Introduction to User Experience Design 

The species list generator tool is complex and unintuitive for many users and hinders quick and easy access to critical information related to invasive species. Invasive species are one of the top threats to biodiversity. Of the 180+ aquatic non-native species in the Great Lakes basin, research shows significant harmful impacts for 41%. Prevention strategies and revenue loss constitute billions of dollars yearly. This project allowed me to create a solution for extracting important information that could improve research on a crucial issue in the Great Lakes region. While completing the redesign, I learned about the threat of invasive species in the region and how beneficial informative organizations such as NOAA are to our society.

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This project had an immense impact for me personally because I was not aware of the presence of invasive species in the Great Lakes. Through this project I learned that the Great Lakes are the largest freshwater system on Earth. Not only that, but also how invasive species can lead to harmful repercussions on many spheres, ranging from the environment and human health, to economic. Moreover, this project allowed me to expand my skills as a UX Designer and understand how I can make an impact in the real world on topics that matter. Improving GLANSIS website is an important task as a better access to the information they are providing would allow users to gain valuable insights, fostering effective decision-making that ultimately impacts the collective efforts towards conserving the Great Lakes ecosystem. 

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This project has been pivotal in my personal and professional development, honing my ability to self-learn and communicate effectively with clients. I gained hands-on experience with various design software, implementing design principles, and iterating on valuable feedback. This project provided a comprehensive understanding of the design journey. I learned how to justify my design solutions, and was able to present my final deliverables to the client. These skills not only enrich my own proficiency, but also contribute to creating more user-friendly digital experiences for diverse audiences.

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I found this project to be especially challenging because of my unfamiliarity with GLANSIS, and more importantly, the perspective of Researchers and Water Resource Managers. As a result, I realized how important user evaluation and testing played a role in guiding every design decision I made to ensure my decisions were actually beneficial. I had a lot of moments of trial and error when creating and modifying prototypes. I think I made the most revisions in this project before arriving at the final prototype. 

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"Through my involvement in the NOAA GLANSIS project, I deepened my understanding of how to balance and present technical information in an accessible manner. This experience broadened my knowledge of making complex scientific data more understandable for non-researchers and other relevant stakeholders. A key part of this learning process involved actively listening to the client's prompt and effectively applying UX theories, including refining the design based on real user feedback.

This project introduced me to an area that was previously unfamiliar to me. By exploring other scientific and database websites and understanding the needs of the stakeholders, I expanded my skill set as a student and designer, moving beyond my usual focus on familiar projects like e-commerce.

By enhancing the accessibility of scientific data on invasive species, the project not only aids in spreading awareness and education to a broader audience but also streamlines the process for researchers monitoring these species. This improvement is crucial for addressing environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region."

View the final project report here.