Kateryna Orel
Chicago Architecture Center
2023
The Challenge
When I joined the design project for the Chicago Architecture Center's website, the UX phase was already in progress. This presented unique challenges: integrating seamlessly into an ongoing project while ensuring my contributions were coherent with the existing design structure. Additionally, the website required a comprehensive and user-center experience that would cater to both first-time visitors and loyal supporters looking to explore events, membership opportunities, and exhibits.
Process
To start, I thoroughly reviewed the existing wireframes and project documentation to understand the current design direction and user expectations. I collaborated closely with stakeholders and the project team to align on key user needs and business goals. Throughout the process, I applied user-centered design principles, incorporating feedback through iterative design to refine usability and accessibility.
Key Pages I Developed
Calendar Page: Revamp the entire user experience by showcasing all the events and exhibitions occurring at CAC. Different viewing options have been developed for user convenience.
Join & Support page: Highlighted all the ways to support CAC mission and make a difference.
Membership page: Create a page that effectively communicates the value of different membership levels and facilitates purchases.
Donation Page: Structured to highlight how contributions support CAC's mission, using compelling imagery and storytelling.
Buildings of Chicago Page: Focused on an engaging, interactive layout to showcase architectural highlights.
Current Exhibitions Page: Designed to inform users about ongoing exhibits with visually appealing sections and concise descriptions.
Solution
By aligning my work with the pre-existing project framework and enhancing the overall user journey, I successfully integrated and extended the UX design for the CAC website. My designs focused on intuitive navigation, clear presentation of information, and engaging visual layouts to support user interaction and drive engagement. The Calendar and Membership pages were optimized for ease of use, showcasing upcoming events and membership benefits clearly, while the new pages like the Donation and Current Exhibitions pages were crafted to highlight CAC’s mission and offerings effectively.
Key takeaways
The final designs enhanced the website’s overall user experience, resulting in clearer navigation, improved engagement on key pages, and an uptick in event sign-ups and membership conversions. The Calendar and Membership pages received particularly positive feedback for their ease of use and informative layout.
This project reinforced my ability to join an in-progress initiative, adapt quickly, and deliver impactful UX solutions that align with both user needs and organizational goals.