PAUSE TAKE 9
Take 9 Seconds For a Safer World
PAUSE TAKE 9
Take 9 Seconds For a Safer World
PAUSE TAKE 9
Take 9 Seconds For a Safer World
PAUSE TAKE 9
Take 9 Seconds For a Safer World
ROLE
UX Designer
UX Designer
Timeline
Oct 2024 - April 2025
Oct 2024 - April 2025
TEAM
1 Product Manager
2 UX Designer
2 UI Designer
3 Developer
1 Product Manager
2 UX Designer
2 UI Designer
3 Developer
Skills/tools
Figma, Illustrator, Google Slides, Sitemap, Content Model, User Journeys, Wireframes, Stakeholder Management
Figma, Illustrator, Google Slides, Sitemap, Content Model, User Journeys, Wireframes, Stakeholder Management
ROLE
UX Researcher & Designer
Timeline
February - May 2023
TEAM
1 Product Manager, 2 UXR & UXD, 2 UI Designer, 4 Developers
Skills/tools
Figma, Sketch, Zeplin, Miro, PlaybookUX, Google Slides, User Testing, Wireframes, Stakeholder Management
The U.S. is now the global epicenter for ransomware, accounting for 50% of all attacks worldwide, with a staggering 146% year-over-year spike in incidents.
The U.S. is now the global epicenter for ransomware, accounting for 50% of all attacks worldwide, with a staggering 146% year-over-year spike in incidents.
The U.S. is now the global epicenter for ransomware, accounting for 50% of all attacks worldwide, with a staggering 146% year-over-year spike in incidents.
Scammers and cybercriminals stole a record total of $16.6 billion from Americans in 2024
Scammers and cybercriminals stole a record total of $16.6 billion from Americans in 2024
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported that nearly 83% of all losses came from cyber-enabled fraud, most often involving stolen money, data, or personal identities.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported that nearly 83% of all losses came from cyber-enabled fraud, most often involving stolen money, data, or personal identities.
Information alone doesn’t lead to action
76%+ of Americans consider themselves knowledgeable about cybersecurity, but 95%+ of cyber breaches result from human error.
Information alone doesn't lead to action
76%+ of Americans consider themselves knowledgeable about cybersecurity, but 95%+ of cyber breaches result from human error.
So, Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, has committed $100M to create a Cyber Civil Defense network, an alliance of organizations protecting the country from cyber threats. Core partners like Aspen Digital, Global Cyber Alliance, and Consumer Reports focus on citizen education, accessible tools, and workforce programs that diversify and strengthen cybersecurity.
So, Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, has committed $100M to create a Cyber Civil Defense network, an alliance of organizations protecting the country from cyber threats. Core partners like Aspen Digital, Global Cyber Alliance, and Consumer Reports focus on citizen education, accessible tools, and workforce programs that diversify and strengthen cybersecurity.
So, Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, has committed $100M to create a Cyber Civil Defense network, an alliance of organizations protecting the country from cyber threats. Core partners like Aspen Digital, Global Cyber Alliance, and Consumer Reports focus on citizen education, accessible tools, and workforce programs that diversify and strengthen cybersecurity.
THE CHALLENGE
Most people know cybersecurity threats exist, but don’t see how it applies to their daily lives. Even worse, many assume it’s too complicated to do anything about.
Most people know cybersecurity threats exist, but don’t see how it applies to their daily lives. Even worse, many assume it’s too complicated to do anything about.
The challenge was to shift this narrative:
How might we
reframe cybersecurity from something scary and complex into something approachable, actionable, and empowering, so people feel confident taking steps to protect themselves and those around them?
How might we
reframe cybersecurity from something scary and complex into something approachable, actionable, and empowering, so people feel confident taking steps to protect themselves and those around them?
How might we
reframe cybersecurity from something scary and complex into something approachable, actionable, and empowering, so people feel confident taking steps to protect themselves and those around them?
THE CHALLENGE
California is launching a brand new behavioral health role to meet the urgent needs of youth mental health.
The challenge was to shift this narrative:
How might we
build a diverse pipeline of CWCs that reflects the communities they’ll serve?
show employers the value of hiring CWCs and connect them to new funding opportunities?
help youth & families embrace CWCs as a trusted part of their support system?
make CWC certification a natural outcome of college programs?
Scammers and cybercriminals stole a record total of $16.6 billion from Americans in 2024
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported that nearly 83% of all losses came from cyber-enabled fraud, most often involving stolen money, data, or personal identities.
Information alone doesn't lead to action
76%+ of Americans consider themselves knowledgeable about cybersecurity, but 95%+ of cyber breaches result from human error.
THE SOLUTION
THE SOLUTION
Turning awareness into action with PauseTake9
Turning awareness into action with PauseTake9
PauseTake9 is an educational microsite that empowers people to take simple, meaningful steps to strengthen their cyber hygiene. Through practical tips, recommended tools, and accessible resources, it makes cybersecurity approachable and actionable.
PauseTake9 is an educational microsite that empowers people to take simple, meaningful steps to strengthen their cyber hygiene. Through practical tips, recommended tools, and accessible resources, it makes cybersecurity approachable and actionable.
Low-Commitment Learning
Low-Commitment Learning
Low-Commitment Learning
Instead of overwhelming users with technical jargon, PauseTake9 provides clear, bite-sized tips that anyone can understand and apply in daily life, from spotting phishing emails to strengthening passwords.
Instead of overwhelming users with technical jargon, PauseTake9 provides clear, bite-sized tips that anyone can understand and apply in daily life, from spotting phishing emails to strengthening passwords.
Trusted Tools &
Partner Resources
Recommends vetted, easy-to-use cybersecurity tools and external partner resources, such as password managers and two-factor authentication apps, empowering users to take action with reliable, easy-to-use solutions.
Quick Definitions
Includes a built-in glossary that appears on click, giving users immediate definitions for unfamiliar terms. This keeps learning seamless and prevents users from getting lost in technical language.
Progress Tracker
Lets users mark off completed tips and actions with a simple “I’ve done this” checkbox. This adds a sense of accomplishment, gamifies the learning experience, and encourages continued engagement with the site
Trusted Tools & Partner Resources
Recommends vetted, easy-to-use cybersecurity tools and external partner resources, such as password managers and two-factor authentication apps, empowering users to take action with reliable, easy-to-use solutions.
Quick Definitions
Includes a built-in glossary that appears on click, giving users immediate definitions for unfamiliar terms. This keeps learning seamless and prevents users from getting lost in technical language.
Progress Tracker
Lets users mark off completed tips and actions with a simple “I’ve done this” checkbox. This adds a sense of accomplishment, gamifies the learning experience, and encourages continued engagement with the site.
Progress Tracker
Lets users mark off completed tips and actions with a simple “I’ve done this” checkbox. This adds a sense of accomplishment, gamifies the learning experience, and encourages continued engagement with the site
Low-Commitment Learning
Instead of overwhelming users with technical jargon, PauseTake9 provides clear, bite-sized tips that anyone can understand and apply in daily life, from spotting phishing emails to strengthening passwords.
Trusted Tools & Partner Resources
Recommends vetted, easy-to-use cybersecurity tools and external partner resources, such as password managers and two-factor authentication apps, empowering users to take action with reliable, easy-to-use solutions.
Quick Definitions
Includes a built-in glossary that appears on click, giving users immediate definitions for unfamiliar terms. This keeps learning seamless and prevents users from getting lost in technical language.
THE SOLUTION
Turning awareness into
action with PauseTake9
PauseTake9 is an educational microsite that empowers people to take simple, meaningful steps to strengthen their cyber hygiene. Through practical tips, recommended tools, and accessible resources, it makes cybersecurity approachable and actionable.
THE RESEARCH
THE RESEARCH
Understanding the Problem Space
Understanding the Problem Space
Understanding the Problem Space
Our team set out to explore how people perceive and engage with cybersecurity guidance, often finding it overwhelming, overly technical, or disconnected from daily life. To bridge this gap in understanding, we ran a survey and pulled out key insights to guide how we shape content and measure impact.
Our team set out to explore how people perceive and engage with cybersecurity guidance, often finding it overwhelming, overly technical, or disconnected from daily life. To bridge this gap in understanding, we ran a survey and pulled out key insights to guide how we shape content and measure impact.
Our team set out to explore how people perceive and engage with cybersecurity guidance, often finding it overwhelming, overly technical, or disconnected from daily life. To bridge this gap in understanding, we ran a survey and pulled out key insights to guide how we shape content and measure impact.
As part of this effort, I was tasked with:
As part of this effort, I was tasked with:
Auditing 10 partner resources to evaluate breadth and depth of existing resources
Cataloging 400+ content items spanning audiences such as youth, parents, educators, small businesses, & general public
Identifying opportunities to adapt, simplify, and integrate high-value partner content into PauseTake9.org in a way that feels accessible, clear, and actionable
Auditing 10 partner resources to evaluate breadth and depth of existing resources
Cataloging 400+ content items spanning audiences such as youth, parents, educators, small businesses, & general public
Identifying opportunities to adapt, simplify, and integrate high-value partner content into PauseTake9.org in a way that feels accessible, clear, and actionable
Auditing 10 partner resources to evaluate breadth and depth of existing resources
Cataloging 400+ content items spanning audiences such as youth, parents, educators, small businesses, & general public
Identifying opportunities to adapt, simplify, and integrate high-value partner content into PauseTake9.org in a way that feels accessible, clear, and actionable
Setting the Scope with the Client
We worked with the client to define the scope of work: a microsite that would serve two purposes.
Offer cybersecurity best practices in simple and actionable way
Link directly to trusted partner tools and resources for deeper-diving for information.
To support this, I developed an initial sitemap that mapped out how PauseTake9.org could house both campaign content and partner-driven resources in one place.
Defining the Content
To understand what content PauseTake9.org should feature, I audited 10 partner sites and cataloged 400+ resources across audiences and created a content model to organize and compare resources. Paired with our survey results, this helped us pinpoint:
what content resonates,
what feels too technical,
and what gaps exist across partner sites that PauseTake9.org could uniquely fill.
From this process, we defined 10 overarching cybersecurity themes to guide the microsite.
Setting the Scope
with the Client
We worked with the client to define the scope of work: a microsite that would serve two purposes.
Offer cybersecurity best practices in simple and actionable way
Link directly to trusted partner tools and resources for deeper-diving for information.
To support this, I developed an initial sitemap that mapped out how PauseTake9.org could house both campaign content and partner-driven resources in one place.
Defining the Content
To understand what content PauseTake9.org should feature, I audited 10 partner sites and cataloged 400+ resources across audiences and created a content model to organize and compare resources. Paired with our survey results, this helped us pinpoint:
what content resonates,
what feels too technical,
and what gaps exist across partner sites that PauseTake9.org could uniquely fill.
From this process, we defined 10 overarching cybersecurity themes to guide the microsite.
Low knowledge,
casual learner
Someone who doesn’t know much about cybersecurity. Their journey emphasizes simple, relatable entry points like recognizing everyday risks and offering one-click, actionable tips.
Mid knowledge,
inquisitive learner
Someone who has some familiarity but wants to understand best practices more deeply. Their journey emphasizes structured guidance, tools, and clear definitions of jargon to build confidence.
High knowledge,
eager learner
Someone who is already engaged and looking for advanced resources. Their journey prioritizes access to vetted partner tools and deeper dives.
Mapping User Journeys
We translated these content themes into 3 user journeys to show how learners at different knowledge levels would experience and engage with the content:
Mapping User Journeys
We translated these content themes into 3 user journeys to show how learners at
different knowledge levels would experience and engage with the content:
Low knowledge, casual learner
Someone who doesn’t know much about cybersecurity. Their journey emphasizes simple, relatable entry points like recognizing everyday risks and offering one-click, actionable tips.
Mid knowledge, inquisitive learner
Someone who has some familiarity but wants to understand best practices more deeply. Their journey emphasizes structured guidance, tool recommendations, and clear definitions of jargon to build confidence.
High knowledge, eager learner
Someone who is already engaged and looking for advanced resources. Their journey prioritizes access to vetted partner tools and deeper dives.
I CONCLUDED THAT…
Cybersecurity guidance often feels overwhelming and disconnected from daily life, making it hard for individuals to take meaningful action. Content across partner sites is scattered and can be too technical or overwhelming.
This prompted us to consider:
How might we
make cybersecurity guidance approachable and easy to act on?
help learners at different knowledge levels engage with content in a way that builds confidence & understanding?
connect vetted tools and partner resources in a way that feels seamless and human-centered?
As part of this effort, I was tasked with:
Auditing 10 partner resources to evaluate breadth and depth of existing resources
Cataloging 400+ content items spanning audiences such as youth, parents, educators, small businesses, & general public
Identifying opportunities to adapt, simplify, and integrate high-value partner content into PauseTake9.org in a way that feels accessible, clear, and actionable
Wireframes
With content themes, user journeys, and the sitemap established, I translated research insights into low-fidelity wireframes for PauseTake9.org. The goal was to create a structure that supports learners at all knowledge levels while keeping navigation simple and content approachable.
Setting the Scope with the Client
We worked with the client to define the scope of work: a microsite that would serve two purposes.
Offer cybersecurity best practices in simple and actionable way
Link directly to trusted partner tools and resources for deeper-diving for information.
To support this, I developed an initial sitemap that mapped out how PauseTake9.org could house both campaign content and partner-driven resources in one place.
Defining the Content
To understand what content PauseTake9.org should feature, I audited 10 partner sites and cataloged 400+ resources across audiences and created a content model to organize and compare resources. Paired with our survey results, this helped us pinpoint:
what content resonates,
what feels too technical,
and what gaps exist across partner sites that PauseTake9.org could uniquely fill.
From this process, we defined 10 overarching cybersecurity themes to guide the microsite.
Low knowledge,
casual learner
Someone who doesn’t know much about cybersecurity. Their journey emphasizes simple, relatable entry points like recognizing everyday risks and offering one-click, actionable tips.
Mid knowledge,
inquisitive learner
Someone who has some familiarity but wants to understand best practices more deeply. Their journey emphasizes structured guidance, tools, and clear definitions of jargon to build confidence.
High knowledge,
eager learner
Someone who is already engaged and looking for advanced resources. Their journey prioritizes access to vetted partner tools and deeper dives.
Mapping User Journeys
We translated these content themes into 3 user journeys to show how learners at different knowledge levels would experience and engage with the content:
Wireframes
With content themes, user journeys, and the sitemap established, I translated research insights into low-fidelity wireframes for PauseTake9.org. The goal was to create a structure that supports learners at all knowledge levels while keeping navigation simple and content approachable.
I CONCLUDED THAT…
Cybersecurity guidance often feels overwhelming and disconnected from daily life, making it hard for individuals to take meaningful action. Content across partner sites is scattered and can be too technical or overwhelming.
This prompted us to consider:
How might we
make cybersecurity guidance approachable and easy to act on?
help learners at different knowledge levels engage with content in a way that builds confidence & understanding?
connect vetted tools and partner resources in a way that feels seamless and human-centered?
THE DESIGN PROCESS
Shifting into UI Design
Building on research and discovery, our team moved into high-fidelity UI and interaction design for PauseTake9.org, focusing on clarity, approachability, and engagement. The goal was to make cybersecurity content feel less intimidating and more actionable. Our UI designer and creative team developed the platform’s branding and ensured the experience was fully responsive, delivering a seamless journey across desktop, tablet, and mobile.
We mapped out interaction details and created Lottie animations to bring the interface to life, creating smooth, engaging micro-interactions that guided users through complex workflows. I collaborated closely with the UI designer and development team, ensuring the animations aligned with the design system and enhanced usability, helping users intuitively understand how to interact with the content.
PauseTake9.org makes cybersecurity content simple, clear, & enjoyable with bright colors, playful animations, and a cheeky flair.
PauseTake9.org makes cybersecurity content simple, clear, & enjoyable with bright colors, playful animations, and a cheeky flair.
FINDINGS & KEY TAKEAWAYS
What We Learned
42.5M total reach in 8 months, showing broad awareness of the campaign.
42.5M total reach in 8 months, showing broad awareness of the campaign.
343K site visits with 339K actions taken, showing strong engagement with content and partner resources.
343K site visits with 339K actions taken, showing strong engagement with content and partner resources.
Users spent 1m06s on Home and 2m36s on Protect Yourself, indicating interest in deeper guidance.
Users spent 1m06s on Home and 2m36s on Protect Yourself, indicating interest in deeper guidance.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Based on our findings:
Add filter categories on the How to Protect Yourself page to reduce cognitive load and personalize the experience.
Users will be able to filter by topic, device type, and scenario, making it easier to find relevant guidance.
Introduce more advanced tips since users are engaging with advanced tools and tips.
Expand the microsite to include infrastructure cybersecurity content to meet client’s objectives
Based on our findings:
Add filter categories on the How to Protect Yourself page
to reduce cognitive load and personalize the experience.Users will be able to filter by topic, device type, and scenario,
making it easier to find relevant guidance.Introduce more advanced tips since users are engaging with
advanced tools and tips.Expand the microsite to include infrastructure cybersecurity content
to meet client’s objectives.
97% positive/neutral sentiment demonstrates that the approachable design and clear language resonated with users.
97% positive/neutral sentiment demonstrates that the approachable design and clear language resonated with users.
Visitors explored advanced tips beyond basic cybersecurity guidance, showing layered content supported different knowledge levels.
Visitors explored advanced tips beyond basic cybersecurity guidance, showing layered content supported different knowledge levels.
This project showed me how thoughtful UX can transform even the most technical subjects into approachable experiences. It reinforced my belief that good design is human-centered and empowers users through clear, accessible experiences.
This project showed me how thoughtful UX can transform even the most technical subjects into approachable experiences. It reinforced my belief that good design is human-centered and empowers users through clear, accessible experiences.
Aaaand...that’s a wrap.
Aaaand...that’s a wrap.
Ready for another story?
Ready for another story?
THE DESIGN PROCESS
Shifting Into UI Design
Building on research and discovery, our team moved into high-fidelity UI and interaction design for PauseTake9.org, focusing on clarity, approachability, and engagement. The goal was to make cybersecurity content feel less intimidating and more actionable. Our UI designer and creative team developed the platform’s branding and ensured the experience was fully responsive, delivering a seamless journey across desktop, tablet, and mobile.
We mapped out interaction details and created Lottie animations to bring the interface to life, creating smooth, engaging micro-interactions that guided users through complex workflows. I collaborated closely with the UI designer and development team, ensuring the animations aligned with the design system and enhanced usability, helping users intuitively understand how to interact with the content.
PauseTake9.org makes cybersecurity content simple, clear, & enjoyable with bright colors, playful animations, and a cheeky flair.
FINDINGS & KEY TAKEAWAYS
What We Learned
97% positive/neutral sentiment demonstrates that the approachable design and clear language resonated with users.
Visitors explored advanced tips beyond basic cybersecurity guidance, showing layered content supported different knowledge levels.
42.5M total reach in 8 months, showing broad awareness of the campaign.
343K site visits with 339K actions taken, showing strong engagement with content and partner resources.
Users spent 1m06s on Home and 2m36s on Protect Yourself, indicating interest in deeper guidance.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Based on our findings:
Add filter categories on the How to Protect Yourself page to reduce cognitive load and personalize the experience.
Users will be able to filter by topic, device type, and scenario, making it easier to find relevant guidance.
Introduce more advanced tips since users are engaging with advanced tools and tips.
Expand the microsite to include infrastructure cybersecurity content to meet client’s objectives.
Aaaand...that’s a wrap.
Ready for another story?
UX Strategy
UX/UI Design
Design QA
Accessibility
This project showed me how thoughtful UX can transform even the most technical subjects into approachable experiences. It reinforced my belief that good design is human-centered and empowers users through clear, accessible experiences.
Aaaand...that’s a wrap.
Ready for another story?
UX Strategy
UX/UI Design
Design QA
Accessibility
This project showed me how thoughtful UX can transform even the most technical subjects into approachable experiences. It reinforced my belief that good design is human-centered and empowers users through clear, accessible experiences.
Thanks for dropping by!
Thanks for dropping by!
Thanks for
dropping by!
Thanks for dropping by!
Let's create something together.
Let's create something together.
Let's create something together.
Let's create something together.
made with love, iterations, and a good playlist
Ashley Kim Designs © 2025
made with love, iterations, and a good playlist
Ashley Kim Designs © 2025
made with love, iterations, and a good playlist
Ashley Kim Designs © 2025
made with love, iterations, and a good playlist
Ashley Kim Designs © 2025
CONTACT ashleyytkim@gmail.com
