Callitrichid Conservation Center.
As a dedicated UX Designer with a background in Veterinary medicine, my passion for conservation led me to contribute to a meaningful project. I collaborated with connections from a previous sanctuary, aiming to establish the foundation framework for their online presence.
Background:
In crafting the conservation sanctuary website, rigorous UX research was pivotal. I extensively studied existing sanctuary websites, noting design elements and functionalities. Regular check-ins with the sanctuary team ensured alignment with their vision, incorporating their preferences and feedback. This collaborative approach, informed by understanding their likes and dislikes, resulted in a tailored and user-centric website, contributing to a compelling online presence for the conservation efforts.
Low Fidelity Wireframes:
Wireframing serves as a fundamental step in the UX design process, providing a blueprint for the final product. In the conservation sanctuary project, I recognized the importance of wireframes in establishing a solid foundation. Multiple iterations were crafted, allowing for the development of an optimal starting point. The selected wireframe plan, endorsed by the sanctuary, served as a reliable guide for subsequent design phases. Once the wireframes were approved, my focus shifted to visual elements, ensuring a seamless transition from structure to an aesthetically pleasing and cohesive design that resonated with the sanctuary's identity.
High Fidelity WireFrames:
Leveraging insights from comprehensive research on fonts, typography, colors, and layout prevalent in conservation websites, I meticulously curated a design strategy for the conservation sanctuary. This strategic approach extended to mapping out essential website pages, ensuring a cohesive and authentic representation of the sanctuary's Hawaiian roots. All these elements were seamlessly integrated into a High Fidelity Mockup, providing a visually compelling and immersive preview of the website. By harmonizing the design elements with the island aesthetic, I aimed to not only meet the sanctuary's needs but also create a captivating digital experience for its online audience.
From my research, wireframes, and planning I created the High Fidelity Mock ups.
However, there was an issue.
Outcome:
The Solution:
In the iterative process of crafting the conservation sanctuary's website, I initially presented the Sanctuary with sample images reflecting the evolving design. However, their valuable feedback revealed a preference for simplicity over the initially proposed busier aesthetic. Acknowledging their concerns, I expressed a complete understanding and initiated a collaborative dialogue to redefine the visual direction. The sanctuary graciously provided a sample image that encapsulated their vision, and with a blend of AI, Photoshop, and Canva, I meticulously translated their aspirations into a redesigned website. This collaborative effort resulted in a final product that not only met but surpassed their expectations, reflecting their unique identity and preferences while ensuring a visually pleasing and user-friendly digital environment for the sanctuary and its online visitors. The following is the sample image the Sanctuary provided.
Through collaborative efforts and constructive feedback, I transcended my prior UX design limitations, embracing innovative solutions. The partnership with the conservation sanctuary team fueled creativity, pushing me to explore new avenues and ultimately create a transformative, elevated digital experience. This experience not only showcased adaptability and resilience but also emphasized my capacity for growth and innovation in the dynamic field of UX design.
The result was a well-received website framework that not only met the basic necessities of the sanctuary but exceeded expectations in terms of aesthetics. The clients expressed their satisfaction with the outcome and are enthusiastic about the ongoing collaboration to further enhance and expand the website as the conservation efforts grow.
This project showcases my ability to blend functionality with aesthetics, ensuring a user-centric design that aligns with the unique identity of the conservation sanctuary. I look forward to continuing this journey, contributing to the sanctuary's online presence and supporting their noble cause.
Takeaways:
This project has been an invaluable learning experience, pushing the boundaries of my UX design expertise. While I've gained substantial insights, I recognize there's an ongoing journey of growth ahead. As the conservation sanctuary flourishes, so too will my skillset, enabling me to consistently enhance the website's user-friendliness and visual appeal. I am eager to continue contributing to the sanctuary's mission, ensuring their digital presence aligns seamlessly with their evolving needs and aspirations.
Notably, the conservation sanctuary's preference for Squarespace underscored their desire for autonomy in updating the website. While Squarespace facilitated their ability to make routine changes independently, my role was pivotal in overseeing the more advanced aspects and ensuring the overall design coherence. This project primarily centered on enhancing the user experience, prioritizing functionality and usability over intricate user interface details. Striking this balance allowed for a harmonious collaboration, empowering the sanctuary to manage routine updates while relying on my expertise for the nuanced elements crucial for a seamless and impactful user experience.