The goal was to redesign our organization’s website to reflect the unique and dynamic mission of our Center while staying tied to current news in business and human rights.
As the Assistant Director of Communications, I spearheaded the development of a new website for our organization. Leading various team meetings, I initiated discussions to identify benchmark organizations within our industry niche with impressive websites. Drawing upon insights gathered from these discussions, I curated a list of analogous organizations and proceeded to conduct a comprehensive competitive analysis.
(Source)
Over the course of a month, I extensively reviewed websites from various organizations, focusing specifically on key elements that we desired to incorporate into our new site. These elements included:
After completing a competitive analysis, I aimed to understand the needs and preferences of various stakeholders for our website. Given that the website needs to function for, and with our researchers, it was essential to gather and accurately record their input. Although I planned to consult a broader audience, I began by engaging with my team members to gather their insights. This initial collaboration allowed me to identify the key elements our website must incorporate to reflect their work accurately.
Additionally, I asked for their opinions on the ideal information architecture for the site. These preliminary insights were crucial for effectively organizing the information architecture. On the right are the key findings from our discussions.
After interviewing my team members, I contacted several industry experts. One expert from a leading research organization responded, and we scheduled a call. Their extensive knowledge proved invaluable, advising that we develop a content strategy before further progressing with the site. I shared these insights with my team and then worked with leadership to map out the content strategy. Once this strategy was fleshed out, I moved on to creating mood boards and low-fidelity wireframes, which are pictured below.
The audience for this site is broad and includes the press, the business and human rights community, NGOs, Non-profits, potential donors, current donors, students, facult and corporate practitioners.
Before diving into prototype development, I engaged with various stakeholders, including key members of senior leadership. These conversations emphasized the need for our site to be both fresh and functional. We decided to implement a new content strategy focused on producing shorter pieces to keep our audience updated on various topics between our lengthier reports.
Guided by expert advice and informed by these discussions, I integrated this new content strategy into the website's design, ensuring it featured prominently. My role was to translate these strategic insights into practical design elements for our site.
After studying websites of organizations we admired, I incorporated elements such as a rotating carousel, bold graphics, and a user-friendly feature to highlight our latest content into our initial prototype.
This prototype was designed to look as though it was an editorial, news organization based site.
After presenting the wireframes to senior leadership, it was evident that we needed to bring in more collaborators to get the project to the finish line. Leveraging insights from our competitive analysis, we hired Partner & Partners, a Brooklyn-based design firm to finalize the website.
Transitioning into the project manager role, I orchestrated the seamless execution of our vision. From maintaining timelines and budgets to orchestrating the content transfer, I ensured every aspect of the project aligned with our goals. Simultaneously, I spearheaded efforts to enhance user experience, ensuring the website was intuitive and engaging.
Leading the website development process, I guided our team through every stage, ensuring each milestone was met. Effective communication with stakeholders fostered collaboration and adaptability, propelling the project forward.
In addition to managerial duties, I facilitated collaborative sessions, igniting creativity and accountability among designers and developers. Furthermore, I identified and trained a student collaborator, enriching our team with fresh perspectives.
Challenges were met with innovative solutions, as I leveraged design principles and tools to navigate roadblocks. This holistic approach ensured the project progressed seamlessly towards success and since it's launch we have received great feedback.
Check out the new site which closely resembles my original prototype: NYU Stern Center for Business and Human Rights Website.
Already have a design in mind?
Or want me to take care of everything? Let’s chat and find out what’s best for you!
