In 2017, Hogeschool Arnhem Nijmegen began developing a new website. The old website was severely outdated, not user-friendly and not optimized for mobile devices.
CHALLENGE
Starting from scratch
The old website consisted of a huge collection of more than 5,000 pages that urgently needed to be restructured. Moreover, it needed a new design, with Total Identity involved for the new branding. So the challenge was to apply the new branding while revamping the content of the website. In addition, we wanted to better serve the users with information and improve the user experience.
APPROACH
Intensive focus on content in extended wireframe phase
To meet this challenge, we conducted extensive research and testing. For a year, we worked on creating a clear and user-friendly design in the form of wireframes. In this process, the focus was on the content and not yet on the branding, which was only added later.
In various sessions with stakeholders, students, staff and other users, we tested the structure of the pages and content. We worked with copywriters to determine the right structure and convey the information optimally. Only later on, when the branding was delivered, did we translate the wireframes into visual design.
RESULTS
A bold and inspiring statement
The new branding was dynamic, challenging and bold. The use of strong contrasting colors and space for large images gave the website a visually dynamic look. During the design process, we adopted (in some cases) unconventional design solutions to better showcase the new branding.
An education template
HAN Design System
In addition to design, I also worked on setting up and managing the HAN Design System (Hands). This system consisted of a full design library in Sketch, managed through the version control tool Abstract. We also used a VuePress environment for the frontend, where all documentation and components could be found.
HAN International
In addition to my involvement with the han.nl website, I also translated it to the international website. I worked on adapting the content of the Dutch website to fit the information needs and cultural backgrounds of international students and partners.
Design Sprints
For certain projects within HAN, we have used Design Sprints to quickly explore specific issues and validate solutions. I actively participated in several Design Sprints, where we developed new functionalities for both the website and internal applications.
The homepage
LEARNINGS
Stakeholder management
During the project, I learned the importance of keeping stakeholders involved and open to their input. With a large website and various stakeholders, there were different needs and requirements. Finding a balance between all the needs and requirements was crucial to achieving a successful outcome. It was a game of give and take, involving everyone in the project. It was important to clearly communicate what choices were being made and substantiate them.
Project details
Client
Hogeschool Arnhem Nijmegen
Year
2017 — 2019
Collaboration
Eight
My role
UX Designer
Skills
UX Research
UX Design
Visual Design
Prototyping
Tooling
Sketch
Invision
Design System
