Website re-design for social impact

Empowering LGBTQ+ Health Research Through Community Engagement

Role: End to End Product Designer

Timeline
: 5.5 months (3.5 months for research & strategy, 2 months for execution)

Team: 4 Designers

Tools: Figma, FigJam,

CONTEXT

PRIDEnet is a national network dedicated to advancing LGBTQIA+ health research. They do this through connecting community members with ways to participate in research and create opportunities for community input to inform all stages of the research process. PRIDEnet is the community engagement arm of The PRIDE Study, the largest longitudinal health study of LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite being part of groundbreaking LGBTQ+ health research, PRIDEnet struggled with low community engagement and volunteer retention.

Before and After images of the Website Landing Page

THE CHALLENGE

Problem and Business Goals

PRIDEnet struggled with low community engagement and volunteer retention despite being part of groundbreaking LGBTQ+ health research. The existing website failed to communicate their mission clearly, leading to confusion with The PRIDE Study and missed opportunities for community involvement.

Screenshots of the existing website- lack of information
The existing website failed to communicate their mission clearly, leading to confusion with The PRIDE Study and missed opportunities for community involvement.

The client approached us with a desire to create a distinctive identity and a compelling digital presence that would set them apart in the competitive urban living market.

THE PROCESS

Research & Discovery

Stakeholder Alignment Workshop

I facilitated workshops with 8 stakeholders to align on engagement strategy. We discovered fundamental disagreements about what "engagement" meant to different team members.

User Research Deep Dive

14 in-depth interviews with:

  • Active volunteers (6)
  • Community partners (4)
  • Potential participants (4)

Users: LGBTQ+ individuals, researchers, volunteers, and healthcare professionals struggled to navigate and understand PRIDEnet’s mission and resources.

PRIDEnet: Needed a clearer digital identity, streamlined user journeys, and an engaging website to drive research participation and community involvement

Key Insight: Before solving user problems, we needed to solve internal alignment issues.

Pain Points Uncovered

  1. Information Architecture Crisis
    1. No clear mission/vision
      communication
    2. Blog posts and events had zero discoverability
    3. Volunteers had no resources to share with interested participants
  2. Brand Confusion
    • 78% of users confused PRIDEnet with The PRIDE Study
    • Unclear value proposition for engagement vs. participation
  3. Resource Management Nightmare
    • Manual ordering and tracking of promotional materials
    • No way to measure ambassador engagement
    • Limited support for active community members

Ideation & Strategy

What did we do?

The goal of this project was to redesign the website to improve user experience, enhance accessibility, and establish PRIDEnet as a distinct and impactful initiative in LGBTQ+ health advocacy.

  • Clarify PRIDEnet’s role and differentiate it from The PRIDE Study.
  • Improve accessibility and user engagement through intuitive design.
  • Create a scalable design system for future content updates.
  • Enhance community involvement by simplifying participation processes.
  • Our journey began with a deep dive into the client’s ethos, market position, and target audience. This comprehensive understanding informed our branding strategy, leading to the creation of a visual identity that embodies modernity, vibrancy, and eco-friendliness. We developed a sophisticated color palette inspired by natural elements, conveying freshness and vitality, while our choice of typography added a touch of elegance and refinement.

    Establishing strong foundations in branding

    With the brand identity firmly established, our design team seamlessly integrated these elements into every facet of the client’s presence. We crafted a series of visually striking marketing materials, including brochures, business cards, and digital assets, ensuring a consistent and memorable brand experience at every touchpoint.

    The next phase of the project involved developing a cutting-edge website using Webflow.

    Our goal was to create an online platform that not only looked stunning but also provided a smooth and intuitive user experience.

    We focused on clean, responsive design, ensuring that the site performs flawlessly on all devices, from desktops to smartphones. Engaging animations and interactive elements were incorporated to capture the attention of visitors and keep them engaged.

    Magic is in animations and development

    Throughout the development process, we prioritized functionality and user-friendliness. The website features a streamlined navigation system, making it easy for users to find the information they need. Detailed service descriptions, a portfolio of past projects, and client testimonials were included to build credibility and trust. Additionally, we integrated advanced SEO techniques to enhance the website’s visibility and attract a wider audience.

    The results were rocket-ish

    The culmination of our efforts is a cohesive, compelling brand presence that not only draws in potential clients but also resonates with a broader audience. This transformation has positioned the client as a trailblazer in their industry, with a brand and website that genuinely reflect their innovative approach to urban living. The new visual identity and online platform are not just aesthetically pleasing but also strategically designed to communicate the core values and unique selling propositions of the client.

    Our work has empowered them to connect more effectively with their audience, driving growth and success in their business.

    By creating a strong and memorable brand identity, we have helped them build a loyal customer base and enhance their market presence.

    The website’s intuitive design and engaging content have significantly improved user experience, leading to higher visitor retention and increased conversion rates.

    Furthermore, the advanced SEO techniques we implemented have boosted their online visibility, attracting a broader range of potential clients and stakeholders. This comprehensive digital transformation has not only elevated their brand but also provided them with the tools to sustain and grow their business in a highly competitive market. The project stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful branding, innovative design, and strategic web development in shaping the future of urban living.

    Results & Impact

    • 30% increase in volunteer sign-ups after launch.
    • Improved accessibility, meeting WCAG 2.1 standards.
    • Stronger brand identity differentiating PRIDEnet from The PRIDE Study.

    Conclusion

    The PRIDEnet website redesign successfully enhanced user engagement, accessibility, and brand clarity. By adopting a user-centered approach, we created an inclusive, research-driven platform that empowers the LGBTQ+ community.

    Key Takeaways

    • Clear branding improves engagement: A distinct identity helps users understand and trust an organization.
    • Accessibility is essential: Designing for inclusivity ensures equitable digital experiences.
    • User feedback drives success: Iterative testing refines usability and content clarity.

    Key Decisions mapped to screens

    More Projects

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    A case study redesigning website for PRIDEnet - the volunteer and community engagement sector of the PRIDE study.

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    THE GOAL

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    TEAM

    Project Manager , Developers (15) Scrum Master, Business Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Tech and Analytic Solution (DTAS) Team,
    Global Intelligence Team(GCI)

    TAKEAWAYS

    Let’s talk

    Design & Business.

    Create impact.