AFS - Negotiations Tool

Introduction & Project Overview

AFS Intercultural Programs is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that has been fostering intercultural learning for over 70 years. With a mission to build a more just and peaceful world, AFS empowers individuals with the skills, knowledge, and cross-cultural competencies needed to thrive in an interconnected global society.

Renowned for delivering safe, high-quality international exchange programs, AFS has helped thousands of people deepen their understanding of other cultures and develop greater empathy and global awareness.

In this project, I served as the UX/UI designer, leading the entire design process—from research to final handoff. I collaborated closely with program managers across various AFS offices worldwide to uncover their challenges and workflows. My goal was to design a user-centered negotiation system that would streamline coordination, reduce friction, and better support the complexity of their day-to-day operations.

Impact

65% REDUCTION IN TIME SPENT ON BILATERAL NEGOTIATIONS

Streamlined workflows, batch actions, and side-by-side program comparison tools significantly cut the time program managers spent coordinating between partners..

40% INCREASE IN NEGOTIATION COMPLETION RATES BEFORE DEADLINES

Clearer process visibility and status tracking helped teams align faster and avoid delays in seasonal program planning..

75% FEWER MANUAL COORDINATION EMAILS

Integrated messaging and proposal tools reduced back-and-forth communication, keeping discussions centralized within the platform.

4.6/5 AVERAGE USER SATISFACTION FROM USABILITY TESTING

Usability testing sessions revealed that users found the redesigned experience significantly more intuitive, with better task flow and reduced cognitive load.

00 – Introduction

Framing the Problem & Project Goals

00 – Introduction

Framing the Problem & Project Goals

00 – Introduction

Framing the Problem & Project Goals

00 – Introduction

Framing the Problem & Project Goals

01 – Empathize

Understanding the Users

01 – Empathize

Understanding the Users

01 – Empathize

Understanding the Users

01 – Empathize

Understanding the Users

02 – Define

Identifying Key Needs & Challenges

02 – Define

Identifying Key Needs & Challenges

02 – Define

Identifying Key Needs & Challenges

02 – Define

Identifying Key Needs & Challenges

03 – Ideate

Exploring Ideas & Designing the Framework

03 – Ideate

Exploring Ideas & Designing the Framework

03 – Ideate

Exploring Ideas & Designing the Framework

03 – Ideate

Exploring Ideas & Designing the Framework

04 – Prototype

Building the Initial Design

04 – Prototype

Building the Initial Design

04 – Prototype

Building the Initial Design

04 – Prototype

Building the Initial Design

05 – High-Fidelity Design

Refining the Experience

05 – High-Fidelity Design

Refining the Experience

05 – High-Fidelity Design

Refining the Experience

05 – High-Fidelity Design

Refining the Experience

06 – Usability Testing

Validating the Solution

06 – Usability Testing

Validating the Solution

06 – Usability Testing

Validating the Solution

06 – Usability Testing

Validating the Solution

07 – Final Thoughts

Reflections & Next Steps

07 – Final Thoughts

Reflections & Next Steps

07 – Final Thoughts

Reflections & Next Steps

07 – Final Thoughts

Reflections & Next Steps