Yahalom

03 / Yahalom Foundation

The Yahalom Foundation supports the elite Yahalom unit of the IDF, which specializes in combat engineering. As a nonprofit, the foundation faces challenges in attracting and retaining support, particularly from past soldiers, bereaved families, and potential donors. Recognizing the shift in user behavior towards mobile engagement, the foundation sought to create a mobile app to bridge these gaps and foster a stronger sense of community.

As part of a volunteer team of three product designers, I contributed to this project with the goal of enhancing the foundation’s digital presence. Our objective was to develop an intuitive platform that effectively conveys the foundation’s activities, connects soldiers and bereaved families, and provides accessible avenues for engagement and support.

The Yahalom Foundation struggled with limited awareness, unclear engagement opportunities, and the need for increased transparency in its operations. A survey of 179 respondents revealed critical insights:

82% of respondents were Yahalom unit graduates, emphasizing the need for tailored content.

19% found existing participation opportunities unengaging, pointing to a need for more compelling initiatives.

27% were unsure how to join the foundation, highlighting the need for clear guidance.

38% were unaware of the foundation’s activities, stressing the importance of raising awareness.

Challenge

Building Community & Connection  Developing features that foster relationships between past soldiers and bereaved families, providing a dedicated space for remembrance and interaction

Enhancing Engagement Implementing clear calls to action for users to participate in foundation activities, volunteer opportunities, and events 

Ensuring Transparency Communicating how donations are used to build trust with potential donors

Key Priorities

During the design phase, we developed low-fidelity wireframes that mapped out essential user journeys. These wireframes ensured a seamless experience, allowing users to create an association member account, share memories of fallen soldiers, monitor their participation history, and receive notifications about upcoming events.

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The visual language of the app was carefully crafted to reflect the identity of the Yahalom unit, incorporating design elements that resonate with both soldiers and bereaved families. This approach ensured an emotionally engaging interface that strengthened the sense of belonging within the community.

By leveraging survey insights and user-centered design principles, we successfully created a meaningful platform that enhances engagement, increases awareness, and fosters lasting connections within the Yahalom Foundation. This volunteer-led initiative demonstrates the power of design in driving social impact and strengthening communities through technology.