Overview
This case study focuses on the design and development of a website for a video game coaching service. The objective was to create a visually stunning and user-friendly website and branding that effectively communicates the benefits of the coaching service and attracts the target audience comprising gamers seeking to enhance their skills and performance.
Problem
This coaching service aimed to differentiate itself in a highly competitive market by providing a website that not only conveyed the expertise and professionalism of their coaches but also created an engaging and immersive experience for visitors. The solution was to design a website that would effectively communicate the benefits of the coaching service and capture the attention of gamers who were seeking to improve their skills.
Understanding the Market
Insights and Issues
Learning is a non-linear process. Throughout the project, market and competitive research was conducted to understand the needs and gaps of this growing space. I also initiated multiple stakeholder interviews to ensure I could meet my client’s business requirements.
By analyzing the market trends, target audience demographics, and existing competitors' offerings, I gained valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities present in the gaming coaching industry. This research allowed me to identify potential areas of improvement and develop strategies to differentiate my client's website from competitors, providing a competitive edge in the market.
1. User-Friendly Navigation - Ensure that your website has intuitive navigation and easy-to-find sections for coaching services, pricing, coaches' profiles, testimonials, and contact information.
2. Clear Service Offerings - Clearly define and communicate the different coaching services and packages you offer, along with their benefits, so that visitors can easily understand what they will be getting.
4. Consistent Branding - Maintain a cohesive branding across your website, including color schemes, logo placement, and overall visual aesthetics, to create a professional and memorable impression.
Ideation
Site Map
Based on the research done on competitors, I brainstormed, compiled and organized the necessary website content and functionality. Each section of the site map was strategically included to address the specific needs and expectations of the target audience, while also highlighting the expertise and achievements of the coaches to influence customers to sign up for the service.
Lo-Fi Wireframes
After defining the main site flow, I attempted to create a set of low-fi wireframes that allowed me to get some initial feedback and save time later in the process before I started the high-fidelity prototype.
UI Kit
When developing the UI kit, my primary objective was to ensure the cohesiveness of the design elements with the newly established branding. To achieve this, careful consideration was given to the selection of typography and icons that would align with a clean and minimal aesthetic.
The color palette was meticulously crafted, incorporating various shades derived from the logo itself. The intention behind choosing a clean and minimal vibe for the typography and icons was to create a sense of elegance and simplicity within the UI kit. By employing typography that is visually pleasing and easy to read, along with icons that are intuitive and visually consistent, the overall user experience is enhanced.
High-Fi Designs
After conducting extensive stakeholder feedback, we finalized the designs for the website of our video game coaching service. The process involved gathering input from key stakeholders, including coaches, gamers, and industry experts, to ensure that the website's visual aesthetics, user experience, and content align with the expectations and needs of our target audience.
Outcome and Reflection
This case study demonstrates the successful design of a website for a video game coaching service. By prioritizing the needs of the gaming community and creating an immersive experience, the website effectively communicated the benefits of the coaching service and attracted the target audience. The project showcases the ability to combine clear communication, intuitive navigation, and engaging visuals to create impactful web design solutions that drive user engagement and business growth.
Personal Learnings
1.) User Experience is Paramount
Prioritizing user experience is crucial in designing a successful website. Understand the needs and preferences of your target audience and create a seamless and intuitive browsing experience that aligns with their expectations.
2.) Engaging Content
Provide valuable and engaging content that goes beyond promotional material. Educational resources, tips, and insights related to gaming can establish your credibility, build trust, and attract a wider audience.
Overview
This case study provides an overview of a web design project for a Korean restaurant. The goal was to create an engaging and visually appealing landing page using Figma and design custom logos using Illustrator. The project aimed to capture the essence of Korean culture and cuisine while providing a seamless user experience.
Role: UI/UX + Brand Designer
Tools: Figma and Adobe Illustrator
Project Duration: Winter 2023
Problem
The Korean restaurant faced the challenge of establishing an online presence and attracting new customers. With no existing website or brand identity, they needed a web design solution that would capture the essence of their cuisine and culture while providing a seamless user experience. The lack of a visually appealing landing page and custom logos hindered their ability to stand out in a competitive market and connect with potential customers. The client sought a web designer to create an engaging website using Figma and design custom logos using Illustrator to address these challenges and elevate their online presence.
Understanding the Market
Throughout the project, market and competitive research was conducted to analyze other restaurant websites. I also initiated multiple stakeholder interviews to ensure I could meet my client’s business requirements.
By analyzing the market trends, target audience demographics, and existing competitors' offerings, I gained valuable insights into the restaurant industry. This research allowed me to identify potential areas of improvement and develop strategies to differentiate my client's website and branding from competitors, providing a competitive edge in the market.
Competitive Analysis
After defining the main site flow, I attempted to create a set of low-fi wireframes that allowed me to get some initial feedback and save time later in the process before I started the high-fidelity prototype.
A comprehensive competitive analysis was conducted to identify key players in the market, analyze their websites, and assess their digital strategies. The analysis revealed that many competitors had well-established online presences with visually appealing websites that showcased their unique offerings and emphasized the Korean culinary experience.
However, there were also opportunities for improvement, as some competitors lacked user-friendly interfaces and had limited functionality for online orders.
Ideation
Information Architecture & Interaction Design
With the initial completion of my UX research and meticulous planning, a definitive structure for the landing page was established. The landing page was strategically divided into distinct sections, each serving a specific purpose to enhance the user experience.
The home section not only acts as a welcoming gateway for users but also serves as a central hub for site navigation. Additionally, a compelling call-to-action button is prominently featured in this section, enabling users to conveniently place their food orders.
To entice users with the restaurant's most popular and sought-after menu items, the landing page incorporates a dedicated section referred to as the "Popular Dishes" section. This section succinctly highlights a carefully curated selection of commonly ordered menu items, captivating the visitors' attention and fostering their desire to explore further.
In order to provide essential insights into the restaurant's identity and purpose, an informative "About" section is thoughtfully incorporated. This section offers concise yet compelling information, enabling users to connect with the restaurant's story and unique culinary offerings. Lastly, the landing page concludes with a well-crafted footer section that houses essential links to the restaurant's social media channels and other relevant parts of the website. This section ensures easy access to additional content and encourages users to further engage with the brand beyond their initial visit.
Lo-Fi Wireframes
Lo-Fi Wireframes
After defining the main site flow, I attempted to create a set of low-fi wireframes that allowed me to get some initial feedback and save time later in the process before I started the high-fidelity prototype.
UI Kit
For this project, the choice of typography was carefully considered to align with the restaurant's brand identity and enhance the overall user experience. A combination of fonts was selected to strike a balance between readability and aesthetics.
A clean and modern sans-serif font was chosen for headings and prominent text, ensuring legibility and visual impact. Meanwhile, a complementary serif font was used for body text to evoke a sense of elegance and refinement. The typography choices aimed to create a harmonious and inviting visual hierarchy, guiding users through the content with ease.
High-Fi Designs
After conducting extensive stakeholder feedback, we finalized the designs for the Sarang website.The process involved gathering input from key stakeholders to ensure that the website's visual aesthetics, user experience, and content align with the expectations and needs of our target audience.
Outcome and Reflection
The landing page, built with meticulous attention to detail and high fidelity design choices, effectively captured the essence of Korean culture and cuisine. The visually appealing design, complemented by a carefully curated color palette, typography, and iconography, conveyed a sense of warmth, vibrancy, and authenticity. The use of high-resolution images, combined with seamless transitions and micro-interactions, enhanced user engagement and provided a delightful browsing experience.
Overview
This case study revolves around the process of designing clothing merchandise and an e-commerce website for the Ventura County Pirates Baseball Club. The study showcases the creative journey, strategic decision-making, and implementation of a comprehensive branding and online retail solution tailored specifically for the club's merchandise needs. From conceptualization to execution, every step is documented to highlight the design, marketing, and user experience considerations involved in creating a visually appealing and user-friendly online store.
Problem
The Ventura County Pirates Baseball Club faces a challenge in increasing the number of fans and enhancing fan engagement. While the club has a dedicated local following, there is a need to expand its reach and attract a broader audience to build a stronger fan base. Additionally, the club aims to explore new avenues of income generation to support its operations and future endeavors.
Understanding the Market
Throughout the project, market and competitive research was conducted to analyze other sports merchandise websites. I also initiated multiple stakeholder interviews to ensure I could meet my client’s business requirements.
By analyzing the market trends, target audience demographics, and existing competitors' offerings, I gained valuable insights into the sports merchandise industry. This research allowed me to identify potential areas of improvement and develop strategies to differentiate my client's website and branding from competitors, providing a competitive edge in the market.
Competitive Analysis
A comprehensive competitive analysis was conducted to identify key players in the market, analyze their websites, and assess their digital strategies. The analysis revealed that some baseball clubs had well-established online presences with websites that showcased their team branded merchandise.
However, there were also opportunities for improvement, as some competitors lacked visually appealing websites which migh not appeal to customers.
Web Design
Information Architecture & Interaction Design
With the initial completion of my UX research and meticulous planning, a definitive structure for the landing page was established. The landing page was strategically divided into distinct sections, each serving a specific purpose to enhance the user experience.
Site Map
Based on the research done on competitors, I brainstormed, compiled and organized the necessary website content and functionality. Each section of the site map was strategically included to address the specific needs and expectations of the target audience, while also highlighting the expertise and achievements of the coaches to influence customers to sign up for the service.
High-Fi Designs
Regarding the design of the e-commerce shopify website, my objective was to maintain a sleek and user-friendly interface. The emphasis has been on creating a seamless online shopping experience that prioritizes ease of navigation, intuitive functionality, and an aesthetically pleasing layout. By focusing on these elements, the aim is to provide users with a satisfying and efficient online purchasing journey once the website is fully operational.
Branding and Design
In regard to branding and merch designs, I developed a diverse array of designs in Adobe Illustrator, seeking valuable feedback from my clients. A primary objective was to cultivate an appeal that resonated with a broad audience by combining elements of vintage aesthetics, evoking a sense of timeless allure that one might discover in a thrift store, while simultaneously incorporating modern and trendy elements. My emphasis was particularly directed towards capturing the essence of the pirate theme, ensuring that it permeated throughout the designs and remained a prominent focal point.
Social Media Marketing
In order to gather valuable insights into the design preferences of fans for the Ventura County Pirates Baseball Club's merchandise, I employed polls on various social media platforms. These polls allowed me to directly engage with the fan base, asking questions about preferred colors, styles, and themes. By analyzing the poll responses, I was able to identify trends and preferences that informed the final design decisions.
Additionally, I leveraged the data collected from the polls to create targeted and impactful promotional content for social media. This content highlighted aspects of the merchandise that resonated most with fans, driving engagement and excitement leading up to the launch. By integrating fan feedback into the design process and leveraging it for promotional efforts, I ensured that the merchandise line resonated deeply with the Pirates' loyal fan base, ultimately contributing to its success.
Game Mastery
Role: Web Designer, Web Developer, Photographer, Graphic Designer
Tools: Figma, WordPress, Canva
Project Duration: Ongoing
Louisville Cooler has become synonymous with top-tier walk-in coolers, freezers, and environmental rooms. However, as industries evolve and technologies advance, staying ahead of the curve is paramount. Recognizing the need to align their online presence with their reputation for quality, Louisville Cooler embarked on a transformative journey – a complete redesign of their website.
"How can we craft a digital space that reflects the company's dedication to innovation, precision, and customer satisfaction, while providing a user-friendly interface for clients to explore their range of products and services?"
CloudNexus Technologies is renowned for delivering innovative IT and cybersecurity solutions that safeguard businesses' digital assets. However, with the ever-evolving landscape of technology and cybersecurity threats, it's imperative to continually enhance our approach. In light of this, we're exploring avenues to elevate our online presence and sales strategy.
"How can we craft a digital presence that reflects our commitment to cutting-edge solutions, while providing seamless user experiences for our clients to explore our services and solutions?"
The Challenge
Problem
The challenge faced by CloudNexus Technologies was the need to expand its social media presence and drive sales through digital channels, including social media, email marketing, and a new website. Despite offering cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, the company struggled to effectively reach and engage its target audience, resulting in missed opportunities for lead generation and conversion.
Users
The users of the CloudNexus Technologies website primarily consist of business owners, IT professionals, and decision-makers across various industries seeking cybersecurity solutions. These individuals are typically looking to enhance their organization's digital security, mitigate risks, and protect sensitive data from cyber threats. They may vary in technical expertise but share a common goal of safeguarding their company's assets and maintaining regulatory compliance in an increasingly digital landscape.
Context
As a web design and marketing intern at CloudNexus Technologies, I played a pivotal role in creating captivating graphic design marketing content and dynamic social media posts. Leveraging my expertise in design principles and digital marketing strategies, I worked to craft visually compelling assets that effectively conveyed the company's brand identity and messaging across various online channels.
Additionally, I spearheaded the development of a new website, focusing on user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design to optimize the online visitor experience. Through thorough research and iterative design processes, I implemented intuitive design elements to enhance navigation and usability, resulting in a seamless browsing experience for visitors. My contributions not only strengthened the company's online presence but also positioned CloudNexus as a frontrunner in the cybersecurity industry, driving increased engagement and conversions.
Ideation
Site Map
Our site map focuses on our core solutions: vCSO, Cybersecurity, and Managed IT. It's designed for easy navigation, ensuring visitors quickly find information about these key services. Our user-centric approach reflects our commitment to delivering tailored solutions that address the varied needs of our clients in the dynamic tech and cybersecurity landscape.
Lofi-Wireframes
Feedback
In response to feedback from my leadership team, I expanded our website to include a partners page. This addition showcases our valuable partnerships and collaborations, reinforcing our commitment to providing comprehensive solutions and delivering exceptional value to our clients.
Graphic Design
As part of my role at CloudNexus, I spearheaded the creation of various marketing collateral, including brochures, business cards, and banners. Leveraging my design skills and creativity, I developed visually compelling materials that effectively communicated our brand identity and key messaging to our target audience.
Marketing Collateral
Social Media Marketing
In my role at CloudNexus, I took charge of crafting engaging social media content tailored for platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. Leveraging my understanding of our target audience and industry trends, I developed creative and informative posts that resonated with our followers. By curating relevant content, sharing industry insights, and promoting our solutions, I aimed to increase our brand visibility and engagement across social media channels.
What CloudNexus Taught Me..
During my tenure at CloudNexus, I've gained invaluable insights into the intersection of technology and marketing. From designing websites and creating marketing collateral to managing social media campaigns, I've honed my skills in digital marketing and web design. I've learned the importance of aligning marketing strategies with business goals, staying updated on industry trends, and continuously innovating to drive growth and engagement.
The Challenge
Goal
Throughout the project, market and competitive research was conducted to analyze other sports merchandise websites. I also initiated multiple stakeholder interviews to ensure I could meet my client’s business requirements.
Users
Louisville Cooler's customers encompass a diverse demographic, with a notable presence of individuals from an older age group. For many of them, navigating through the digital landscape may present unique challenges, given their familiarity with traditional methods of communication and business transactions. Understanding the needs and preferences of this demographic was paramount in shaping the user experience of the website.
Context
Through extensive competitive research, it became evident that many cooler manufacturing websites lacked a distinct identity, often blending into a sea of generic designs. Visual inconsistencies and cluttered layouts were common, with excessive text overwhelming visitors and hindering navigation.
Recognizing these shortcomings as opportunities for differentiation, Louisville Cooler approached the redesign with a clear focus on crafting a visually appealing, user-friendly website that would set them apart from the competition. With a commitment to streamlining the user experience and showcasing their unique value proposition, Louisville Cooler aimed to create a digital platform that would resonate with their target audience and elevate their online presence.
Competitive Analysis
I undertook thorough research on various freezer/cooler manufacturers across the United States to conduct a comprehensive competitive analysis of their websites. Here were my findings:
Analysis Chart
Through my competitive analysis, I discovered that many refrigeration websites lacked personality and suffered from spacing and design issues. Additionally, reliance on stock images was widespread, leading to a lack of authenticity. These findings highlighted the opportunity to set our website apart by infusing it with personality, addressing design inconsistencies, and prioritizing original photography to showcase Louisville Cooler's unique identity and craftsmanship.
.png)
I wanted to work on designing and developing a website for a company in an industry I was completely unfamiliar with for a long time. So, when this opportunity came up, I engulfed myself into researching this industry so I could develop a real connection to Louisville Cooler and its staff. But I hesitated. I was going to be solely creating the internet hub for this large company (and I definitely was not about to mess it up 😅).
Ideation
Site Map
The site map for Louisville Cooler's website reflects a well-organized structure designed to enhance user experience and streamline navigation. Beginning with the primary categories of "Home," "About," "Products," "Parts," and "Contact," users are provided with clear pathways to explore the company's offerings. Within the "Products" section, subcategories such as "Walk-In Coolers/Freezers," "Warehouse," "Environmental Rooms," "Doors," and "Refrigeration" further refine the browsing experience, allowing users to easily locate specific information.
Additionally, the inclusion of links to relevant pages such as "Check Out Our Work" and "Specifications" under each product category ensures comprehensive coverage of the company's capabilities and recent projects. Overall, the site map embodies a user-centric approach, prioritizing clarity and accessibility to cater to Louisville Cooler's diverse clientele.
Original Design & Flow:
The original mockup design for Louisville Cooler's website was crafted to embody the essence of the company's brand identity while prioritizing user engagement and functionality. Drawing inspiration from the company's commitment to precision craftsmanship and innovation, the mockup featured a clean and modern aesthetic, with bold typography and vibrant imagery capturing the attention of visitors.
The layout was thoughtfully organized to provide intuitive navigation, with clear call-to-action buttons guiding users seamlessly through the site. Each page was designed with the user experience in mind, ensuring that key information about products, services, and recent projects was easily accessible.
User Feedback
User feedback from the owner of Louisville Cooler highlighted a strong desire for specificity and authenticity in showcasing their products and facilities on the website. They emphasized the importance of having dedicated pages for each product type, enabling customers to easily access detailed information tailored to their needs. Additionally, the owner expressed a preference for original photography of the facility, eschewing stock images to provide a genuine representation of their operations.
This feedback underscored the owner's commitment to transparency and quality, ensuring that the website accurately reflected the craftsmanship and expertise synonymous with Louisville Cooler. By incorporating these insights into the website design, we were able to create an immersive and informative digital experience that resonated with both existing and prospective customers.
Photography
Following my competitive analysis, I visited the Louisville Cooler site to capture original photography of their warehouse, workers in action, and office staff. This approach ensured that the website was authentically represented without relying on stock images.
Final Development
The final product of Louisville Cooler's website represents a culmination of meticulous planning, creative design, and collaborative effort. With a focus on user-centricity and authenticity, the website offers a seamless browsing experience that caters to the diverse needs of the company's clientele.
Live Site: Coming Soon!
Louisville Cooler Taught Me..
This project taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of thorough research, effective communication, and adaptability in web design and development. By immersing myself in the company's brand identity and understanding the needs of their target audience, I gained insight into the power of empathy-driven design.
Collaborating closely with the client allowed me to refine my ability to translate their vision into tangible digital solutions, while also honing my skills in project management and time management. Moreover, the experience of conducting original photography for the website reinforced the significance of authenticity and attention to detail in creating a compelling online presence.
Vintage Venture Taught Me..
This project taught me invaluable lessons in project management, creativity, and adaptability. I learned the importance of effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders, as well as the necessity of setting realistic expectations and timelines, especially when faced with constraints such as a short season and limited budget. Through the process of designing merchandise and developing an e-commerce website for the Ventura County Pirates Baseball Club, I honed my skills in graphic design, branding, and user experience.
I gained a deeper understanding of the significance of fan engagement and how to leverage social media as a powerful tool for marketing and promotion. Moreover, I learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation, finding creative solutions to overcome obstacles and deliver results. Overall, this project has equipped me with valuable skills and experiences that will continue to guide me in future endeavors.