Research is one of the first steps I take when working with a client. I begin by conducting an independent investigation to gain a better understanding of the organization and its goals. Once I have a general understanding of the client, I interview them to get a more detailed sense of their needs. As part of my research, I also explore the client's original website to identify what is working well and what needs improvement.
My team and I utilized the 'Who, What, Wow' method to identify the potential users of the website and their needs. Firstly, we identified the 'who,' or the users who would be accessing the website. Next, we focused on the 'what,' or the specific needs and challenges that these users might face. For each user, we brainstormed potential problems and needs that could arise. Finally, we shifted our focus to the 'wow,' where we brainstormed solutions to help these users navigate the website more easily and effectively.
After employing the "Who, What, Wow" method, the team now has a better understanding of what the organization requires for their website. We proceed to develop a site map that outlines the critical elements and pages of the website. Each designer creates a site map, which we present during the meeting, and then we select the most effective elements.
The team was organized into three groups, with me leading a team of five designers to expand on the low-fidelity wireframes I had initially created. Each page had at least one designer assigned to it, and I had the pleasure of collaborating with Emily Baird on the home page. Our team's low-fidelity wireframes were ultimately chosen as the basis for the website's design direction because they effectively addressed the client's requirements.
Issues we needed to address:
How might we let our users learn about the organization?
How might we let our users learn what programs are offered?
How might we let our users know when events are happening?
How might we let our users to donate to the organization?
The deliverable of this project was six high fidelity wireframes including home page, about, donate, program, event, and support page. The team also created a mobile version.
Coaches: Chase Walker, Travis Burkstrand, Kevin Camelo, and Sarah Alread
Team: Amanda Smith, Emily Baird, Natalia Deng Yuan, Gisele Gosset, Catie Haugen, Matthew Brodsky, Gianna Corrente, Jiaqi Liu, Yiwei He, Alex Hodge, Jonas Liebe, Elliot Roseberg, Alex Levy, and David Scharton
If you like what you see and want to work together, get in touch!
jdengyua@syr.edu