Team

Team

Team

Deep, Wintana, Dr. Celeste, Andres

Deep, Wintana, Dr. Celeste, Andres

Deep, Wintana, Dr. Celeste, Andres

Deep, Jenny, Melissa, Wanting Wang

Methods

Methods

Methods

Competitive Analysis, Heuristic Evaluation, Screeners, Interviews

Competitive Analysis, Heuristic Evaluation, Screeners, Interviews

Competitive Analysis, Heuristic Evaluation, Screeners, Interviews

Competitive Analysis, Heuristic Evaluation, Screeners, Interviews

Tools

Tools

Tools

Figma, FigJam, Google Forms

Figma, FigJam, Google Forms

Figma, FigJam, Google Forms

Figma, FigJam, Google Forms

Research, Design, Development

Research, Design, Development

Research, Design, Development

Research, Design, Development

Client

Client

Client

TexasERC

TexasERC

TexasERC

TexasERC

Duration

Duration

Duration

8 Months

8 Months

8 Months

8 Months

Problem

Problem

The website was outdated, with numerous broken links and a poor user experience. Through user research, I identified key pain points that needed to be addressed to improve navigation, usability, and overall user engagement.

The website was outdated, with numerous broken links and a poor user experience. Through user research, I identified key pain points that needed to be addressed to improve navigation, usability, and overall user engagement.

Overview

In this project, I focused on designing a more intuitive, accessible interface, moving through three core phases: Research, Design, and Development. This case study highlights the research and design journey, driven by user feedback and expert consultation.

Research

Research

Understand user pain points and gather actionable insights for designing an improved website experience.

Initial Review

As the first user, I performed a usability review to experience the website's flow and pinpoint potential issues firsthand.

The Headings font weight is not consisteant

The Headings font weight is not consisteant

The Headings font weight is not consisteant

The ERC at Glance is a PDF but looks like a different link

The ERC at Glance is a PDF but looks like a different link

The ERC at Glance is a PDF but looks like a different link

Contact Us Section which is less prominent than the link below and the calendar is kept above it.

Contact Us Section which is less prominent than the link below and the calendar is kept above it.

Contact Us Section which is less prominent than the link below and the calendar is kept above it.

We should prioritize the below part more than contact us.

We should prioritize the below part more than contact us.

We should prioritize the below part more than contact us.

When I clicked the links, they took me to the home page every time.

When I clicked the links, they took me to the home page every time.

When I clicked the links, they took me to the home page every time.

Survey

I created and distributed a survey form to gather feedback from actual users

The survey focused on usability, accessibility, and overall user experience.

Objectives

Understand the current usability issues users are facing.

Understand the current usability issues users are facing.

Understand the current usability issues users are facing.

Identify features that work well and should be retained or improved.

Identify features that work well and should be retained or improved.

Identify features that work well and should be retained or improved.

Gather recommendations on design, functionality, and accessibility.

Gather recommendations on design, functionality, and accessibility.

Gather recommendations on design, functionality, and accessibility.

Learn about resources or competitors that users feel offer a better UX

Learn about resources or competitors that users feel offer a better UX

Learn about resources or competitors that users feel offer a better UX

Insights Mapping

Link to FigJam Board

I used a FigJam board to categorize survey results into four key areas: Positive Feedback, Negative Feedback, Recommendations, and Resources Mentioned.

Categorizing Meta Data

Expert Consultation

I consulted Dr. John Neumann, a well-known professor who teaches Accessible UX at UT Austin. He suggested conducting more user interviews to deepen the research.

User Interviews

Following the recommendation, I conducted additional user interviews, gathering more qualitative data.

I distilled these findings to refine the user personas and pain points.

Updated the Figjam Board following the interviews

User Research Insights

The Designs were usability-tested to ensure all elements aligned with user expectations.

I was not able to see the previous publications.

I was not able to see the previous publications.

I was not able to see the previous publications.

I would like to see a clear timeline of next round of project approval deadlines by the board

I would like to see a clear timeline of next round of project approval deadlines by the board

I would like to see a clear timeline of next round of project approval deadlines by the board

I had to click many links to find the FERPA documentation.

I had to click many links to find the FERPA documentation.

I had to click many links to find the FERPA documentation.

It was difficult for me to find when the next project proposal meeting is going to be held.

It was difficult for me to find when the next project proposal meeting is going to be held.

It was difficult for me to find when the next project proposal meeting is going to be held.

I wish there would be something that explains the files before I open them.

I wish there would be something that explains the files before I open them.

I wish there would be something that explains the files before I open them.

Competitive Analysis

Based on the resources mentioned by users, I conducted a competitive analysis to benchmark Texas ERC website against similar platforms, focusing on usability, design trends, and accessibility.

I did SWOT analysis of the competitors and figured out all the areas of improvement.

Design

Design

Major Design Update

Transforming User Experience with a 3-Column Redesign

In response to user pain points, we transitioned from a traditional 2-column layout to a more dynamic 3-column design.

This change aims to enhance navigation, streamline content flow, and improve overall usability. By addressing core challenges, we created a more intuitive and efficient experience for users.

Projected Benefits

Improved Content Distribution: Easier navigation with clearly defined sections for key information.

Enhanced Accessibility: More flexible layout adapts better to diverse screen sizes and user needs.

Reduced Cognitive Load: Users can find information faster without overwhelming the interface.

Increased Engagement: More visible content encourages longer interaction with the site.

Initial Paper Wireframes

I sketched out the initial wireframes based on the insights gained from user research.

Landing Page of Texas ERC

Landing Page of Texas ERC

Landing Page of Texas ERC

Low-Fidelity Designs

I then transitioned to low-fidelity (lo-fi) digital wireframes, focusing on the core layout and navigation structure without the distraction of detailed visuals.

Landing Page of Texas ERC

Landing Page of Texas ERC

Landing Page of Texas ERC

My Design Decisions

Optimized User Flow: Reduced Number of Clicks for Seamless Navigation

Before

In the original design, finding the staff directory involved navigating four steps through multiple menus, increasing user frustration and complexity.

Before

In the original design, finding the staff directory involved navigating four steps through multiple menus, increasing user frustration and complexity.

Before

In the original design, finding the staff directory involved navigating four steps through multiple menus, increasing user frustration and complexity.

After

In the redesign, I streamlined navigation by reducing the steps to access the staff directory from four to just one. Now, users can quickly find the directory through a prominent shortcut on the homepage, significantly reducing clicks and enhancing the user experience.

After

In the redesign, I streamlined navigation by reducing the steps to access the staff directory from four to just one. Now, users can quickly find the directory through a prominent shortcut on the homepage, significantly reducing clicks and enhancing the user experience.

After

In the redesign, I streamlined navigation by reducing the steps to access the staff directory from four to just one. Now, users can quickly find the directory through a prominent shortcut on the homepage, significantly reducing clicks and enhancing the user experience.

The Two Navbars (A/B Testing)

A

In this design, the navigation bar at the top of the hero section had readability issues due to text wrapping, making it difficult to read. I tested this layout to evaluate its usability before considering a 3-column layout, but it failed to meet our expectations.

A

In this design, the navigation bar at the top of the hero section had readability issues due to text wrapping, making it difficult to read. I tested this layout to evaluate its usability before considering a 3-column layout, but it failed to meet our expectations.

A

In this design, the navigation bar at the top of the hero section had readability issues due to text wrapping, making it difficult to read. I tested this layout to evaluate its usability before considering a 3-column layout, but it failed to meet our expectations.

B

The new 3-column layout retained the previously accessible navigation panel.

B

The new 3-column layout retained the previously accessible navigation panel.

B

The new 3-column layout retained the previously accessible navigation panel.

The 3rd Column

Before

Based on user feedback, the "Upcoming Events" tab, which is crucial, was positioned at the bottom.

Before

Based on user feedback, the "Upcoming Events" tab, which is crucial, was positioned at the bottom.

Before

Based on user feedback, the "Upcoming Events" tab, which is crucial, was positioned at the bottom.

After

I prioritized the "Upcoming Events" tab and optimized its placement in the third column.

After

I prioritized the "Upcoming Events" tab and optimized its placement in the third column.

After

I prioritized the "Upcoming Events" tab and optimized its placement in the third column.

Development

Development

I was responsible for redeveloping the website, using WordPress and CSS3 throughout the process.

Major Development Challenge

Making the Website Responsive

My major challenge in developing the website was ensuring responsiveness. I had to write custom CSS to achieve this. I regularly met with the developer and IT Manager to discuss requirements.

/* Main Content */
.site-inner, .wrap {
    margin: 0 auto;
    max-width: 90%;
}

/* Left Sidebar */
.sidebar-secondary {
    float: left;
    width: 18%;
    position: static;
}

/* Right Sidebar */
.sidebar-primary {
    float: right;
    width: 27%;
    background-color: white;
    padding: 12px;
    position: static;
}

/* Middle Content */
.content-sidebar-sidebar .content-sidebar-wrap, 
.sidebar-content-sidebar .content-sidebar-wrap, 
.sidebar-sidebar-content .content-sidebar-wrap {
    width: 80%;
}

.content-sidebar-sidebar .content, 
.sidebar-content-sidebar .content, 
.sidebar-sidebar-content .content {
    width: 70%;
}

/* Entry */
.entry {
    background-color: #fff;
    box-shadow: 1px 1px 1px 1px rgba(70, 70, 70, 0.05);
    margin-bottom: 40px;
    padding: 12px;
}

/* Widgets */
.after-entry .widget, 
.sidebar .widget {
    background-color: #fff;
    border-left: 2px solid #bf5700;
    box-shadow: 1px 0px rgba(70, 70, 70, 0.05);
    padding: 12px;
}

/* Hide the secondary navbar on tablet and mobile versions */
@media screen and (max-width: 810px) {
    .secondary-navbar {
        display: none;
    }
}

/* Ensure the secondary navbar is visible on laptop and larger screens */
@media screen and (min-width: 1200px) {
    .secondary-navbar {
        display: block;
    }
}

/* For desktop and larger screens (up to 1400px) */
@media screen and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1400px) {
    .secondary-navbar {
        display: block;
    }
}

/* For tablet and mobile versions, hide the secondary navbar */
@media screen and (max-width: 810px) {
    .secondary-navbar {
        display: none;
    }
}

/* For mobile version adjustments */
@media screen and (max-width: 320px) {
    .primary-navbar {
        position: fixed;
        bottom: 0;
        width: 100%;
        background-color: #fff; /* Adjust background as needed */
    }

    /* You can adjust the other elements here too */
    .content-sidebar-sidebar .content, 
    .sidebar-content-sidebar .content, 
    .sidebar-sidebar-content .content {
        width: 100%;
    }

    .sidebar-primary, .sidebar-secondary {
        width: 100%;
    }
}

Creating Custom Widgets in WordPress

I created several widgets for the website.

Reflection & Takeaways

My research, including user surveys, interviews, and SWOT analysis, reinforced the importance of focusing on user pain points throughout the design process. Incorporating user feedback early on and during testing helped ensure that the final design aligned with user needs, making the project more impactful.

My research, including user surveys, interviews, and SWOT analysis, reinforced the importance of focusing on user pain points throughout the design process. Incorporating user feedback early on and during testing helped ensure that the final design aligned with user needs, making the project more impactful.

My research, including user surveys, interviews, and SWOT analysis, reinforced the importance of focusing on user pain points throughout the design process. Incorporating user feedback early on and during testing helped ensure that the final design aligned with user needs, making the project more impactful.

The iterative process of creating paper wireframes, low-fidelity prototypes, and high-fidelity prototypes was key to refining the design. The constant feedback loop during each phase helped me identify potential issues early and improve the overall user experience.

The iterative process of creating paper wireframes, low-fidelity prototypes, and high-fidelity prototypes was key to refining the design. The constant feedback loop during each phase helped me identify potential issues early and improve the overall user experience.

The iterative process of creating paper wireframes, low-fidelity prototypes, and high-fidelity prototypes was key to refining the design. The constant feedback loop during each phase helped me identify potential issues early and improve the overall user experience.

The development phase introduced me to new tools like WordPress, Pantheon, also deepened my experience of CSS3/HTML5. This hands-on experience not only expanded my skill set but also deepened my understanding of how design translates into functional websites. It was both challenging and rewarding to build the website, although there were some time limitations.

The development phase introduced me to new tools like WordPress, Pantheon, also deepened my experience of CSS3/HTML5. This hands-on experience not only expanded my skill set but also deepened my understanding of how design translates into functional websites. It was both challenging and rewarding to build the website, although there were some time limitations.

The development phase introduced me to new tools like WordPress, Pantheon, also deepened my experience of CSS3/HTML5. This hands-on experience not only expanded my skill set but also deepened my understanding of how design translates into functional websites. It was both challenging and rewarding to build the website, although there were some time limitations.

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Let’s Catch Up!

Handcrafted with

Like!

Like!

Like!

Copyrights | All Rights Reserved

Let’s Catch Up!

Handcrafted with

Like!

Like!

Like!

Copyrights | All Rights Reserved

Let’s Catch Up!

Handcrafted with

Like!

Like!

Like!

Copyrights | All Rights Reserved