Hi, I’m Kristin Gandy.
Product Designer & Apprentice Applicant
I am transitioning my professional background into UX through the Google UX Design Certification. I focus on turning complex, anxious user workflows into clean, accessible digital products.
UX RESEARCH BRIEF / COURSEWORK IN PROGRESS
Google UX Certificate project
Closing Countdown
A buyer-focused mobile app and responsive website concept for reducing confusion during the 30-to-45-day mortgage closing window.
ROLE
Lead UX/UI Designer
DURATION
Jul–Oct 2026
PLATFORM
Mobile app + responsive web
METHODS
Research, wireframes, prototype, testing
01 / THE PROBLEM STATEMENT
SOURCE: USER RESEARCH + COURSE PROMPT
CHALLENGE
The mortgage closing process is confusing for first-time buyers because critical steps, documents, and deadlines are spread across emails, texts, and portals.
UX RISK
Low visibility increases anxiety and makes users worry that one missed action could delay or derail their closing.
DESIGN RESPONSE
Create a dedicated tracker that centralizes timeline progress, personal tasks, document uploads, and transaction-team contacts in plain language.
02 / TARGET USER PERSONA DATA
PERSONA: SARAH
PROFILE
31-year-old marketing manager buying her first condo.
CONTEXT
Checks updates on mobile; uses desktop for heavier document review.
GOAL
Know the closing date, next task, and document status without searching emails.
PAIN POINT
Jargon and scattered requests make deadlines feel risky and unclear.
QUOTE
“I just want to know if my loan is approved and what I’m supposed to sign next without digging through 50 email threads.”
PRIMARY NEED
A calm, centralized interface that translates the closing process into visible progress and plain-language next steps.
03 / FEATURE SCOPE
SCALED FOR FIRST VERSION
FEATURE
USER NEED
DESIGN DECISION
STATUS
Secure onboarding
Connect to active transaction
Reduce setup ambiguity with a guided entry point.
Core
Dashboard timeline
Know current stage quickly
Place progress and days remaining at the top.
Core
Document tasks
Track what is sent or missing
Use checklist language instead of lender jargon.
Core
Team directory
Find the right contact fast
Group realtor, lender, and title agent by role.
Core
Out of scope for this certificate project: agent-facing dashboards, lender workflows, payment processing, and legal document generation.
04 / PAPER WIREFRAMES
UPLOAD 3–4 SKETCHES
Initial paper sketches will document early layout exploration before moving into digital wireframes and high-fidelity prototypes.
Initial Paper Wireframe 01
Initial Paper Wireframe 02
Initial Paper Wireframe 03
Initial Paper Wireframe 04