ixCircle, the flagship platform developed by ixFintech Inc., serves as a dynamic nexus connecting investors with startups, fostering collaboration, and catalyzing development opportunities. To ensure continued user satisfaction and engagement, it's imperative to refine and elevate the platform's User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design. With the conclusion of the outsourcing design team's contract, a strategic opportunity arises to enhance the ixCircle platform's design, aligning it with evolving user needs and organizational objectives. This project aims to build upon the existing design foundation, addressing deficiencies, and implementing enhancements that resonate with the company's vision and exceed user expectations.
The existing ixCircle platform faces user dissatisfaction with its original UI design and interactions, compounded by the absence of retained design guidelines and elements from the previous development team. Additionally, the founder's aspiration to introduce new website pages is hindered by the lack of a structured design framework. The challenge at hand is to bridge this gap by deciphering the programming and design system from the website and reconstructing missing documents to facilitate the creation of new pages that seamlessly align with the platform's programming system and original visual design.
To overcome the challenges posed by the lack of retained design guidelines and the need to add new website pages, a strategic solution is proposed:
In my role, I transformed the company's copywriter content into engaging web pages, ensuring readability and accessibility. I analyzed the messaging, structured the information hierarchy, and crafted compelling narratives. Additionally, I translated the content into traditional and simplified Chinese to reach a broader audience. Through these efforts, I enhanced the platform's appeal and inclusivity across diverse backgrounds and cultures.
.png)
After receiving the copywriter's documents, my first step was to analyze the existing hierarchy of web pages within the original system. Using this information, I developed a UI flow diagram to visualize the navigation structure, aiming to streamline and enhance efficiency. I shared this diagram with the founder and engineer to communicate my proposed changes and receive feedback and confirmation.
Additionally, it enabled me to adhere to the established design system while suggesting professional and user-friendly modifications based on my previous experiences.
Overall, this process of reviewing the existing structure, creating a UI flow diagram, and collaborating with stakeholders laid the foundation for the extended visual and interface design. It ensured that subsequent design decisions were not only informed by user experience principles but also aligned with the project's goals and objectives.
Following the confirmation of wireframe functionality, I proceeded to deliver the first version of mockups, meticulously adhering to pixel-perfect details and the original color scheme as per design rules.
Collaborating with the team, we refined wireframes based on the UI flow and feedback from stakeholders, prioritizing clarity and accessibility in our designs.
Navigating Design Between Cultures
A significant challenge arose when addressing cultural differences in design preferences. While purple symbolizes royalty and nobility in many Asian cultures, it was used as a primary colour in the original design. However, feedback from an American consultant highlighted that purple carries sexual innuendo and connotations in Western cultures, diverging from the business's core concept.
In response, my task was to modify the original color system to accommodate cultural sensitivities, emphasizing the importance of thorough confirmation and research. This adjustment impacted the project's timeline and potential costs, underscoring the need for cultural awareness and adaptability in design endeavours.
Enhancing Content Engagement: I transformed dry content into visually engaging high-fidelity mockups, incorporating vibrant design elements while aligning with company goals and user demands.
Implementing responsive web design for laptops, tablets, and mobile devices, I engaged in thorough communication with both my employer and the copywriter to ascertain the real demands and company goals for these web pages. By understanding the specific requirements and objectives, I tailored the responsive design approach to ensure optimal user experience across different screen sizes, ultimately aligning the design with the company's vision and objectives.
After finalizing project details, I proactively created a comprehensive style guide to prevent future designers from encountering similar challenges. This guide documented key design elements, color schemes, typography choices, and other visual components, ensuring consistency and coherence throughout the product's design. By providing clear guidelines and standards, I facilitated smooth collaboration among team members and contributed to the project's long-term success.
In addition to our online services, we organized physical activities to foster relationships. I created a campaign page detailing the tour's specifics and a pop-up page to encourage user enrollment. Additionally, I designed various-sized banners with captivating visuals and clear Call-To-Actions (CTA) to promote the campaign effectively.
Mastering the art of adaptability and fluidity in project approaches, I honed my ability to navigate diverse challenges and requirements seamlessly. This skill enabled me to thrive in dynamic project environments and deliver exceptional results.
Successfully executing the entire visual system and design across multiple tasks and assignments, I demonstrated proficiency in maintaining consistency and coherence. By effectively controlling the design system, I ensured uniformity across various formats and media, including digital and printed design.
Beyond UI/UX design, this project served as a platform for expanding my skill set and expertise. Managing a complex structure encompassing motion design, marketing design, and printed design, I broadened my capabilities and applied them effectively in the commercial sector.
Leveraging my newfound expertise, I seamlessly integrated digital and print design elements to deliver comprehensive solutions that catered to diverse needs and preferences. This integration not only enhanced the project's outcomes but also reinforced my versatility as a designer.
Throughout the project, I successfully advocated for the value of usability testing to the founder, ultimately persuading her to adopt the idea. While the decision was made not to iterate the product or introduce testing at the project's conclusion, this experience served as a valuable learning opportunity.
Now equipped with more experience and confidence, I am better prepared to advocate for human-centered design principles in future projects. Armed with the knowledge of how usability testing can enhance product success and user satisfaction, I am committed to advocating for its inclusion in the design process.
Moving forward, I am determined to leverage my expertise to persuade future clients or employers to prioritize human-centered design procedures. By championing user-oriented approaches, I aspire to contribute to the creation of more positive and impactful products that truly resonate with users' needs and preferences.
%402x.svg){kind=icon}