Date
Dec 2020
Client
Bullying Canada
Role
Product Design
This detailed case study outlines a project undertaken to redesign the website for Bullying Canada, a non-profit organization dedicated to combating bullying and providing support to those affected by it. The primary objective of this project was to enhance the user experience, improve accessibility, and create a visually appealing and engaging platform for Bullying Canada's target audience.
We were assigned the task of redesigning a non-profit organization's website. We chose Bullying Canada due to its significant impact and relevance in addressing the issue of bullying. The project aimed to provide valuable solutions to enhance the organization's online presence, increase user engagement, and streamline access to resources and support services.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the existing website and user needs, we conducted thorough research and discovery activities.
a. Website Analysis: We thoroughly examined the existing Bullying Canada website, analyzing its structure, content organization, visual design, and user flow. This analysis highlighted pain points and areas for improvement.
b. User Research: We conducted surveys and interviews with individuals who had experienced or witnessed bullying. These research activities helped us gain insights into their challenges, needs, and expectations when seeking information and support online.
c. Competitive Analysis: We conducted a competitive analysis of websites in the anti-bullying and non-profit sectors. This analysis allowed us to identify industry best practices, understand effective approaches to engagement, and uncover opportunities for differentiation.
d. Stakeholder Interviews: We reached out to key stakeholders at Bullying Canada, including staff members and volunteers, to gather insights into their goals, objectives, and desired outcomes for the website redesign. We also sought their feedback on the current challenges and pain points experienced by users.
Based on our research findings, we adopted a user-centered design approach to guide our decision-making process.
a. User Personas: We developed user personas to represent Bullying Canada's diverse target audience, including bullied individuals, parents, educators, and volunteers. These personas helped us empathize with users, understand their motivations, and design solutions tailored to their specific needs.
b. Information Architecture: Collaborating closely with Bullying Canada's content team, we restructured the website's information architecture to improve content organization and simplify navigation. We categorized resources, support services, and information based on user needs, ensuring easy access to relevant content.
c. Wireframing and Prototyping: We created low-fidelity wireframes to visualize the proposed design and interactions. These wireframes served as a blueprint for the redesign, allowing us to iterate quickly and gather feedback from stakeholders and potential users. High-fidelity prototypes were developed to simulate the final user experience and test key features and interactions.
d. Visual Design and Branding: Our design team developed a visually appealing and modern design that aligned with Bullying Canada's brand identity. We used a combination of colors, typography, and imagery to evoke empathy, trust, and empowerment.
To ensure the effectiveness of the redesign, we conducted iterative testing and refinement cycles.
a. Usability Testing: We invited participants from Bullying Canada's target audience to engage in usability testing sessions. These sessions allowed us to observe how users interacted with the prototypes, identify usability issues, and gather qualitative feedback. The insights gained from testing informed design refinements and improvements.
b. Accessibility Testing: We conducted accessibility testing to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.1 guidelines. This involved assessing color contrast, implementing alternative text for images, optimizing keyboard navigation, and other accessibility enhancements.
c. Feedback Iteration: Based on user feedback, usability testing results, and stakeholder input, we iteratively refined the design, addressing identified issues and optimizing user flows. This iterative process allowed us to improve the user experience and ensure alignment with Bullying Canada's goals and user needs.
a. Simplified Navigation: We implemented a clear and intuitive navigation system, including a persistent menu, prominent search functionality, and categorized resource sections. This improved users' ability to find relevant information quickly.
b. Engaging Content and Resources: We curated and organized Bullying Canada's resources, support services, and educational materials in a user-friendly manner. Clear call-to-action buttons and interactive elements were incorporated to encourage engagement and exploration.
c. Community Interaction: We introduced a community forum where users could share their experiences, seek advice, and engage in discussions on bullying-related topics. This feature fostered a sense of support, empowerment, and community.
d. Responsive Design: The redesigned website was optimized for different devices, including mobile phones and tablets, ensuring a seamless user experience across all screen sizes.
The website redesign project yielded positive outcomes and made a significant impact on Bullying Canada's online presence and user experience.
a. Enhanced User Experience: Users reported improved ease of navigation, increased satisfaction, and quicker access to relevant resources and support services.
b. Increased Engagement: The introduction of the community forum encouraged users to connect, share their stories, and seek support from peers and experts. This resulted in increased engagement and a sense of belonging.
c. Positive Brand Perception: The visually appealing design, user-centered approach, and improved usability enhanced Bullying Canada's brand image, positioning the organization as a trusted resource in the fight against bullying.
d. Scalable Design Solution: The design system and guidelines developed during the project facilitated future scalability and consistency in website updates and additions.
The website redesign project for Bullying Canada, undertaken as a project, successfully addressed the organization's needs and provided valuable solutions to enhance the user experience, improve accessibility, and increase engagement. The redesigned website now serves as a user-centric platform that empowers individuals affected by bullying, connects them with resources and support, and fosters a sense of community and empowerment.
