190. 5 Principles for an Unforgettable Volunteer User Experience

In this episode of Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi dives deep into what makes a truly exceptional volunteer user experience — from the very first moment someone encounters your organization, through onboarding, active service, and beyond. 

Tobi breaks down the five core UX principles nonprofits must master — clarity, consistency, ease, empathy, and delight and explains how they shape volunteer satisfaction, retention, and commitment. 

You’ll also learn how to walk the path through your own volunteer journey to spot quick-win improvements and elevate your entire program. 

Full show notes: 190. 5 Principles for an Unforgettable Volunteer User Experience

User Experience - Episode Highlights 

• [01:00] – What a volunteer user experience actually is 
• [03:00] – The five phases of the volunteer journey 
• [08:00] – User experience principle #1: Clarity 
• [09:00] – User experience principle #2: Consistency 
• [12:00] – User experience principle #3: Ease 
• [14:00] – User experience principle #4: Empathy 
• [15:00] – User experience principle #5: Delight 
• [17:00] – High-impact action: Walk the Path 

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Management Progress Report  
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #184 - The Experience Economy – Are Nonprofits Keeping Up? 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #183 - The New Reality - Volunteers Don't Need You 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #118: 8 Ways to Make Volunteering Experiences Much Easier  

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.