User Experience & Web Designer - Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies
I undertook this project in my capacity as a Digital Media Specialist for the South Island Prosperity Partnership and not as an independent contractor.
Skill Summary
Video Production, Graphic Design, Website Design, User Interface Design, User Experience Design, Interaction Design, Information Architecture.
Project Description
The Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies is an ocean related science and technology start up with a mission to “Drive inclusive prosperity in British Columbia’s sustainable blue economy through entrepreneurship, innovation and expansive partnerships.”
During my tenure at the South Island Prosperity Partnership, I had the opportunity to oversee the entire process of developing four web projects: COAST, MicroStart BC, Rising Economy Week, and The Indigenous Prosperity Centre. This encompassed managing all aspects of graphic design and user experience interaction. Starting with creative sprints, I facilitated the creation of low-fidelity hand-drawn wireframes. Subsequently, I transitioned to digital high-fidelity prototyping using Adobe XD. Finally, I conducted post-launch stress tests and incorporated quality feedback from users to further refine the projects.
The Technical Stuff!
Given the tight project timeline of just three weeks, we had to quickly immerse ourselves in the creative process. The Director of Communications and I held initial meetings to establish the overall content and primary user journey. I then proceeded to draft plans for the website's information architecture and layout. Considering the nature of this project, prioritizing the user journey was of utmost importance. Although time constraints limited our ability to create detailed user personas, we engaged in multiple discussions to identify the primary audience and anticipate their interaction with the final product. This understanding allowed us to develop an information hierarchy, ensuring that the content was organized and presented in a deliberate and structured manner.
To assist with the creation of complex custom graphics and CSS implementation we secured the services of a professional graphic designer who specialised in WordPress coding. I held regular meetings with the contractor to answer any content-specific questions and provide feedback on design mockups.
Video Production
A notable feature of this project was the inclusion of a video on the landing page. In order to create a dynamic and engaging website, I utilized Adobe Premiere Pro to compile ocean-related footage for use as a dynamic background. The chosen video significantly enhances the overall effect of the website, giving it an innovative and dynamic feel. It adds a sense of life and vitality, making the website feel like a living and breathing entity.