Objective
Diving into this process with all prior research, I planned and used all previous insights from the empathy and ideate framing to create a wireframe of every aspect that was brought up in initial interviews and the impressions left by the official website. My main purpose through this process of creating a new format for the website was to answer the overarching confusions that were brought up which in turn will create a simple and effect flow between topics, consistent visuals to ensure quick recognition and simple language to prevent confusion.
Initial Wireframe
I had gone into this process with a new eye, throughout the research along with the additional reading of the book “Don’t Make Me Think” I had gone into my website thinking less about how to make it look pretty and more on the functionality of the website. The main idea was to make the visuals the cherry on top of a highly functional design, in the books way, of not making the user think. Taking note of aspects such as language barriers, small unreadable text, no student work and lackluster information were my main components to keep in mind.
I had pocketed visuals as I had made my initial work to fit the needs of my users and found it actually assisted in the design process.
Crossed Wires
Before I did that, it became easy to get wrapped up in my classmates showing me their new animations and how they made something hover and I had let it affect my work in the original sketches. I spent so much time focusing on the animations and how to make it visually appealing. Once I sat down and focused on the topic, it became easier. I found it best to keep it simple, think on how the user would best use the wireframe, moving from my sketches to this new look.
An example was something I had actually overlooked when it came to the design principals we were given. I had a drop down that had given resources for students. This included an option that had said “> Student Work”, however, this was promptly overlooked due to the original tab saying “Student >” bringing an easy to ignore line. It brought a good point that many students who are interested will see the repeat and look over it.
An additional small but perplexing issue I have yet to discover, is a challenge this classmate had brought up. I have two ways to learn “How to Apply.” They had originally actually reached for the Program tab but before even clicking, had stopped, said “oh!” and clicked on the button. It brings both a success in the button grabbing your attention and yet also brings into question if the button is necessary. It will need further testing throughout multiple students or different audiences to confirm or deny this, but will be solved.
A welcome addition to the website that was raved about, was the language button. My parents had seen it and had smiled, saying they were glad that an option was even considered so they could access the website. It brought truly a new view on the project. Something as small as making the text bigger to the average person made it easy for them to read, having a corner small menu for language options brought an entire audience to this website.
Reflection
Approaching this project I had found it an easy way to get all mixed around. Finding my groove took a while but finding it was truly rewarding. I found once I had the base, the original frame, it became like a flow to get from this skeleton to a full form. I took all the accessibility concerns and tried to find ways to simplify it down to its basic idea.
This project showed me how to slow down, separate myself from those around me and think of what I have researched and worked on to make my wireframe. It taught me how little things can bring in an audience and how your work can be simple yet effective.