Hey, it's Holly!
Winnow is an admissions equity project funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2023 and built in partnership with the University of Maryland College Park. This platform strives to provide a transparent and ethical college browsing tool for prospective students.
Client:
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
My Role:
Lead Product Designer
Year:
2023
Service Provided:
Product Design, Web Design, Branding
Introduction
Winnow is an ethical digital tool created to help U.S. college-bound students research and compare schools securely. The platform offers a protected space to explore college options while providing essential resources on enrollment and degree selection.
The Problem
Students needed a secure method to navigate college choices, with advanced filtering and a save-for-later feature to streamline their research. Ensuring data privacy was paramount throughout the process.
Project Goals
Our goal was to design and build the product from the ground up. This included establishing the brand, developing a content management system, and creating a tool that supports user interactions like likes and favorites. The platform aggregates data from multiple sources into visual formats, and an engaging onboarding process helps users quickly narrow down their options.
Aesthetics & Style
Winnow is FUN! — its design is very playful, but won't seem childish. Bold, colorful blocks of content make the interface inviting and flexible for future updates, while strict accessibility guidelines ensure that the vibrant palette remains both functional and inclusive.
Experience & Learning
Stepping into a lead role unexpectedly honed my skills in task management and client communication. Mentoring a new designer alongside balancing other projects further expanded my capabilities, reinforcing my commitment to quality and professional growth.
Outcome & Results
My contributions supported the successful launch of Winnow as a secure, student-first platform grounded in ethical and accessible design. In a lead role, I helped shape the product vision, guided interface design, and mentored a junior designer—ensuring consistency, usability, and visual impact. The result is a transparent, inclusive tool that empowers students to explore college options confidently and privately.
