UX Design and Research
Case Study
UX Design and Refresh of the UW School of Nursing Intranet HUB Site
The University of Washington School of Nursing (UWSoN) Intranet HUB site serves as a critical resource for faculty, staff, and students. However, the site had been suffering from outdated design, poor information architecture, and usability issues. This case study outlines the process of redesigning and refreshing the site to improve user experience (UX), information architecture, and overall usability.
Team
LJ Norman
Categories
UX Design
UX Research
Project Goals
Setting the Compass: Defining the Project Goals
Every successful project begins with a clear vision and well-defined objectives. The need for evolution was evident for the UW School of Nursing Intranet HUB site. But what direction should this evolution take?
Improve Information Architecture
The site’s structure was refined to facilitate more intuitive navigation.
Enhanced Usability
User feedback drove enhancements, optimizing overall site usability.
Contemporary Design
Implemented a modern, clean design that aligns with the School of Nursing’s brand identity.
Improve Searchability and Content Hierarchy
Search functions and content organization were improved for quicker access.
Research Methods
Behind every effective redesign lies a foundation of meticulous research. To truly understand the needs, preferences, and pain points of the users, a multi-faceted approach to research was employed for the UW School of Nursing Intranet HUB site. This section delves into the diverse research methodologies used, each offering unique insights that shaped the project’s direction. From hands-on user interviews to analytical card sorting, these methods ensured that the redesign was not just aesthetically pleasing, but also functionally superior and user-centric. Join us as we explore the backbone of our decision-making process.
Card Sorting
Card sorting was conducted to understand how users categorize and expect to find information on the site. This helped in reorganizing the site’s information architecture.
User Interviews
Interviews were conducted with several faculty and staff to understand their needs, pain points, and expectations from the site.
Surveys
Surveys were used to gather quantitative data on the site’s information architecture and hierarchy.
Prototype Sitemap
A prototype sitemap was created to test the new information architecture and to improve searchability and usability.
Key Findings
Card Sorting
- Users preferred a more intuitive categorization of resources.
- There was a need for a dedicated section for faculty-specific resources.
User Interviews
- Faculty and staff found it difficult to locate specific resources.
- Users expressed a need for a more modern, visually appealing design.
Surveys
- 80% of respondents found the previous site’s navigation confusing.
- 90% wanted an improved search function.
Design and Implementation
The site was reworked entirely using Microsoft SharePoint. The new design incorporated the following:
Information Architecture
The information architecture was revamped to include intuitive categories and sub-categories based on the card sorting and survey results.
Usability
The prototype sitemap was used to improve the site’s navigation. A more robust search function was also implemented.
Visual Design
A clean, modern design was implemented, aligning with the UWSoN brand guidelines.
Content Hierarchy
The new design emphasized content hierarchy, making it easier for users to find the most critical and frequently accessed information.
Measuring Success: A Deep Dive into the Results
The true testament of any redesign lies in its tangible outcomes. For the UW School of Nursing Intranet HUB site, the results were not just encouraging but also indicative of the success of our user-centric approach. I could quantify our efforts’ impact by meticulously analyzing user behavior, feedback, and engagement metrics.
- Positive Feedback – 95%
- Increase in Efficiency – 50%
- User Satisfaction Increase – 85%
- Increase in Monthly Active Users – 70%
- Decrease in Bounce Rates – 30%
%
Reduction
in the time taken to find resources, as reported by users, showcasing the efficiency of the revamped information architecture.
%
Positive Feedback
on the new design and layout, reflecting the site’s alignment with modern design principles and user expectations.
%
Improvement
in user satisfaction, based on post-launch surveys, highlighting the site’s enhanced usability.
%
Increase
in monthly active users, indicating a more engaging platform that caters to the needs of the community.
%
Decrease
in bounce rates, suggesting that users found the content more relevant and the site more navigable.