SACC Connect

Overview

SACC Connect was created to address a critical challenge:

The goal was to design a secure, user-friendly platform that enables staff across centers to share information, coordinate services, and strengthen collaboration through one connected system.

Team

UX Designers: Shaina Gardose, Reilly Gear, Harpuneet Bhatia, and myself

Discovery

During our initial research, we discovered a key gap: There was no unified digital platform allowing different centers to communicate, share resources, or access collective data efficiently.

Staff relied on emails and phone calls, leading to fragmented communication and information loss. Feedback from coordinators emphasized the need for a straightforward, intuitive UX that anyone could use regardless of technical skill.

Research Process

To ground our design decisions, we explored several key research areas:

1. Map Technology

We analyzed how interactive mapping could visualize centers across regions, showing available services through filters such as location, support type, and availability. We evaluated the impact on web accessibility and organizational communication efficiency.

2. Website Design

We researched best practices in user experience and interface design for nonprofit and community-driven organizations, emphasizing clarity, inclusivity, and trust. Our focus areas included:

• Communication preferences across roles

• Simplicity of navigation

• Data visibility and control for staff

  
  

3. Website Security

We reviewed secure development standards to protect sensitive survivor and staff data, referencing guidelines from multiple privacy and accessibility frameworks.

4. Interviews & User Testing

We conducted:

• An interview with the coordinator of SAC volunteer programs to gain first-hand insights into current communication barriers.

• User testing sessions with 15 participants to assess usability and intuitiveness of our prototype.

Feedback from testing informed major improvements in navigation, clarity, and security flow awareness.

Design Development

Key Features

• Account-Based System: Each center can log in, manage its own profile, and communicate securely with other centers.

• Digital Map Integration: An interactive map displays all connected centers, allowing users to filter by service type or region to quickly locate needed resources.

• Centralized Communication Dashboard: Enables real-time updates, announcements, and document sharing across centers.

Results

User testing revealed strong positive feedback:

• 87% of testers found the layout intuitive and easy to navigate.

• The map feature was identified as the most helpful element for locating services.

• Participants emphasized that clear communication channels would significantly improve collaboration among centers.

  
  

These findings confirmed that our account-based, map-integrated platform effectively addressed both accessibility and organizational needs.

Reflection & Next Steps

Through SACC Connect, I learned how UX design can strengthen collaboration in sensitive, service-oriented environments. Balancing security, trust, and simplicity was key, every design choice needed to respect the nature of the work these centers do.

If given more time, I would:

• Develop mobile compatibility for on-the-go communication

• Integrate anonymous reporting or peer support features

• Expand usability testing with more diverse center roles

  
  

This project reinforced the importance of designing with empathy, ensuring that every interaction supports the people doing vital, human-centered work.