ApplyBoost 2.0
Project Overview
The overarching goal of ApplyBoost product versioning is to strategically plan and implement new features that enhance the experience for both students and Recruitment Partners (RPs). By reusing and optimizing existing capabilities, we aim to deliver improvements that make the program scalable and sustainable while also adding value to critical user journeys.
This initiative focuses on defining a structured approach to product feature versioning for ApplyBoost. By prioritizing features that align with essential student and recruiter journeys, we aim to enhance their experience and support future program growth. Through thoughtful versioning, we will ensure that ApplyBoost can continuously evolve, staying agile to meet user needs while maintaining a high-quality experience across all program phases.
Role
Lead UI Designer
Client
Internal (ApplyBoard Inc.)
Tools
Figma, Atlassian Jira/Confluence, Airtable, Miro
Duration
2 months
Methodologies
User Empathy, Wire framing, Prototyping, Heuristics, Scalability, Brand Alignment, Accessibility.
Problem
To maximize students' chances of enrolling at their desired schools, ApplyBoard must offer effective tools and guidance. The ApplyBoost Program was created to give students the flexibility to work with an RP or proceed independently. However, ApplyBoost V2.0, launched in India in 2022, revealed key challenges: low RP engagement, limited onboarding, a low conversion rate from registered to paid applicants, and product inefficiencies.
Problem Statement
"How might we enhance the ApplyBoost program to give students a fair opportunity to either choose an RP or continue their study abroad journey independently?"
This problem statement calls for a renewed approach to the ApplyBoost Program, one that prioritizes both the student and RP experience and addresses the structural challenges that have previously limited its success. By improving ApplyBoost, we aim to offer a robust, student-centered solution that enhances the likelihood of successful enrollment, whether students choose to work with an RP or pursue their journey independently.
Discovery and Research
50
User Interviews
5
Focus Groups
120
User Insights
Through user interviews, data analysis, and feedback reviews, we gained a clear understanding of user needs and challenges. This research also confirmed our initial hypothesis regarding the issues ApplyBoost 1.0 aims to address.
​Our analysis of ApplyBoost 1.0 has revealed several key issues impacting both program functionality and user engagement:
1. Incomplete RP Profiles Despite Follow-Ups
A significant number of Recruitment Partners (RPs) have not completed their profiles, despite multiple reminders from IRMs. RPs often claim their profiles are complete, indicating potential confusion or issues within the profile setup process.
2. Unclear Declined Lead Process
While a process has been mapped out for handling leads declined by RPs, recent queries from stakeholders suggest there is still ambiguity. This highlights the need for a more clearly defined process and better communication to ensure that all involved stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities.
3. High Student Churn Due to Insufficient Partner Information
The current ApplyBoost flow results in high student churn, as many leads are redirected to the partner page without enough information about ApplyBoost or the benefits of connecting with these partners. This lack of context reduces engagement and leads to drop-offs.
4. Delayed RP Onboarding Updates for IRMs/Managers
Updates on RP onboarding status are often delayed for IRMs and managers due to the RS team needing to manually update each RP’s stage. This delay impacts timely decision-making and program coordination.
5. Limited Access to ApplyBoost Profile for Managers and Counselors
The ApplyBoost profile is managed under the company’s main account, restricting managers’ and counselors’ access. This setup complicates delegation and limits their ability to work efficiently with leads.
These findings underscore the need for clearer communication channels, streamlined onboarding processes, and improved access to program tools to enhance both RP and student experiences within ApplyBoost.
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Strategy & Design
The ApplyBoost user experience is being re-envisioned from the ground up, guided by thorough user research and a deep understanding of user needs and pain points.

Process
Collaborative workshops and brainstorming sessions with key stakeholders have been critical in identifying user personas and mapping out the ApplyBoost customer journey. Innovative design solutions are now driving the creation of new features to directly address identified issues, aiming to improve both student and RP experiences. By incorporating clearer processes, enhanced access, and streamlined communications, the ApplyBoost redesign aligns with both user expectations and ApplyBoard’s strategic goals, creating a cohesive, user-centered experience that fosters engagement and reduces churn.

This redesign strategy emphasizes simplicity, transparency, and accessibility, ensuring that ApplyBoost provides students with the guidance they need, while equipping RPs and program managers with the tools necessary for efficient, seamless collaboration.
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Solution
Designing the ApplyBoost UI for Enhanced Student and RP Engagement
The revamped ApplyBoost UI solution is centered around four key components to optimize user experience, support effective lead nurturing, and strengthen the student-RP matching process. By implementing targeted interfaces and interactive elements, this redesign offers an intuitive and supportive journey for both students and Recruitment Partners (RPs).

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Enhanced Student Onboarding – A streamlined onboarding flow empowers students to choose an RP during or after signup, offering a more personalized journey.
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RP Journey – A flexible framework and progress tracking help RPs onboard smoothly, increasing visibility and engagement.
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Lead Nurture – A central Lead Status Page allows students to monitor their application status and manage RP requests, while a Stakeholder Dashboard tracks overall progress and an Archive feature organizes inactive leads.
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Student-RP Match Framework – Tailored matching criteria align students with suitable RPs, boosting successful applications.

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This solution prioritizes transparency, control, and engagement, aligning with ApplyBoard’s commitment to supporting student success.
Using Apply Board Branding & Crystal Design System
The ApplyBoost UI revamp leverages the ApplyBoard Brand and Crystal Design System to create a seamless and cohesive user experience aligned with the new UX strategy. The updated visuals and interface elements draw from ApplyBoard’s established brand principles, conveying trust, innovation, and inclusivity—core values that resonate with ApplyBoost’s mission to support diverse student journeys.
Every element, from typography to iconography, reflects the polished and professional aesthetic of the ApplyBoard Brand, reinforcing familiarity for users across ApplyBoard’s platforms. The Crystal Design System ensures consistency and scalability, enabling UI components that are accessible, adaptable, and intuitive. This cohesive design framework not only enhances usability but also strengthens ApplyBoost’s visual identity, creating a unified experience that aligns with ApplyBoard’s overarching brand evolution.​​
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Design Phase
The goal of this phase is to bridge the gap between user expectations and technical feasibility, balancing creativity with functionality. It sets the stage for development by offering clear visual direction and ensuring the product reflects the brand identity while meeting user requirements. Ultimately, the UI design phase transforms abstract concepts into tangible, user-focused solutions that drive engagement and satisfaction.
Enhanced Student Onboarding Journey
The new student onboarding flow introduces a streamlined experience, allowing students to select an RP either during or after their initial onboarding. This flexibility empowers students with greater control over their journey, facilitating a smoother and more personalized experience. Clear prompts, interactive options, and guided navigation will ensure students understand their choices and the role of RPs in their application journey.
RP Journey
A tailored framework is implemented for selecting RPs to join the ApplyBoost program, with criteria that enhance the student-RP matching process. The RP onboarding journey is designed with transparency and ease-of-use in mind, providing RPs with clear pathways to opt in and engage within the program. The flexible matching logic supports the successful mobilization of student applications by connecting them to the most relevant RPs. Detailed onboarding screens and a progress tracker will improve RP accessibility and visibility into the process, facilitating higher engagement and retention.
Lead Nurture
The redesigned lead nurture process features a Lead Status Page that serves as a central student workspace. Here, students can view the status of their applications, track requests sent to RPs, and submit requests to change their RP if necessary. Additionally, a Stakeholder Dashboard will provide ApplyBoost managers and IRMs with an overview of the full ApplyBoost funnel, from initial requests to enrollment, helping monitor lead progress and optimize engagement strategies. To further support lead management, an Archived Lead Stage will be added, accessible via the LMS, enabling RPs and ApplyBoost administrators to manage inactive leads with reasoning, creating a structured approach for handling disengaged users.
Student-RP Match Framework
For ApplyBoost’s success, effectively matching students with suitable RPs is essential. The Student-RP Match Framework incorporates specific matching criteria into the onboarding journey, using data points from the DJS journey to ensure alignment between students’ needs and RP strengths. An intuitive matching interface will allow seamless connections, enhancing the likelihood of successful applications and creating a high-impact network for student support.
