A Website Design for the Décor and Event Decoration Services
Project Overview
“AnnaVittaCreations“ is a small business that specializes in custom paper flowers and event decoration. A website will help users to order paper flowers, rent event decorations, learn information about design ideas, and watch tutorials about making paper flowers and event decorations.
1. The Design Process
1. Research
1.1. Observation
During the business research were examined 3 similar websites that provide paper flowers, event decorations, other hand-made products, and services: Ann Neville Design (https://annneville.design/), Paper Rose Co. (https://www.paperose.co/), New York Paper Flowers (https://www.nypaperflowers.com/shop). I reviewed pros and cons of these web sites. The scope of the research included:
What makes these websites great?
How did they meet the goals of users?
How would I make these websites better?
1.2 Perception
I conducted user interviews with five people to understand better they approach shopping online for event decorations and décor. The goal was to research their behaviors, needs, and current frustrations. We can provide the main points based on the interview result. I used FigJam to deliver these main points.
2. Define
2.1 Better Understand Users
After compiling the research and focusing on user`s behaviors, needs and challenges we can create a user persona. I used Adobe XD for creating a user persona diagram.
2.2. User Flow
We can create a user flow diagram for better understanding the user`s starting point and the tasks the user goes through to achieve their goal. This approach will help us to figure out the user`s thought process, while using the website. Therefore, we could create a better design for a user. For creating a user diagram, I used draw.io application.
3. Design
3.1 Ideating and Prototyping
Based on the information and user understanding we have so far, we can create wireframes or schematic representation of the website that will help us to think and plan its structure. I prefer to use Figma or Adobe XD for wireframes. However, for this project I decided to start with the oldest technique of creating wireframes using pencil and paper. I think a hand sketch is very effective in creating a wireframe because it gives more freedom for creativity and provides less limitations.
Based on paper wireframes, I created Low fidelity digital wireframes, using Adobe XD. With low-fidelity wireframes we can focus on design and flow rather than details. I made minor changes in digital wireframes in comparison to paper wireframes. No need to be afraid to make changes in wireframes and mockups. It is better to correct flaws and make corrections during the design process. It will take more costs and resources to fix these flaws after the project design is final and published.
4. Validation
I created a high-fidelity mockup with my low-fidelity mockups. Also, I created a high-fidelity prototype and tested this prototype with 5 participants. The main goals were to evaluate if users could:
Understand information on the website
Find information quickly
Finish their goal quickly
Easily navigate through the website
All participants stated that the design of the website provides easy navigation and an opportunity to find information quickly. They all were able to finish their goal quickly and find the necessary information. Three of the participants stated that the sorting categories were very helpful for direction to the desired section of the site.
It should be noted that the transferring of information between Figma and Adobe XD did not cause any challenges.
Conclusion
AnnaVittaCreations website was a project that I chose as a learning. This project gave me the opportunity to understand the design process and its importance better. I used my personal business experience as a case study, which made this project more special. Also, I practiced my skills with different applications and transferred information between them: Figma, Adobe XD, FigJam, draw.io.