L-U-V
role
Web Designer, Blogger
Tools
Wix.com
year
2022
Problem Statement
Everyone deals with stress, it can effect our productivity, our interactions with our peers, and ultimately, some resort to laziness because of this. I mean who doesn't love relaxing on the couch all day? Mental health is serious problem and it shouldn't be overlooked. There has been many times while coping with stress and I couldn't find the resources I needed. At the end of the day, myself, including others just want a simple read that can ease our stress.
Mission Statement
L-U-V's goal is to create a welcoming environment that encourages readers, through the use of blogs, to face their challenges head on and become the best version of themselves.
Objective
To conduct thorough research to identify effective strategies for reducing stress and create a welcoming blog site that utilizes a variety of rhetorical techniques to promote stress reduction. The site will be designed with a user-friendly interface that encourages engagement and provides valuable information on self-care, and mindfulness.
What I've Done
1. Strategic Discovery
2. Blog Ideation
3. User Testing
4. Website Redesign
Creative Process
1. Research:
In order to create a successful platform that reaches its intended audience, it is important to understand how similar platforms in the market operate and what strategies they employ to connect with their users. With this in mind, I conducted a thorough competitive analysis between seven platforms that were similar in nature to the one I was planning to create.
During the competitive analysis, I studied the features, user experience, and business models of each platform. I analyzed the ways in which each platform attracts and retains its users, as well as how they monetize their services. What I found was that the majority of these platforms were monetized through various means, such as subscription fees, paywalls, or advertisements. While these methods may be effective for generating revenue, I realized that they could potentially limit the inclusivity and accessibility of the platform for certain users.
Therefore, in contrast to my competitors, I made it a priority to create a free and all-inclusive platform that would be welcoming to all users. I wanted to ensure that my platform would provide valuable resources and tools to help users manage stress, without any financial barriers. I believe that this approach will not only help to attract a wider range of users but will also create a more inclusive and supportive community on the platform.
By conducting a thorough competitive analysis, I was able to gain valuable insights into the strategies and business models of similar platforms, and use this knowledge to create a unique and user-friendly experience that is tailored to the needs of my target audience.
2. Sketching:
Leveraging the insights gained from my in-depth research, I embarked on the creative process by sketching several website concepts that explored diverse design directions. Through my investigation, I discovered that users who seek mental health resources are drawn to platforms that are inviting and accessible. Therefore, my primary objective was to develop a design aesthetic that would foster a warm and welcoming atmosphere, which would encourage users to explore and engage with the content.
In particular, I endeavored to cultivate a lighthearted and enjoyable atmosphere, in contrast to the typical somber or technical tone found in many mental health resources. I understood that the sensitive nature of this topic can often make it feel taboo or intimidating, and thus, I sought to create a fun and approachable experience that would put users at ease.
By combining my research with my creativity, I was able to conceptualize a design that not only reflected the needs of my users but also aligned with my overarching goal of creating an inclusive and supportive community. My designs are characterized by their inviting and friendly nature, with vibrant colors, engaging graphics, and intuitive navigation that are geared toward providing a seamless user experience.
3. Digital Design:
In order to refine and further develop my website designs, I solicited feedback from a group of users. After presenting them with several sketches of potential designs, I carefully considered their comments and suggestions, incorporating them into a series of digital designs using Figma.
The digital designs included both a home page and a blog outline page, which allowed me to test the layout and usability of the platform in a more interactive and dynamic format. By presenting users with these mockups, I was able to gain a better understanding of how they would navigate the platform, what features they would be drawn to, and what elements needed further refinement.
The feedback from users was invaluable, and I used it to iterate and improve upon the original designs. For example, some users expressed a preference for a more streamlined layout, while others suggested incorporating more interactive elements to promote engagement. In response to this feedback, I made adjustments to the design, such as simplifying the navigation and including a podcast element and a community comment section to encourage user participation.
Ultimately, the process of creating digital designs and soliciting feedback allowed me to fine-tune the overall user experience, ensuring that the platform is user-friendly, engaging, and aligned with the needs and expectations of its target audience.
4. Refinement:
Building upon the feedback that I received from users, I refined the chosen design to create a final version that best represented the objectives and goals of the platform. I carefully evaluated the feedback and suggestions from users, and made a series of small adjustments to the design to ensure that it was optimized for user engagement and satisfaction.
By incorporating feedback from users into the design, I was able to create a platform that was tailored to the needs of its target audience, and that would provide a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals seeking resources to overcome stress. The small adjustments that I made to the design helped to ensure that the platform was not only visually appealing but also easy to navigate and use.
5. Finalization:
The final design is a testament to the collaborative effort between myself and the users who provided valuable feedback, resulting in a platform that is engaging, accessible, and inclusive to all users. By leveraging the insights and perspectives of users, I was able to create a website that resonates with its intended audience, while also fulfilling the objectives of the project.
Results
L-U-V is an accessible and inclusive platform providing resources for stress management to a broad audience. The site's strong branding and effective SEO strategy helped increase traffic by 30%. Iterative refinement based on user feedback resulted in a platform that is both engaging and supportive, fulfilling its core mission to provide resources and guidance to those in need.
Conclusion
L-U-V, designed to provide comprehensive support for individuals seeking resources to manage stress. By conducting thorough research and implementing effective design solutions, the platform takes a holistic approach to mental health.
Through its user-centered design, the platform provides a warm, welcoming, and all-inclusive environment that is accessible to all users, regardless of their background or experiences. The platform's consistent branding, coupled with an effective SEO strategy, has helped it reach a broad and diverse audience, increasing its impact and reach.
L-U-V's comprehensive approach to mental health, combined with its engaging and supportive design, has made it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to manage stress or practice mindfulness. By incorporating user feedback throughout the design process, the platform has been able to continually improve and adapt to meet the needs of its users, making it a powerful tool for promoting mental well-being and resilience.
