blueprint nc
ux/ui + branding
2 weeks
non profit
studio project
How can we build an inclusive space for communities to learn and explore more?
intro
A Unified Effort
Blueprint NC is an ecosystem of what they frame theirselves as over 85 anti-racist organizations. Although this is how they categorize themselves, these organizations have a much deeper commitment to various social issues such as environmentalism, economic inequalities, LGBTQ+ rights, and so on.
Through background research and user interviews, Blueprint NC’s inability to provide a space to learn more about the organizations it presides over became super apparent.
the BRIEF
Refresh the brand experience of Blueprint NC.
CONSTRAINTS
Acknowledge each organization's own voice and sovereignty.
Increase discoverability and navigation.
the PROBLEM
As it is now, Blueprint’s footprint appears rather non-existent. A big issue users have is not being able to find anything that tells them where Blueprint lives.
DESIGN INTENT
Create a visual system that enables and guides users through Blueprint NC's vast network of social justice.
my role
This was a solo studio project, I was the sole designer.
THE SOLUTION
A Vibrant and Exploratory Library
sorting organizations by relevant topics of interest.
users can read articles from orgs and stay in the loop.
visual wayfinding based off blueprint nc's core values.
enhanced social presence.
objectives
A Clearer Path Toward Unification
Build a space for those interested to learn and explore more
Revamp Blueprint NC’s digital brand outreach
Align Blueprint NC’s values with the communities they interact with
Create a visual identity that is flexible enough to reach all 80+ organizations
visual ideation
How Might We Guide the User to "The Blueprint"?
I then moved onto creating some concepts for the visual side of things. Keeping all of my previous research and knowledge in mind, I wanted the visuals to be an aid for someone wanting to learn about the various organizations within Blueprint NC.
THE VISUAL BUILDING BLOCKS
A Visual Compass for Users: Flowers
My most important finding throughout this ideative process were the three flowers that I chose to represent Blueprint NC from then on.
LOW FIDELITY WIREFRAMES
Providing Users a Space for Discovery and Community
FEEDBACK
Aligning Core Objectives to the Visual Identity
Throughout the iterative process, I received a lot of helpful feedback on my work. Here’s some of it:
Don’t look past how things such as acronym usage can help/harm brand
Using images of people can be helpful in providing a more approachable feel
Work on a good balance between abstract and obvious
Is that Nevada?
Incorporate key values into the context
Looking deeper into the flowers concept could yield interesting results
USABILITY TESTING AND IMPROVEMENTS
Three Major Improvements
Refreshed Visual Components to Reflect Blueprint NC
Feedback from peers left the impression that the look and feel of the first iteration of the new website didn't feel like the concept was flushed out enough.
Added Opportunities for Users to Engage with the Community
"Comments" were added to the website to bring a sense of community and to give everyone a voice.
Allow Users to Filter by Subsection
Blueprint NC's revamp would categorize participating organizations into three subparts, reducing cognitive overload and helping guide those interested.
FINAL TOUCHES
blueprint nc: A Vibrant and Exploratory Library
visual identity
Strengthening Blueprint NC's Outreach
future opportunities
What I Would Do Differently
As this project comes to a close, I took a few days to gather my thoughts and think about how I would've tackled this problem in a different way. Here are a few:
Focus on creating a more inclusive and accessible digital experience
Creating filters that provide options to tone down the playfulness of the website for those with cognitive and visual impairments.
Ensuring that color choice is WCAG compliant.
Spend more time interviewing users and activists
Create an interview guide, instead of a more structured interview process.
Place more importance on finding target users instead of those immediately available.
REFLECTIONS
strength in numbers
Although this project was very short, the process of understanding what makes a coalition so powerful proved to be intriguing and guided the design process. Current user painpoints proved that Blueprint NC's footprint just isn't prevalent enough to reflect a coalition that unites and strives for a better future, a blueprint if you will. My case study improves navigability and allows users to dive deep into the topics they want to explore.
Although this project was very short, the process of understanding what makes a coalition so powerful proved to be intriguing and guided the design process. Current user painpoints proved that Blueprint NC's footprint just isn't prevalent enough to reflect a coalition that unites and strives for a better future, a blueprint if you will. My case study improves navigability and allows users to dive deep into the topics they want to explore.
How can we build an inclusive space for communities to learn and explore more?
blueprint nc
ux/ui + branding
2 weeks
non profit
studio project
THE SOLUTION
A Vibrant and Exploratory Library
Sorting organizations by relevant topics of interest.
Users can read articles from orgs and stay in the loop.
Visual wayfinding based off blueprint nc's core values.
Enhanced social presence.
objectives
A Clearer Path Toward Unification
Build a space for those interested to learn and explore more
Revamp Blueprint NC’s digital brand outreach
Align Blueprint NC’s values with the communities they interact with
Create a visual identity that is flexible enough to reach all 80+ organizations
DIGGING DEEPER
What is a Coalition, Anyway?
After creating a list of objectives, I wanted to explore what exactly a coalition is, or rather, why they’re important. Here are some notes from the video Why Coalition Building is Necessary
Coalition building can give strength to numbers
Life isn’t a competition
Community means much more than just the workplace
Coalitions enables organizations to keep a sense of identity while contributing to the overall goal
visual ideation
How Might We Guide the User to "The Blueprint"?
I then moved onto creating some concepts for the visual side of things. Keeping all of my previous research and knowledge in mind, I wanted the visuals to be an aid for someone wanting to learn about the various organizations within Blueprint NC.
THE VISUAL BUILDING BLOCKS
A Visual Compass for Users: Flowers
My most important finding throughout this ideative process were the three flowers that I chose to represent Blueprint NC from then on.
LOW FIDELITY WIREFRAMES
Providing Users a Space for Discovery and Community
FEEDBACK
Aligning Core Objectives to the Visual Identity
Throughout the iterative process, I received a lot of helpful feedback on my work. Here’s some of it:
Don’t look past how things such as acronym usage can help/harm brand
Using images of people can be helpful in providing a more approachable feel
Work on a good balance between abstract and obvious
Is that Nevada?
Incorporate key values into the context
Looking deeper into the flowers concept could yield interesting results
USABILITY TESTING AND IMPROVEMENTS
Three Major Improvements
Refreshed Visual Components to Reflect Blueprint NC
Feedback from peers left the impression that the look and feel of the first iteration of the new website didn't feel like the concept was flushed out enough.
Added Opportunities for Users to Engage with the Community
"Comments" were added to the website to bring a sense of community and to give everyone a voice.
Allow Users to Filter by Subsection
Blueprint NC's revamp would categorize participating organizations into three subparts, reducing cognitive overload and helping guide those interested.
FINAL TOUCHES
blueprint nc: A Vibrant and Exploratory Library
REFLECTIONS
strength in numbers
Although this project was very short, the process of understanding what makes a coalition so powerful proved to be intriguing and guided the design process. Current user painpoints proved that Blueprint NC's footprint just isn't prevalent enough to reflect a coalition that unites and strives for a better future, a blueprint if you will. My case study improves navigability and allows users to dive deep into the topics they want to explore.
future opportunities
What I Would Do Differently
As this project comes to a close, I took a few days to gather my thoughts and think about how I would've tackled this problem in a different way. Here are a few:
Focus on creating a more inclusive and accessible digital experience
Creating filters that provide options to tone down the playfulness of the website for those with cognitive and visual impairments.
Ensuring that color choice is WCAG compliant.
Spend more time interviewing users and activists
Create an interview guide, instead of a more structured interview process.
Place more importance on finding target users instead of those immediately available.
visual identity
Strengthening Blueprint NC's Outreach
intro
A Unified Effort
Blueprint NC is an ecosystem of what they frame theirselves as over 85 anti-racist organizations. Although this is how they categorize themselves, these organizations have a much deeper commitment to various social issues such as environmentalism, economic inequalities, LGBTQ+ rights, and so on.
Through background research and user interviews, Blueprint NC’s inability to provide a space to learn more about the organizations it presides over became super apparent.
the BRIEF
Refresh the brand experience of Blueprint NC.
the PROBLEM
As it is now, Blueprint’s footprint appears rather non-existent. A big issue users have is not being able to find anything that tells them where Blueprint lives.
my role
This was a solo studio project, I was the sole designer.
CONSTRAINTS
Acknowledge each organization's own voice and sovereignty.
Increase discoverability and navigation.
DESIGN INTENT
Create a visual system that enables and guides users through Blueprint NC's vast network of social justice.