When I first took on the challenge of designing a new digital platform for Bowman Williams, a staffing firm specializing in IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), I knew this was an opportunity to make a significant impact. The goal was clear: create a seamless, efficient, and user-friendly experience for both employers and job seekers in the tech industry. The tagline “Fueling Tech Growth, One Hire at a Time” encapsulated our mission perfectly.

The Journey Begins
The journey began with a deep dive into understanding the unique needs of MSPs and CSPs. These businesses were rapidly growing, but the traditional staffing methods were holding them back. I conducted interviews and surveys with key stakeholders to uncover their pain points. The insights were clear—employers needed a more efficient way to find qualified candidates, and job seekers needed a streamlined application process.

Working with two C-suite executives and a front-end developer, we formed a small but mighty team. Communication was strictly via email, which kept our exchanges focused and efficient. We utilized Figma and FigJam for collaborative design work and created a Notion roadmap to keep our progress on track.

Crafting the Solution
With our research in hand, I started sketching out wireframes. The initial designs focused on simplifying the user experience. We needed advanced search and filtering options, an intuitive dashboard, and real-time notifications to keep users engaged and informed. The goal was to make the platform as user-friendly as possible, ensuring that both employers and job seekers could navigate it with ease.

Design and Development
Using WordPress Elementor, Advanced Custom Fields (ACFs), Pods, and Gravity Forms, we built the foundation of the platform. Custom sections were developed with PHP and JavaScript to enhance functionality. Every element was designed with the user in mind, from the clean, modern interface to the streamlined workflows.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was seeing how our iterative design process paid off. We started with low-fidelity wireframes to map out the basic layout and functionality. Feedback from usability testing guided us through several iterations, leading to high-fidelity prototypes in Figma that were both visually appealing and highly functional.

Overcoming Challenges
Designing for two distinct user groups—employers and job seekers—presented its own set of challenges. We had to ensure that the platform met the needs of both without compromising on usability. Through continuous testing and refinement, we struck the right balance.

The onboarding process for new users was another critical focus area. Initial feedback indicated that users found it difficult to navigate the platform. To address this, we introduced a guided onboarding process with interactive tutorials and support resources, making it easier for new users to get up to speed quickly.

Final Touches
The visual design was the final piece of the puzzle. I chose a professional color palette that conveyed trust and reliability, paired with modern typography for clarity. Engaging visuals and custom icons were added to make navigation intuitive and enjoyable.

The Impact
In the end, our platform transformed the staffing process for MSPs and CSPs. Employers found it easier to identify and hire the right candidates, while job seekers benefited from a more efficient application process. The platform lived up to our tagline, truly “Fueling Tech Growth, One Hire at a Time.”

This project was a testament to the power of thoughtful, user-centered design. It demonstrated how a well-designed digital platform could address industry-specific challenges and create meaningful solutions. Working with such a dedicated team and seeing our ideas come to life was an incredibly fulfilling experience.

Designing for Bowman Williams was not just about building a platform; it was about creating a tool that would drive growth and efficiency in the IT staffing industry. The journey was challenging, but the results were worth every effort.