During the research process of evaluating CURE’s website, our team was initially tasked with analyzing the goals our client had during this process. After mapping out the goals we conducted a heuristic analysis to survey our team of findings we may notice. Our next task was to note the goals of the users through the use of usability testing.

We then created scenarios of users by examining the goals of our clients. Next, we mapped out our findings through gathered information found during our heuristic analysis. We conducted a usability test with six participants from various backgrounds. The tasks users focused on were: discovering what the organization does, how they work, navigating their blog, and filling out the signup form. Users performed each task on the website while we gathered data through note-taking during the process. 

After usability testing commenced we used affinity diagramming to find themes users had during each task. We found that users felt information on the website needed to be condensed so readers could easily digest it, they wanted to see ways they could get involved if they were interested stated more plainly and would have appreciated the signup form to be in one location on the website. 

This led me to create a more digestible layout for each page that matched across all pages, design an option in the GET INVOLVED dropdown where users could see upcoming events and a possible way to sign up for events as well as restructure the blog page. I made the images for the blog larger, added a summary/hook, and added six blogs on one page along with arrow sliders so users can view other blogs CURE has. 

Next, I created five prototypes that addressed each specific issue. Prototype 1 showcased a more digestible layout for each page that matches across all pages. This included a collapse button to allow a condensed and expanded version of each category along with image(s), brief word content, and language that is digestible for all users. I also removed the signup form from this page. Prototype 2 created an option in the GET INVOLVED dropdown where users can see upcoming events and a possible way to sign up for events and changed the language of STAY CONNECTED to SIGN UP under the GET INVOLVED dropdown. Prototype 3 made images for the blog bigger, added a summary/hook one for each blog, and allowed more than 3 blogs on one page. The final prototype (Prototype 4), added a search bar to CURE’s website to allow users to easily search for keywords when navigating the website. This allows individuals to want to be champions of CURE’s cause. 

As an individual who greatly appreciates advocacy, I see the importance of navigating a website such as CURE with ease. During the wireframing creation, I choose to add images that draw users into the cause of environmental sustainability. This allows a positive atmosphere for users when viewing CURE’s website. I decided to add a search bar at the top of the main Home Page for users to quickly search for topics and key terms. The design of the Blog Page is intended to showcase the main aspects of what CURE has been involved with, but not overwhelm users with text and information. I added elements of signifiers to the Blog and Who We Are page (arrow and dropdowns) to allow users to easily know how to navigate to specific sections. When adding fidelity I focused on using the colors from CURE’s logo and website to create familiarity across each page.