Streamlining outreach and maintaining integrity
Syngap1 Foundation
Role
Web Design, Web Management
Timeline
6 months (Ongoing)
Skills
Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, UX Research
Some Background
The Syngap1 Foundation, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to raising awareness for children affected by Syngap1. Through their ongoing efforts, they have generated sufficient funds to support research and provide grants, aiding researchers in finding solutions for families in need.
The Problem
The current state of the website presents challenges in user-friendliness, with specific areas requiring attention in design, information architecture, and overall site organization to enhance the user experience.
Understanding the User
The Concerned Parent
Background: This user is a parent or guardian of a child recently diagnosed with SYNGAP1. They might have limited prior knowledge about this genetic condition and are seeking reliable information, support, and resources to better understand how to care for their child.
Needs:
Access to easy-to-understand information about SYNGAP1, including symptoms, treatments, and prognosis.
Information on support groups or networks of other families affected by SYNGAP1.
Resources on therapies, educational strategies, and healthcare tips.
Behavior:
Likely to spend time on informational pages, stories from other families, and resource sections.
May download guides or watch informational videos.
Interested in signing up for newsletters or joining support groups.
The Researcher or Clinician
Background: This user is a professional involved in research or clinical care for conditions like SYNGAP1. They seek detailed, scientific information on the latest research, clinical trials, and treatment methodologies.
Needs:
Access to the latest research findings, publications, and data on SYNGAP1.
Information on upcoming conferences, workshops, or webinars.
Opportunities for collaboration or funding for SYNGAP1 research.
Behavior:
Likely to visit sections of the website dedicated to research, publications, and professional events.
May sign up for professional updates or specialized information sharing.
Interested in opportunities for networking with other professionals in the field.
User Flow
The current website brims with valuable information and updates from the foundation, yet it lacks the necessary organization to facilitate easy navigation and accessibility for users. By meticulously examining the website's content through the lens of a new user—anticipating the needs of essential visitors such as parents and researchers—I have developed a system designed to enhance navigation efficiency and overall usability.
UI Design
A dropdown menu has been incorporated into the navigation bar to organize the pages more efficiently.
Additional stock images were introduced to diversify the visual layout and break up the text-heavy sections.
I integrated a live feed of the latest news and updates directly onto the homepage, providing visitors with quick access to the most recent information they seek.
This strategic placement ensures their visibility and emphasizes the organization's commitment to its mission.
Homepage
The navigation bar was enhanced and streamlined, with the brand's signature colors implemented extensively across the website. By employing strategic typography and a clear visual hierarchy, the presentation of information was optimized to engage users more effectively.
The ‘meet our partners’ page, initially tucked away within another section, has been revamped. Logos of partners have been prominently featured, and the scroll bar has been made interactive, adding dynamic motion to the page.
The footer has undergone a reorganization, now prominently featuring official non-profit organization guarantee badges.
SYNGAP1 logo/picture/likeness used in this portfolio is the property SYNGAP1 Foundation. It is used here solely for illustrative purposes and to showcase my past work. I do not claim any ownership or association with SYNGAP1 Foundation.
To see the finished product head to https://www.syngap1foundation.org
The foundation crafted a compelling video presentation blending scientific explanations of SYNGAP1 with poignant anecdotes shared by affected families, offering a comprehensive understanding of the condition.
I implemented an FAQ-style format, utilizing accordion functionality to efficiently address common inquiries. This not only conserves space but also enhances user engagement through interactive navigation.
About: What is SYNGAP1?
Recognizing the importance of informing potential donors, I focused on refining the "What is SYNGAP1?" page to ensure clarity and hierarchy within the content.
I incorporated a rendered image of the SYNGAP1 protein to enhance the scientific aspect of the website. This visual representation aids in illustrating the complexities of the condition and provides visitors with a clearer understanding of the research being undertaken.
Citing sources is essential for maintaining transparency and credibility.