In one of the most fast-paced cities, where we’re bombarded by commercialism and corporatism, we can easily overlook the little man. In rough times when budgets are low yet the desire to make the world a better place is higher than ever, I’m assigning you to redesign for change.
New York has this HUGE nonprofit sector unmatched by any other in the country. As small as most are, nonprofits play a key role in the life of our great city. They provide services, vital information, education, and sometimes protection. In many ways, this sector supports the political, intellectual, and cultural vibrancy that makes NYC so wonderful for life, work, and play.
In class, we numbered you off into six core groups. Each group has been assigned to a local non-profit for whom you must redesign their online presence. For the next few weeks, you will be trotting along the creative design process in order to realize ideas into forms. However, don’t assume it will be easy. There are a number of holes you’ll find along the way. Here’s an overview of the typical web design process:
- Discovery – Identify the Problem or Need
- Research and Investigation – Understand the market, audiences, and areas of interest
- Hypothesis / Solution Pitch – Formulate the concept to resolves core problems
- Prototype, Prototype, Prototype – Design mocksups to visualize concept
- Implementation – Build and Code (Where LAB is most key)
- Testing – Examine your product as a standalone item with users.
- Evaluation – Review usability tests – find issues left unresolved
- Reflection – Sit back, relax, and rethink. Is there another discovery to be had?
Due next Monday: Each group must perform critical design analysis and market research of their assigned organization. Please compile a .pdf that walks through the profile of your organization as well as a review of their current online presence. Never assume that your instructor, boss, or peers know about your organization already. Remember, I stated on the first day of class, “You have to think as if your clients or audience are the dumbest people in the world. Have low expectations.” Key questions that your research should respond to:
- Who is my organization?
- What are their main objectives and goals?
- Who are my targeted audiences?
- What are my core messages?
- Do my core messages come through my website?
- Is information easily and conveniently accessible on my website?
- Is content “digestable”?
- Does my site feel modern or match overall brand of organization?
- Etc.
Nominate one user from each group to send me one (1) copy of their .pdf. However, each member should have it easily accessible on their own blog as well as a detailed post documenting their discovery over the weekend. This is to benefit yourself when we enter the Reflection phase. But c’mon, it’s also just good practice.
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