CONNECTED
Challenge Description
Given the significant impact on women and people of color due to the pandemic, how can Cisco retain its diverse talent as we prepare for the future evolution of the work environment?
Project Description
The connect app houses our package of programs that cultivate diversity and nurture the needs of women, under the three aspects of engage, enable, and empower.
My Role
Lead Prototyper
Time Frame
April 2021 - May 2021
Challenge Outcome
My team was announced as one of the two winners of our section in the Braven organization and Cisco collaboration.
Preliminary Research
The team was given resources such as articles to look through. This is what we found from the sources Finestra, Kaiser Family Foundation, and CNBC.
Evidently, large amounts of Minorities such as POC women face adversity on a regular basis. It is obvious that there are struggles in and out of work.
Interviews
Each member of our team of 5 interviewed 3 POC Cisco Employees regarding their work experiences. We found that:
1. Poor leadership leads to higher turnover rates
2. Employees don't feel taken care of
3. Employees don't know that a Cisco initiative already exists
Interviewee #1
Q: What are your opinions on the leadership team?
A: Retention and young employee treatment need to be better.
Interviewee #2
Q: Do you feel you are valued? Why?
A: There are no sick days or community work days. Time off is completely inadequate if you have young kids.
Interviewee #3
Q: Has Cisco supported women of color?
A: There aren't any programs for support, there's just a lot of work to get done.
The Problem
Cisco employees don’t feel prioritized by the company because Cisco focuses more on the product rather than diverse development and cross collaboration.
Wireframes/ Prototypes
Below are the two proposed solutions as mid-fi wireframes.
Mentorship Campaign
Work & Wellness Programs
Solution
The team decided that the final iteration includes an app housing the selection of work and wellness programs, with mentorship being under "Empower". For a more complete app, the user would have an inbox to have communication across the programs and resources. Furthermore, employees would be able to view their points and rewards earned from work.
Reflection & Next Steps
Next steps would include allocating time for usability testing and revisions.
Additionally, there would be the implementation of the Connect App:
- Create a task force
- Build a support network
- Build the app
- Assign program manager
- Go live and publicize
