Overview
Design Role
UX Design
Website Management
Product Marketing
Deliverables
Competitive analysis
Wireframing
Prototyping
Web Redesign
Duration
Continuing…
Tools
Figma
WordPress
Adobe Illustrator
The CSSA website from 2013 to 2020 is outdated and does not effectively inform and engage students, promote the association, attract new members, or represent the Cognitive Science community at UCSC. To maintain a strong digital presence and better serve the student body, a comprehensive redesign is necessary.
The updated website will offer current information about events, help students connect with each other, and highlight opportunities in Cognitive Science at UCSC. This project is designed to increase student involvement and ensure that CSSA continues to be a lively and accessible resource for all students who are interested.
Seeking for more member to join the club and keep members updated on news and meetings
Project
Problem
Solution
The UCSC Cognitive Science Student Association (CSSA) launched its website in 2013 to encourage student involvement and imporve understanding of the association. However, by 2020, the site had been neglected and had fallen behind the active digital presence maintained by similar organizations at other universities. Recognizing the need for an updated and engaging online platform, the current CSSA officers decided to revamp the website. Their motivation was simple: "If others have it, why not us?"
Info Architecture
I conducted research to identify the needs of CSSA students and understand what motivates students in Santa Cruz to join a club. My goal was to determine the relevant and essential information that should be included on a website. I achieved this by attending general body meetings of various clubs, listening to students' questions, and observing how other clubs marketed themselves to attract students.
We also planned future additions to our website, but we prioritized the necessary information first. We mapped out what we wanted for our initial launch, which was before the spring quarter of 2023 began.
User flow
Design System
Low-fi Wireframing
To prevent users from being overwhelmed with too much information, it was important to keep the app simple and easy to use. However, we also wanted to provide plenty of information for those who like to learn a lot before joining, catering to different visual and learning preferences.
To prevent users from being overwhelmed with too much information, it was important to keep the app simple and easy to use. However, we also wanted to provide plenty of information for those who like to learn a lot before joining, catering to different visual and learning preferences.
To prevent users from being overwhelmed with too much information, it was important to keep the app simple and easy to use. However, we also wanted to provide plenty of information for those who like to learn a lot before joining, catering to different visual and learning preferences.
Competitor analysis
I identified other Cognitive Science Student Associations (CSSAs) and product design clubs from various universities to identify effective strategies for engagement and popularity.
Based on my findings, I brainstormed improvements for our website and integrated the best features from the sites I analyzed. This approach aims to enhance our digital presence and boost student engagement with CSSA at UCSC.
Click here to view the website ->
Final Product
Reflection
Reflection
The redesign of the website, lead in a 50% increase in monthly views and a 30% boost in website engagement. To enhance this redesign, I could conduct more user research, such as interviews, and use competitors' websites as examples of usefulness for students.
This project allowed me to focus on product management and working with WordPress websites. It also taught me the importance of keeping designs simple and clear for others to use. Through this experience, I gained insight into the unique needs of my UCSC community.