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UX Research Project

Monster: "Swipe to Apply"

Timeline: 2021
Team: Solo Lead
Role: Lead UX Researcher

Overview

This exploratory usability study evaluated a novel "Swipe to Apply" job application paradigm that challenged traditional mental models of job seeking. The research revealed users weren't comfortable with swipe-based applying and helped prevent development of a product that didn't align with user needs. Unexpectedly, it also revealed user interest in interview preparation tools.

15+
Participants
2
Research Methods
3
Key Insights

Research Methods

Unmoderated Usability Testing Follow-up Survey Exploratory Research

Tools Used

UserTesting Survey Platform Prototype

Domains

Job Search Mobile App R&D

Background & Context

"Swipe to Apply" was a product concept developed through a combination of wild brainstorming and a desire to push the boundaries of what it means to apply for a job. The initial concept was developed quickly and without user research: our app would allow users to develop a profile so that we could deliver a feed of jobs right to their fingertips. The user would then be able to swipe right to apply to that job, or swipe left to reject the job.

Conceptual mockup of the Swipe to Apply interface

Conceptual mockup of the "Swipe to Apply" interface (recreated for confidentiality)

The product team needed to determine whether this concept was worth adding to the upcoming year's roadmap. This research was designed to evaluate user reception before investing significant development resources.

Research Objectives

This research aimed to evaluate user understanding and comfort with the novel "Swipe to Apply" interaction paradigm before committing development resources.

1
Determine whether users understand how this product works
2
Assess whether users understand the meaning and implications of the swipe right/swipe left actions
3
Identify any concerns users have about this interaction model
4
Determine whether this project is worth putting in the PM/UX roadmap for further development

Approach & Methodology

I designed a two-part research approach consisting of unmoderated usability testing followed by a quantitative survey to evaluate user comfort with the "Swipe to Apply" concept.

Remote Unmoderated Usability Testing

Participants interacted with a functional prototype of the "Swipe to Apply" concept while thinking aloud about their experience and impressions.

15+ participants
Qualitative data

Follow-up Survey

Participants completed a survey measuring their comfort with the concept and likelihood to use it, providing both quantitative metrics and qualitative feedback.

All participants
Mixed methods

While interviews and in-person usability testing would have been preferred, I opted for remote unmoderated testing due to pandemic constraints and the need for quick results to inform roadmap decisions. Participants were primarily age 18-35, currently job searching, with household incomes under $100K, representing our primary target audience.

Research setup with participant demographics

Participant demographic overview and research setup

Key Findings

The research revealed a significant disconnect between users' understanding of the concept and their comfort level using it for job applications.

Finding 1: Users understood the interaction but were uncomfortable using it

Participants immediately understood the swiping mechanism, likely due to familiarity with dating apps, but were not comfortable using this interaction for job applications. This revealed a clear distinction between understanding and acceptance.

I get how it works, but job applications aren't like dating. I want to really think about each application and tailor it to the company.
— Participant 4

Finding 2: The "swipe left = gone forever" model created anxiety

Participants expressed significant concern about the finality of the "swipe left" action, which would permanently remove a job from their feed. Job seekers wanted the ability to reconsider options they had previously passed on.

What if I accidentally swipe left on a good job? Or what if I change my mind later? I'd be really upset if I couldn't get back to it.
— Participant 9

Finding 3: "Instant apply" felt too rushed

Participants felt the "swipe right to apply" concept didn't allow for the careful consideration and customization they associate with job applications. The 2/5 average comfort rating in the follow-up survey confirmed this discomfort quantitatively.

Chart showing user comfort levels with the Swipe to Apply concept

Participant comfort levels with using "Swipe to Apply" for job applications averaged 2/5

Finding 4: Unexpected interest in interview preparation

While exploring the prototype, many participants discovered placeholder text alluding to an interview preparation feature and expressed strong interest in this concept, highlighting an unmet need in our current product offerings.

Wait, is there an interview prep tool in here? That would be super useful! I'm always looking for ways to practice for interviews.
— Participant 12

Insights & Recommendations

Based on the findings, I developed several key insights and actionable recommendations for the product team.

Respect Established Mental Models

While innovations in interaction design can be valuable, job applications have well-established mental models that users aren't ready to abandon.

Recommendations

  • Avoid fundamentally altering the job application process itself
  • Focus innovations on improving pain points within existing mental models
  • Consider incorporating "save for later" options instead of permanent rejections

Unmet Need: Interview Preparation

The unexpected interest in interview preparation suggests a potential product opportunity that aligns better with user needs and expectations.

Recommendations

  • Explore developing an interview preparation tool
  • Conduct focused research on user needs around interview practice
  • Consider adapting the swiping interaction for interview prep rather than applications

Salvage Useful Components

While the overall concept wasn't viable, some elements of the design and interaction could be repurposed for other features.

Recommendations

  • Evaluate which UI components could be repurposed for other features
  • Consider adapting the swiping interaction for job browsing rather than direct application
  • Preserve design assets for future use in other contexts

Impact & Outcomes

This research had significant strategic impact by preventing investment in a product concept that didn't align with user needs and revealing a potential new opportunity.

100%
Development resources redirected
1
New product concept discovered
2/5
User comfort with concept
Visualization of research impact on product roadmap

Research impact on product decisions and resource allocation

Strategic impacts included:

  • Product roadmap pivot: The team declared the "Swipe to Apply" concept effectively dead based on user feedback
  • Stakeholder alignment: This project established a precedent for testing brainstormed ideas before adding them to the roadmap
  • New opportunity: The unexpected discovery of user interest in interview preparation led to new research in this area

Reflections

This project offered valuable lessons in testing novel interaction paradigms and being open to unexpected research outcomes.

What Went Well

  • Early testing prevented wasted development resources
  • Unmoderated testing provided efficient feedback despite pandemic constraints
  • The exploratory approach allowed for unexpected discovery of the interview prep opportunity

Challenges

  • Designing test protocols for a completely new interaction paradigm
  • Communicating negative findings to stakeholders invested in the concept
  • Balancing quick feedback needs with research rigor

Lessons Learned

  • Always allow users to explore during usability tests—unexpected insights may emerge
  • Testing before development saves resources and enables better product decisions
  • Be proactive about investigating R&D projects to prepare the right research infrastructure
  • Familiar interactions from one domain may not transfer well to another despite apparent similarities
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