Alter http://www.flickr.com/people/78428166@N00/
DRIVERS
“My future is in civilian world, I gotta
make it happen for my family.”
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CONCERNS
“What does this app know about
my background and challenges?”

12. CONCEPTUAL IDEATION
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13. DESIGN ITERATION | DESIGN HYPOTHESIS
ITERATION 1
Method:
I tested a paper prototype of a LinkedIn helper application. Once the idea
was laid out on paper, the flow and the value was not apparent.
Findings:
Instead of helping a job seeker navigate and utilize LinkedIn resources,
the application became another later of complexity.
LinkedIn is always updating and can vary by user. The resources were not
available to cover LinkedIn in a meaningful way.
Opportunities Identified:
Look at what resources job seekers need to fill-out profiles.
What are the challenges in keeping users engaged?
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14. Early Wireframes
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15. DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
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16. USER ROLES
Outplacement /
Support Groups create
and share jobseeker content.
Leverages existing resources
to help in-person.
Job Seeker uses Gaman to
find resources, keep track of
job tasks, and enlist the help
of allies.
Allies
Job Seeker
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17. NEXT STEPS
Refine the user roles
Validate personas
Explore other applications
Research which current methods help users the most
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18. THANK YOU
George Komoto
George.Komoto/at/gmail.com
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