Department of the Interior

Unsolicited Website Redesign

For a school project, we chose to redesign a government website. Collaboratively, we conducted initial user testing, then individually worked on the redesign and information architecture.

Problem

The Department of the Interior (DOI) lacks a user-friendly navigation system and requires a cohesive and updated brand identity.

Solution

I undertook an unsolicited redesign of the DOI website, emphasizing information architecture and UI design.

Impact

My Roles

User Research

Information Architecture 

Usability Testing

Five Second Testing

Prototyping

UI Design

Team Member Roles

Initial User Testing - Collaborated with Robin Hatterschide

Tools Used

Miro

FigJam

Figma

InVision

Trello

Zoom

01 User Research

User Testing:

  • Users found it challenging to navigate.

  • The site/pages lacked organization.

  • The design appeared dull, although users appreciated the images.

Heuristic Evaluation:

  • Navigation bars lacked consistency.

  • There were numerous social media links.

  • The navigation was disorganized.

02 Definition & Ideation

Site Maps:

  • Created site maps in Figma to establish the current structure and then set the foundation for an updated navigation framework..

Card Sorting:

  • Conducted in FigJam to reorganize current pages and links for the updated navigation system.

Feature Prioritization Matrix:

  • Organized user insights from usability testing to identify key features.

  • Provided the project with a clearer purpose.

Mood Board:

  • Developed using InVision to integrate UI and UX concepts for the redesign.

03 Prototyping & Testing

Prototypes

  • Wireframes and prototypes were designed in low, mid and high fidelity.

Usability Testing

  • Testing was completed at each level to unveil potential user issues

04 High Fidelity Desktop

Style Guide

  • A new style guide was designed and integrated in the high fidelity prototypes.

Main Iterations:

  • The primary website updates encompassed improved information architecture, redesigned page layouts, and consistent UI patterns throughout the entire site.

05 High Fidelity Mobile

Mobile Prototype

  • Utilizing responsive design, the mobile version of the Department of the Interior website was created.

06 Conclusion

This being my first desktop design, I encountered a significant learning curve. The key areas where I gained the most knowledge were:

  • Responsive design

  • Information architecture

  • Five-second testing

  • Style guides

  • Maintaining consistent brand/theme elements

Future Ideas:

  • Completely rebuild the entire site.

  • Incorporate more of their social media content.

  • Improve organization of the "Newsroom" and articles.

07 Documentation

If you would like more information please feel free to contact me or check out the links!