REFLECTION
TASK
My task was to enhance the digital presence/ design of "South West Landlords." A website for a Landlords Association which provides training and resources to landlord in the South West. The primary objective was to create a sophisticated and user-friendly website, optimised for efficient navigation. The website needed a complete overhaul to improve the look and feel to make it feel more modern. As part of this project, I also needed to developed a dropdown mega menu feature to elevate the user experience.
METHODOLOGY
I started with thorough research and gained insights into the user demographics of "South West Landlords" and analysed industry benchmarks. Armed with this knowledge, I took to Adobe XD to make a start on the creation of a streamlined and aesthetically pleasing homepage design that aligned seamlessly with their branding.
Through design and strategic user interface considerations, I sought to optimise user journeys and empower visitors to swiftly access desired information. This process included incorporating correct sections down through the homepage with call to action points with aim to improve user engagement. I then added a range of high quality imagery and vectors to improve the look of the sections and create a more exciting and modern style. An additional part of this process was to create a mega menu dropdown mockup. This mega menu serves as a sophisticated mechanism to facilitate navigation while maintaining a polished online presence. To help with the ethos of this menu I added imagery and buttons again to help with the user experience. This dynamic feature offers users a comprehensive menu structure presenting an array of relevant options within each category.
SKILLS LEARNT/ USED
User Interface (UI) Design:
- Layout Design: Learning to arrange elements in a visually appealing and user-friendly way.
- Typography: Understanding how to choose and use fonts effectively for readability and aesthetics.
- Colour Theory: Learning about color combinations, contrasts, and creating a consistent color scheme.
- Iconography: Incorporating icons to enhance user understanding and navigation.
- Spacing and Alignment: Mastering proper spacing and alignment to maintain a cohesive design.
User Experience (UX) Design:
- User Flow: Designing the flow of how users will interact with the homepage to ensure a smooth and intuitive experience.
- User-Centered Design: Considering the needs and preferences of the target audience to create a design that resonates with them.
Adobe XD Proficiency:
- Workspace Familiarity: Learning the Adobe XD interface, tools, and panels to navigate and manipulate the design elements.
- Component and Symbol Usage: Creating reusable components and symbols for consistent design elements like headers, footers, buttons, etc.
Graphic Design Skills:
- Visual Hierarchy: Organising content to guide users' attention and prioritize important information.
- Background Design: Creating visually appealing backgrounds that complement the overall design.
Responsive Design:
- Adaptation: Designing the homepage to be responsive across different screen sizes, such as desktop, tablet, and mobile.
Communication Skills:
- Client Collaboration: If the design is for a client or team project, effectively communicating design decisions and incorporating feedback.
Aesthetics and Creativity:
- Visual Creativity: Applying creative flair to make the homepage visually appealing, engaging, and aligned with the brand's identity.
- Pixel-Perfect Design: Paying attention to small details, alignment, and precision to ensure a polished final product.
REFLECTION
I am pleased with the outcome of the homepage design and dropdown menu. The results reflect a refreshing, modern aesthetic that resonates well with my vision. The attention given to the seamless user interface will hopefully help user experience. The integration of colors from the existing brand palette adds a cohesive touch.
Reflecting on the entire project, I have used a diverse array of skills, significantly enhancing my proficiency in website design. Moving forward, I recognise the potential for elevating this project even further. One avenue I'd explore is enhancing the prototypes within Adobe XD, offering clients an interactive preview of the website's functionality before its actual implementation.
Furthermore, I would like to enhance the client's logo and expanding their branding assets. This expansion could potentially open up avenues for me to delve into redesigning their resources and educational materials intended for clients. This broader scope of work not only presents exciting creative opportunities but also allows me to contribute to their brand's consistency and recognition.
In conclusion, this project has been a rewarding journey of growth and creativity. It has been particularly helpful in helping me to refine my skills, collaborate more effectively with clients, and continue to innovate within the realm of design.
