TEAM
SOFTWARE
overview
Embarking on the website redesign for Dry Tortugas National Park, this project represents an exciting journey where the fusion of empathy, strategic planning, and innovative design aims to create a seamless and captivating user experience.
Problems statement
My analysis revealed navigation complexities, outdated design elements, and limited accessibility features. These issues were detrimental to the user experience, potentially leading to frustration and reduced visitor satisfaction.
Users and audience
By employing surveys, interviews, and analytics, I gathered insights from three primary user groups:
- Tourists: I focused on their trip planning needs for exploring the park’s natural and historical attractions.
- Researchers: I addressed their requirements for information on ecosystems, biodiversity, and research opportunities.
- Educators: I considered their perspective in terms of planning educational trips and integrating park-related content into curricula.
roles and Responsibilities
In my role as the UX/UI Designer, I:
- Conducted user research, including surveys and interviews, to understand user needs and preferences.
- Analyzed analytics data to identify common user journeys and popular content.
- Designed wireframes and prototypes to visualize the new layout and functionality.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to ensure alignment with the park’s mission and goals.
Scope and Constraints
The project aimed to redesign the website for improved navigation, accessibility, and overall user experience. Constraints included limited resources, tight timelines, and the necessity for a seamless integration process without disrupting existing services.
Process and what I did
COMPETITION Analysis
Analyzing competitors, The strategy for Dry Tortugas National Park centers on a unique appeal – snorkeling and deep-sea diving adventures. Tailored content caters to families with camping and historical interests, as well as couples seeking thrilling experiences. This approach distinguishes Dry Tortugas, offering a captivating and diverse experience, setting it apart in the competitive landscape of national park websites.
Persona & Empathy
Creating personas was a pivotal step in the redesign of the Dry Tortugas National Park website, offering invaluable insights into the distinct needs of tourists, researchers, and educators. By crafting detailed personas, the design process became inherently user-centric, influencing the prioritization of features tailored to each group. From simplifying trip planning for tourists to providing comprehensive research resources for scientists and facilitating educational content integration for teachers, personas served as a compass for meeting diverse user needs.
Empathy played a key role in resonating with the audience emotionally and encouraging repeat engagement. Understanding the motivations and challenges of tourists, researchers, and educators allowed for the development of a more personalized and effective digital experience. Through iterative prototyping, informed by insights gained from personas, the website addressed pain points and continuously refined its design based on real user feedback. This empathetic approach ensured that the final website not only met functional requirements but also fostered a deeper connection with users, making Dry Tortugas National Park an engaging and accessible destination for all.
Site Map and INformation Architecture
I developed a comprehensive site map and restructured the information architecture to simplify navigation and streamline access to key information based on user preferences.
User Journey and FLow
Mapping out user journeys facilitated a seamless flow of interactions, ensuring an intuitive and efficient experience for visitors with varying objectives.
Wireframes and Visual Design:
The design process involved crafting wireframes to outline the new layout and functionality. The visual design phase focused on modern aesthetics, emphasizing the park’s natural beauty.
usability testing and usage analytics
Regular usability testing, coupled with usage analytics, allowed for ongoing refinement of the design, ensuring it met user needs and preferences.
outcome and lessons
- Improved User Experience: The redesign significantly increased user engagement and enhanced trip planning for visitors.
- Increased Accessibility: The implementation of accessibility features contributed to a more inclusive digital environment.
- Lessons Learned: Regular user feedback and a user-centric approach were crucial for the success of the UX/UI design project.
Conclusion
This case study illustrates my active involvement in every phase, from competition analysis and personas to wireframes and usability testing. The lessons learned contribute to the foundation of future projects, emphasizing the importance of continuous user feedback and a holistic approach to UX/UI design.