Quality Chain Corporation
Website Refresh & Optimization
Quality Chain Corp. is a popular nation-wide manufacturer of tire chains. They are primarily B2B but offer direct-to-consumers as well. In 2021, we were approached by QCC to give their website a more contemporary makeover. As the lead designer, I oversaw the process from the initial scope of work, to estimation, to design, and to delivery.
For this project, we used the double diamond approach with an aim to identify the goals of the brand and pain points for users.
Quality Chain Corporation
Website Refresh & Optimization
Quality Chain Corp. is a popular nation-wide manufacturer of tire chains. They are primarily B2B but offer direct-to-consumers as well. In 2021, we were approached by QCC to give their website a more contemporary makeover. As the lead designer, I oversaw the process from the initial scope of work, to estimation, to design, and to delivery.
For this project, we used the double diamond approach with an aim to identify the goals of the brand and pain points for users.
Quality Chain Corporation
Website Refresh & Optimization
Quality Chain Corp. is a popular nation-wide manufacturer of tire chains. They are primarily B2B but offer direct-to-consumers as well. In 2021, we were approached by QCC to give their website a more contemporary makeover. As the lead designer, I oversaw the process from the initial scope of work, to estimation, to design, and to delivery.
For this project, we used the double diamond approach with an aim to identify the goals of the brand and pain points for users.
Process Highlights
Role
UX/UI Designer
Timeline
6 weeks
Responsibilities
Workshop
Heuristic Evaluation
Cognitive Walkthrough
Site Map
Page Direction
Tools
Figma
Miro
Slack
Discovery & Definition
To get a better understanding and direction for the objectives we needed to deliver, I led the following:
· A collaborative workshop with the partner to determine their State of the Union, Brand Vision, perceived successes and failures, and understanding of target users
· Heuristic evaluation of their current website
· Cognitive walkthrough of their "Find Your Chain" tool
From these findings, the following objectives were defined:
· Provide a lean visual direction via a homepage design to be applied across subsequent pages
· Increase aesthetic quality of the UI, make site fluid and responsive, increase imagery flexibility
· Improve usability of navigation & search
· Optimize their catalog and chain finder tool
Once I had a good understanding of the focus and intentions of the partner, we started on the designs for the site.
Discovery & Definition
Process Highlights
To get a better understanding and direction for the objectives we needed to deliver, I led the following:
· A collaborative workshop with the partner to determine their State of the Union, Brand Vision, perceived successes and failures, and understanding of target users
· Heuristic evaluation of their current website
· Cognitive walkthrough of their "Find Your Chain" tool
From these findings, the following objectives were defined:
· Provide a lean visual direction via a homepage design to be applied across subsequent pages
· Increase aesthetic quality of the UI, make site fluid and responsive, increase imagery flexibility
· Improve usability of navigation & search
· Optimize their catalog and chain finder tool
Once I had a good understanding of the focus and intentions of the partner, we started on the designs for the site.
Role
UX/UI Designer
Timeline
6 weeks
Responsibilities
Workshop
Heuristic Evaluation
Cognitive Walkthrough
Site Map
Page Direction
Tools
Figma
Miro
Slack
Sitemap and Page Direction
Ultimately what I heard was that the partner wanted a modernized website that was cohesive and easy to navigate. First, I created a sitemap that would be most efficient for the user, while also touching on the goals of the brand.
Design Handoff
Once the designs were finalized, I initiated a design handoff where we provided all the design materials to the development team. This is about an hour long meeting where we go over all the material and answer any questions. Part of my role while the product was being built was to provide creative consultation and ensure that the finished product stays true to the design.
After the product has been built and delivered securely to the partner, we'll continue to monitor website performance, leaving the opportunity open for reiterations. Once a project is all done, we as a team will meet to reflect on the process and discuss what we could've done better in efforts to streamline efficiency.
Reflection
This project was an overall success. The designs had received a first-round approval (there was an allotted two rounds for this project) and the clients were really happy about the outcome.
What I learned:
· How to navigate swirl in partner conversations by providing adequate research and being confident in presenting findings
· Approaching "gap" issues in design to dev delivery by through thoughtful and collaborative conversations
Sitemap and Page Direction
Ultimately what I heard was that the partner wanted a modernized website that was cohesive and easy to navigate. First, I created a sitemap that would be most efficient for the user, while also touching on the goals of the brand.
Design Handoff
Once the designs were finalized, I initiated a design handoff where we provided all the design materials to the development team. This is about an hour long meeting where we go over all the material and answer any questions. Part of my role while the product was being built was to provide creative consultation and ensure that the finished product stays true to the design.
After the product has been built and delivered securely to the partner, we'll continue to monitor website performance, leaving the opportunity open for reiterations. Once a project is all done, we as a team will meet to reflect on the process and discuss what we could've done better in efforts to streamline efficiency.
Reflection
This project was an overall success. The designs had received a first-round approval (there was an allotted two rounds for this project) and the clients were really happy about the outcome.
What I learned:
· How to navigate swirl in partner conversations by providing adequate research and being confident in presenting findings
· Approaching "gap" issues in design to dev delivery by through thoughtful and collaborative conversations
Sitemap and Page Direction
Ultimately what I heard was that the partner wanted a modernized website that was cohesive and easy to navigate. First, I created a sitemap that would be most efficient for the user, while also touching on the goals of the brand.
Design Handoff
Once the designs were finalized, I initiated a design handoff where we provided all the design materials to the development team. This is about an hour long meeting where we go over all the material and answer any questions. Part of my role while the product was being built was to provide creative consultation and ensure that the finished product stays true to the design.
After the product has been built and delivered securely to the partner, we'll continue to monitor website performance, leaving the opportunity open for reiterations. Once a project is all done, we as a team will meet to reflect on the process and discuss what we could've done better in efforts to streamline efficiency.
Reflection
This project was an overall success. The designs had received a first-round approval (there was an allotted two rounds for this project) and the clients were really happy about the outcome.
What I learned:
· How to navigate swirl in partner conversations by providing adequate research and being confident in presenting findings
· Approaching "gap" issues in design to dev delivery by through thoughtful and collaborative conversations
About
I’m a UX/UI designer, visual communications specialist, experience strategist, and dog-loving extrovert based in Portland, OR.
About
I’m a UX/UI designer, visual communications specialist, experience strategist, and dog-loving extrovert based in Portland, OR.
About
I’m a UX/UI designer, visual communications specialist, experience strategist, and dog-loving extrovert based in Portland, OR.
Process Highlights
Role
UX/UI Designer
Timeline
6 weeks
Responsibilities
Workshop
Heuristic Evaluation
Cognitive Walkthrough
Site Map
Page Direction
Tools
Figma
Miro
Slack
Discovery & Definition
To get a better understanding and direction for the objectives we needed to deliver, I led the following:
· A collaborative workshop with the partner to determine their State of the Union, Brand Vision, perceived successes and failures, and understanding of target users
· Heuristic evaluation of their current website
· Cognitive walkthrough of their "Find Your Chain" tool
From these findings, the following objectives were defined:
· Provide a lean visual direction via a homepage design to be applied across subsequent pages
· Increase aesthetic quality of the UI, make site fluid and responsive, increase imagery flexibility
· Improve usability of navigation & search
· Optimize their catalog and chain finder tool
Once I had a good understanding of the focus and intentions of the partner, we started on the designs for the site.
Role
UX/UI Designer
Timeline
6 weeks
Responsibilities
Workshop
Heuristic Evaluation
Cognitive Walkthrough
Site Map
Page Direction
Tools
Figma
Miro
Slack