News website
/
Web + mobile app
Online media redesign
About
The journey of redesigning an online media website to deliver insightful content on global social issues and events. This transformation aimed to enhance user engagement, simplify information consumption, and elevate the overall visual and functional appeal of the platform.
Context
Within the realm of online media, the challenge was to revamp the platform to align with user preferences and behavior. The existing website faced issues related to content hierarchy, advertisement distractions, photo materials, and a lack of media content, prompting a comprehensive redesign.
Responsibilities
Product Design, Product Vision, User Testing
Tools
Figma
Miro
Jira / Trello
Time line
2021
My Role
In the Online Media Redesign project, I played a key role in transforming the user experience and interface design of the platform. Working closely with stakeholders, analytics and content creator team to understand reader behavior and preferences, and used this insight to inform the redesign process. I made a new vision and prototypes to visualize the new layout and functionality of the platform, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and users to refine the design. Throughout the project, my focus remained on delivering a visually engaging and user-friendly redesign that provided readers with a seamless browsing experience and more functionality for different use cases. In addition I was working on enhancement of monetization system to increase it effectiveness while keeping it user-friendly.
Project Goals
Content Enhancement:
Implementation of podcasts, expert opinions, and video interviews to broaden user knowledge.
Introduction of a text-to-speech module, offering an alternative way to consume long-form content.Information Architecture:
Redesigning navigation based on user analytics, shifting focus from rubrics to news cycle formats.
Restructuring the main page for a digest-oriented approach, catering to user intent.Visuals and Engagement:
Adoption of a column grid system for an improved eye-surfing experience.
Minimalistic, clear, and modern design to reduce distractions and highlight essential content.
Adherence to AA level of WCAG accessibility standards for text and color ratio.Monetization Strategy:
Introduction of a subscription model to reduce banner clutter and enhance the quality of ads.
Targeting a reduction in bounce rates through a more strategic placement of advertisements.
User needs
On-the-Go Users
Quick access to concise news.
Seamless mobile navigation.
Audio content for multitasking.
Content Explorers
In-depth articles on global issues.
Diverse content formats.
User-friendly exploration.
External Users
Smooth transition and familiarization.
Clear differentiation of unique content.
Modern and engaging design.
Design stages
Ideation and Research:
Conducted user research and content analysis to understand reader behavior and content trends. Developed an optimized information architecture and prioritized features based on user needs. Integration of podcasts, expert opinions, and video interviews. Analysis of user analytics to guide the redesign of navigation.
1.5 months
Visual Design and Brand Integration:
Designed a visually engaging minimalistic, clear, and modern interface aligned with the brand identity, integrating branding elements seamlessly. Implemented responsive design principles to ensure compatibility across devices. Restructuring the main page for a digest-oriented approach. Implementation of a column grid system for improved engagement.
4 months
Iterative Design and Testing:
Engaged in iterative design, gathering feedback from stakeholders and conducting usability testing. Refined the design based on feedback and test results to ensure optimal usability and user satisfaction.
3 weeks
Development Collaboration and Launch Preparation:
Collaborated with the development team to implement the design effectively, providing specifications and addressing technical constraints. Development and incorporation of the text-to-speech module. Prepared for launch, ensuring a seamless transition and consistent performance across devices.
2 months
Challenges
Faced challenges
Navigating the redesign journey posed several hurdles. Distinguishing content hierarchy became challenging, creating confusion between news and lengthy articles. The excessive presence of ads and banners disrupted the reading experience, while prolonged loading times exacerbated user frustration. Photo material management proved inefficient, leading to a disorganized grid of irrelevant visuals. Additionally, users voiced a demand for varied media content, particularly video and audio options for lengthy articles. These challenges underscored the need for a comprehensive overhaul to enhance user experience and streamline content presentation.
Solutions
In response to the challenges encountered during the redesign process, strategic solutions were employed. Visual cues and algorithmic adjustments were introduced to establish a clear content hierarchy, alleviating confusion between news and lengthy articles. Advertisement distractions were mitigated by strategically placing ads to minimize disruption and optimizing loading times. The inefficiencies in photo material management were addressed by streamlining the image selection process and enhancing grid organization. To meet user demands for varied content, video and audio options were seamlessly integrated within articles, providing a more comprehensive and engaging user experience. These solutions collectively aimed at refining user interaction, improving platform aesthetics, and ensuring a more user-friendly online media environment.
Conclusion
By addressing the specific needs of these user groups, our redesigned online media platform becomes a versatile and inclusive space. Whether you're on the go, exploring diverse content, or transitioning from other sources, our platform is tailored to provide a user-centric experience. As we continue refining and evolving, our commitment to meeting the needs of each user group remains at the forefront of our design philosophy. Join us in this user-focused journey, where information is not just consumed but experienced in a way that resonates with you.