NextStep

Overview

In this project case study, I will be sharing my experience designing a mobile app for a local fitness centre. The goal was to create an app that made it easy for gym-goers to view class schedules, book sessions, and track their progress.

Throughout the design process, I focused on creating an intuitive user interface that would enhance the overall user experience and encourage engagement with the app.

My contribution

Brand Design Art Direction Brand Strategy Illustration UI/UX Desiign

The team

1 × creative director 1 × product designer 2 x engineers 2 x content editors

Year

2021 - 2022

NextStep

Process

What is NextStep

NextStep is a platform for training and connecting CNAs and employers, providing a solution to critical workforce needs. In the beginning, NextStep was focused on a B2C model providing casual, self-paced learning tools to a general audience. They made a strategic decision to pivot their entire business model to upskilling trained and untrained CNAs that were already affiliated with companies.

The Problem

The challenge NextStep had was addressing credibility concerns and trust issues. The site at the time was misaligned and generic, which made potential users feel uncertain. This created a critical problem, leading the CNA educators team to report consistent feedback that the brand felt unprofessional for the healthcare industry.

The Goal

To build a more trustworthy and professional brand, I developed a cohesive visual language and a comprehensive design system. This scalable framework provided the entire organization with the tools for consistent execution, enabling sustainable growth.

NextStep's orginal homepage
I designed this "How it Works" page wireframe utilizing custom illustrations, and created both light and dark mode versions for stakeholder feedback.
Designed low and high-fidelity wireframes using a foundational design system I helped pioneer. The primary focus was engineering responsive card elements that are easy for content teams to manage and visually organized to facilitate a seamless, uncluttered
To support the new NextStep brand identity, we integrated a system of custom illustrations directed by me designed to clarify text and provide compelling visual storytelling for marketing campaigns. I

Outcome

We delivered a cohesive brand system that instantly elevated NextStep's perceived value and professionalism. The strategic restructuring of the user journey across all web pages and marketing touchpoints removed friction, built trust, and directly supported the company's growth objectives.