EmployNXT Design System & Identity
Creating a brand identity and design system for EmployNXT, an AI-powered recruitment solution
Big Picture
As the Design Intern on the two-person student intern team, I was tasked with auditing and revamping the current
digital presence of EmployNXT. This process gave me experience into Brand Design, something I have always
wanted to get into. This project is still in-the-works and I will be updating this page as I go!
Role:
Designer
Timeline:
Oct 2024 - present
Tools:
Figma, Photoshop
Team:
Jackie Crowley, Humna Amir
Background
EmployNXT is a Halifax-based startup, focused on reshaping the future of recruitment. With AI-enabled technology and GPT power, they offer a digital platform with end-to-end solutions for diversity hiring and inclusivity.
EmployNXT is focused on crafting opportunities and fostering a community that values diversity in every aspect. A core goal of the company is to uplift 1 million+ women, LGBTQ+, BIPOC and disabled members annually to secure their dream jobs.
Brand & Website Audit
As I was new to Brand Design, I figured an optimal place to begin was deeply understanding the current state of EmployNXT’s digital identity. One of the best ways to understand and assess this is through a brand and website audit. My main goals were to:
Understand the brand identity
Assess how well this identity is being portrayed
Identify inconsistencies or errors
As the existing team did not include a designer, I saw this as a prime opportunity to demonstrate the value of good design and how it can make existing processes and user goals easier to attain.
Issues I found
Outdated design
The current website had a few problems, which is common at this stage when the focus is to build connections with other organizations. The CEO mentioned that one of the reasons they decided to take on interns was to take a look at the things that “we have no time to deal with”.
I focused on the design of the website, which was outdated and somewhat messy. For a product that is aimed at innovation, it is inappropriate for the brand to showcase a website with outdated and ineffective designs. This needed fixing ASAP.
Lack of organization and systems
The existing website and pitch-deck had inconsistent fonts, imagery (icons and pictures), colours, and messages. It wasn’t clear what the product was and what problems it solves. This all boiled down to a lack of Brand Guidelines and overall organization of Design Elements. The vision was clear, it just needed some order.
Establishing Brand Design System
I began by establishing a new brand design system. Taking initial ideas of logos and colours, and systemizing them along with typography and icons.
Next steps
I will continue by applying design changes directly on the website, using the brand design system as a guide.
I will be updating this page as I go, so stayed tuned!