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Bridges to Freedom
Bridges to Freedom was designed driven by my passion for creating platforms where individuals from different backgrounds can freely engage. I designed an re-entry plan on my own, collaborating with Unheard Voices Outreach to create a mobile platform to provide past incarcerated individuals with necessary assistance for re-entry into society.
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Re-entry Design| Inclusive Design | UI/UX | 2023
Overview
The Problem
Past Incarcerated Individuals Need More Assistance to Transition Back into Their Community
Current issue
Past incarcerated individuals face many problems re-entering society; between fewer job opportunities and the ever-changing outside world, they face a greater separation from society.
Challenges facing re-entry into the workforce and community:
The “box rule”: limits finding employment
Lack of resources & gap in re-entry information
Compounded by feelings of insecurity & lack of acceptance
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My Mission
To Provide Past Incarcerated Individuals with Necessary Recommendations to Re-entry
As a design consultant, I sought to collaborate with Unheard Voices Outreach, drawn to their mission of aiding the reintegration of previously incarcerated individuals in Tennessee to successfully transition back into the civic, economic, and technological community
After user research and many rounds of iteration, I created a platform combined with Unheard Voices Outreach’s resources that provide past incarcerated individuals with:
Contact re-entry consultant
Create
resume
Match suitable
neighborhoods
Connect with
community events
My Collaborating Process
Unheard Voices Outreach
IDEATION Prototype
Meeting as a design-consultant
User Research with Past Incarcerated Individuals
Outcome Platform
Research & Analysis
High Return and Recidivism in the United States
The United States criminal justice system holds almost 2.3 million people in its custody each year, giving it the distinction of having the highest per capita incarceration rate in the world.
Nationally, each year an average of 626,000 individuals leave prison gates each year, but 10.6 million enter prison gates in the same time span
Current Life After Incarceration
The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) offers a three-month housing assistance program for all individuals transitioning from Federal institutions, with no obligation for repayment.
Individuals lose their right to vote, their right to privacy, and even some of their First Amendment rights.
Individuals may receive support or resources from local reentry organizations or non-profit groups individuals, but still face limited employment opportunities, inadequate housing options, and barriers to social services.
Steps to Individualism
Factors of independence:
Personal Autonomy
Financial Independence
Legal Independence
Cultural Independence
User Needs
Identify Past Incarcerated Individuals’ Hierarchy of Needs
To assist individuals on re-entry I interviewed 5 past-incarcerated individuals on their challenges during re-entry then identified the importance of a past incarcerated individuals’ needs by the need’s impact on their well being and growth.
Past Incarcerated Individuals’ Hierarchy of Needs
User’s Voice: Challenges to re-entry
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After identifying the individuals’ pain points I came up with a four step plan, one for each category of need.
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User Persona
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Info
Name:
Age:
Released:
Location:
Maria Rodrigo
35 years old
One month ago
Houston, TX
Skill
Landscaping and Gardening
Heritage
Mexican
Family
Single Mother
User Story
Maria was released from prison last month and is struggling to secure employment. She also currently resides in government-provided housing, but in two months, she will need to find her own housing. Maria doesn’t like her current neighborhood and would like to relocate eventually.
Design Question
How might we make Maria's re-entry process easier by providing her with assistance and necessity resources?
Problem Define & My Solution
To Design a Personal Plan for Maria with the Help of Re-entry Consultants
How will this work for Maria?
Step 1
Attain Physiological Needs
Connect with consultant to create CV
Based on Maria’s skills, create a CV and provide job recommendations. Having a sustainable and suitable job makes her job more manageable and offer her finances to meet her physiological needs.
Step 2
Secure Safety Needs
Find a neighborhood that is a good fit
Offer Maria suitable housing based on her cultural background and housing preferences. Finding a familiar neighborhood can provide safety and security for Maria.
Step 3
Fulfill Belonging Needs
Match with meaningful community events
Placing Maria in meaningful community events to which she can contribute gives her a sense of belonging. Being in a like-minded community also increases her engagement and removes language barriers.
Step 4
Achieve Self Actualization
Motivate and celebrate achievements
Maria is motivated to become an active and valued member of her community. Re-entry consultants can motivate and celebrate her achievements to reach full potential and allow growth.
Interface Design
Step 1: Attain Physiological Needs
Connecting Maria to Re-entry Consultants
By connecting Maria to a re-entry consultant, Maria will have a clear plan on her next steps
Create a Resume for Maria and Help Her Find a Suitable Job
In helping Maria create a resume and finding a sustainable job, Maria will achieve financial freedom and the first step to meeting her needs.
Step 2: Secure Safety Needs
Find Neighborhoods that Fit Maria’s Preferences and Background
Placing Maria in a neighborhood, where she feel welcomed, can create warmth and feelings of safety.
Step 3 & 4: Fulfill Belonging Needs, Achieve Self Actualization
Integrate Maria Back into Community Through Meaningful Events
Introducing Maria to events she can contribute to and impact gives her a sense of belonging and feelings of accomplishment when achievements are celebrated
Reflection & feedback from UVO:
Presenting my design to the director and founder of UVO, he expressed his gratitude for this design that would assist them further in their mission to assist past incarcerated individuals with the help of technology. This experience helped me define my passion in the design field to create inclusive spaces that unite rather than divide.
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