AIATSIS Case Study
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Our school project delved into the transformation of the AIATSIS (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies) website's user interface. AIATSIS was chosen due to its important subject matter and the potential for enhancing its user experience. While the website's general aspects were acceptable, our focus was on refining its UI for a more impactful presentation.
Role
User Interface Design Lead
Duration
3 Weeks
CHALLENGES
Our school project delved into the transformation of the AIATSIS (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies) website's user interface. AIATSIS was chosen due to its important subject matter and the potential for enhancing its user experience. While the website's general aspects were acceptable, our focus was on refining its UI for a more impactful presentation.
In addressing these obstacles, we adopted a strategic approach:
- Effective Collaboration Strategies: We leveraged techniques like daily standups and maintained a Kanban board to enhance communication and keep our project on a focused track.
- Resourceful User Sourcing: To circumvent the lack of available users, we sought individuals who could provide insights based on general usability principles. These participants helped us gauge the site's intuitiveness and clarity of purpose for first-time users.
- Leveraging AI Insights: The CHATGPT experience played a crucial role. It enabled us to develop an accurate user profile, mimicking the typical site user. This AI-driven approach enriched our understanding of user expectations.
- Strategic Persona Development: Building upon our findings and CHATGPT insights, we amalgamated multiple ideas to construct a compelling user persona. This powerful persona served as a guiding light for our design decisions.
VISUAL IDENTITY
Colour Palette
For inspiration we looked at the indigenous art of the people’s represented on the site.
Blue
#035AA6
Green
#C7D943
Gold
#BF9924
Red Orange
#D9411E
Maroon
#A63232
Black
#000000
Typography
Good readable and accessible fonts
Graphic Elements / Iconography
Utilizing symbols and art from the culture to bring more of the culture to the content
WHAT DID I LEARN
The journey through this project has been a profound learning experience, reaffirming the significance of exceptional group communication skills. This project highlighted that user testing at various stages is pivotal. By integrating continuous user feedback, we forged iterations of remarkable quality, consistently aligned with user needs rather than design alone.
Unveiling the delicate equilibrium between good design and an effective user experience was an enlightening discovery. Crafting something both intuitively balanced and user-centric proved challenging, yet the rewards were immensely fulfilling.
In the realm of my daily work, a notable transformation has occurred. Shifting from a graphic designer's lens to a true user experience designer, I now navigate projects with the user's perspective at the forefront. This transition compels me to view designs through their eyes, paving the way for work that not only exhibits quality but also fosters seamless interaction, empowering users to act without hesitation.
As this chapter concludes, I carry forward a newfound dedication to holistic design and an unwavering focus on enhancing user experiences.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As I conclude this case study, my sights are set on a broader horizon. In reality, I see this project evolving into a direct collaboration with the community and site managers. Crafting templates for consistent branding and involving community feedback for iterative improvements is a natural progression.
The involvement of local artists adds an exciting dimension, infusing the site with meaningful imagery. By merging design and community insights, I aim to leave a lasting imprint on both the site's appearance and its user experience.
PROTOTYPE
