The Storyworks Final Project Report for the Hellenic Canadian Academic Association of Ontario (HCAAO) presents a strategic plan to elevate the organization’s digital presence. Our final report identifies key areas for improvement, including website redevelopment, enhancing user experience during registration, streamlining key web pages, and boosting overall user engagement.
Problem
The Hellenic Canadian Academic Association of Ontario (HCAAO) faces challenges with its online presence, including a poorly navigable website that hinders media engagement and first-time users. The current website lacks functionality, consistency in content, and design, which negatively affects transparency and stakeholder engagement.
How might we enhance the effectiveness of HCAAO’s online presence across their website and social media platforms to improve user experience, drive traffic, and portray a consistent image?
Project Goals
Enhance the user experience on the website by improving navigation and streamlining registration and event information.
Ensure consistent content and design across all digital platforms to foster a professional and unified brand presence.
Increase website traffic, user engagement, and membership registrations through an improved online platform.
Develop dedicated web pages for graduate students, media contacts, and event highlights, along with an archive for official documents and board member information.
Role
UX Designer
Content Strategist
UI Strategy
Timeline
14 Weeks
Tools
Figma
Adobe Photoshop
Canva
The Solution
The solution involves the development of a dynamic, user-friendly website that integrates seamlessly with HCAAO’s social media platforms. This website will feature real-time updates, an online registration portal, and dedicated sections for key audiences (e.g., graduate students, media). It will also include event highlights and an archive for transparency. By modernizing the digital presence and creating a cohesive, professional image, the solution aims to improve user interaction, increase traffic, and boost membership applications.
Results
User testing highlighted a positive reception, with 85% of participants noting the intuitive and visually engaging interface. Some users expressed a desire for more detailed filtering options, which will be considered in future updates.
Conclusion
Unplated effectively addresses the growing need for personalized, aesthetically driven restaurant discovery. By leveraging user preferences and providing a visual-first experience, the app stands out in a crowded market.
The Core Features
Platform Migration or Upgrade: A shift from the current free WordPress platform to a paid plan or alternative CMS that allows for greater design flexibility, better functionality, and an ad-free user experience.
Integrated Registration Form: A streamlined and engaging registration form that simplifies the membership process and enhances user experience.
Accessibility Compliance: Ensuring the website meets WCAG standards for accessibility, including features like alternative text, color contrast, and keyboard navigation.
Content Strategy: Regular updates to the website with fresh content such as blog posts, event announcements, and newsletters to improve engagement and search engine rankings.
Interactive Elements: Integration of interactive features such as event pages, polls, quizzes, and interactive forms to boost engagement.
Social Proof: Incorporation of testimonials, case studies, and client logos to build trust and credibility with potential new members and users.
Results
The implementation of these recommendations is expected to enhance the functionality and engagement of the HCAAO website, leading to:
Increased website traffic and user engagement.
Improved user experience through streamlined registration and interactive elements.
Enhanced accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities.
A more professional and cohesive digital presence, fostering trust and credibility.
Conclusion
The recommendations provided address the critical challenges facing HCAAO’s digital presence. Through platform migration, accessibility enhancements, engaging content, and the use of interactive and social proof elements, HCAAO will see improved user interaction and greater alignment with their organizational goals. These strategic improvements will lead to better community engagement, increased membership, and a stronger online identity for the organization.
