Some of my projects in user-centered design (UX), including UX writing, research (card sorts, analytics, personas), user-testing, mockups, and redesigns.
People ignore design that ignores people
— Frank Chimero, Designer
UX Writer and Tester | Emergency Planning Database
2020 | Washington State Government | Timeline: 3 months
Tester | Communication plan coordinator | Writer | Editor
The solution.
I reviewed the original database, tested it as a business would, and worked with a subject matter expert to clarify any issues I encountered. I then submitted revised language for instructions, suggested moving certain fields to other pages, and improved format for the page that comes up once someone presses “Submit.”
Wrote clearer instructions. Made them unique for each page.
Moved key data fields, such as “authorized user” to the last page, rather than first page.
Improved formatting of last page to make the “Print” feature appear like a button, prompting users to download and send their reports on to other required agencies.
Tested database in both test and prod. Provided feedback to IT for final improvements.
Also, because the overall process is changing for businesses, I put together a communication plan with the database administrator. This included:
Emailing businesses to inform them of the changes and how they can prepare for these changes.
Collaborating with the agency’s business newsletter editor to write an article about these changes so we could also reference them in our email.
The results.
Forthcoming. Businesses begin reporting in January.
The problem.
Reporting database used by thousands of businesses is difficult for users to navigate and understand, plus the way businesses must enter chemical information is changing this year:
Instructions are the same on every page, even though each page asks for different info.
Users often enter wrong “authorized name” because it’s unclear who that is.
Users forget to print and mail or download and email their reports to send off to other required agencies.
Businesses can’t copy their chemical information this year like they’ve always done.
Businesses now have to choose from a possible 20 hazard categories as opposed to just 5.
The scope.
Database is housed within an older platform. We can’t move to a new system at this time.
The timeline.
3 months.
Portfolio: Emergency Planning Database
Note: More images will be added to this project soon
UX Researcher and Writer | Resource Library Redesign
2020 | Washington State Government
Researcher | Designer | Writer
The solution.
To make her site more modern, I did the following:
Mocked up designs for her to choose (she doesn’t have “brand guides”)
Consolidated content to create a cleaner look
Chose higher resolution photos to portray her school’s theme
Made a page she could easily update to show that week’s curriculum
Created a contact page that links to a more professional email
The results.
The new site went up in August. Analytics show positive results, and she says she has a lot more interest in her school than ever before.
The problem.
An internal SharePoint site used by the entire agency had become a link farm. There was no way to easily navigate the resources in the current state.
The ask.
Make the resources easy to find.
Put the resources into categories that make sense to people.
Portfolio: Resource Library Redesign
Note: Images will be added to this project soon
UX Designer and Writer | Montessori School Website
2020 | Freelance | Timeline: 3 months
Designer | Writer | Editor
The solution.
To make her site more modern, I did the following:
Mocked up designs for her to choose (she doesn’t have “brand guides”)
Consolidated content to create a cleaner look
Chose higher resolution photos to portray her school’s theme
Made a page she could easily update to show that week’s curriculum
Created a contact page that links to a more professional email
The results.
The new site went up in August. Analytics show positive results, and she says she has a lot more interest in her school than ever before.
The problem.
This project came to me from a small, private school. The owner was frustrated with her site host because the tools were difficult and outdated, and also her own skill set is limited. Overall, the issues with the website were:
Failed to interact well with her email, so she often missed emails.
Web tools with the current host were difficult for her to use.
Often had issues staying fully online.
No branding to fully reflect her aesthetic.
Minimal web skills.
The ask.
Make the site more usable for her, since she’s the one updating it.
Create a better look and feel that reflects her aesthetic.
Add a section specifically for summer camp where people can download the registration form.
Portfolio: Montessori School Website
Homepage: Before
The owner had done everything on her own. I helped update the site with improved branding and overall imagery to reflect her aesthetic, and improve the usability both for her and new clients.
Homepage now
Cleaner look. Updated branding. Edited content for easier reading. Updated site navigation for improved usability and consistency.
UX Project Lead | Publication Coordinator Site
2019 | Washington State Government
Researcher | Designer | User Tester | Writer
The solution.
TBA
The results.
TBA
The problem.
Original SharePoint site is outdated and essentially a link farm. Both new and current publication coordinators can’t find information easily, leading to discrepancies in processes and arguments about protocol. Plus, processes and policies changed since the original site was created.
The scope.
TBA