The Challenge

Design Journey

As an integral component of my design process, I spearheaded research tactics to gain a deeper insight into the user’s journey. Over a two‐week period, I ran several interview sessions with the editor, authors, and general users. Through this qualitative method, I was able to uncover, understand on an emotional level the multiple frustrations and pain points of these users which that later reshaped the majority of my design decisions.

Using data I had collected, I was able to quickly sketch out wireframe and create rapid prototypes to test out early design ideas. Throughout the project, I developed my design ideas through multiple iteration phases and gradually transition into higher fidelity wireframes and prototypes on desktop and mobile on each design cycle. The closing stages of the project included validating the higher risk features to our stakeholders and senior management.

Outcome

The end of November 2017, we began to roll out the new design in time for the release of the latest issue. Thanks to our user-centered approach, the new design quickly received plenty of positive feedback.

Subscription increased substantially by 2900% within a few months of release and growing. The website has also received national and international exposure with the college being offered licensing partnership with EBSCO (a USA-based global research database giant) and DigitalNZ (located in the National Library of New Zealand).

• Subscription increase by 2900%
• Pageview increase of 332%
• National and International exposure
• Partnership offer with EBSCO (a USA-based global research database giant)
• Partnership offer with DigitalNZ (National Library of New Zealand)