1. The Problem
The business problem involved the need for a modern and user-friendly website for the Edenvale Glen Townhomes community. The existing online presence was outdated and did not effectively communicate the community’s features or facilitate resident engagement.
2. The Users
The primary users included current and prospective residents of the Edenvale Glen Townhomes, property management staff, and stakeholders involved in community activities. Additionally, potential buyers or renters seeking information about the townhomes were key users.
3. Discovery
I learned about the problem through discussions with the property management team and feedback from residents regarding their challenges in accessing community information online. Their insights highlighted the need for a more effective digital solution to enhance communication and engagement.
4. Constraints
Key constraints included a limited budget for the project and the necessity to align with the specific needs and preferences of the community. Additionally, there was a need to ensure that the website was visually appealing and easy to navigate for users of varying technical abilities.
5. Design Process
Solutions were explored through the development of initial mockups and wireframes that focused on user-centered design principles. I collaborated with the property management team to gather requirements and refine the design based on feedback.
6. Prototype
Ideas were validated through the creation of initial mockups, which were presented to the stakeholders for feedback. This iterative process allowed for adjustments and improvements before finalizing the design concept.
7. Outcome
The project resulted in a set of initial design mockups that effectively showcased the features and amenities of Edenvale Glen Townhomes. Although the project was ultimately handed over to GoGladly for implementation, the groundwork laid the foundation for a more engaging and user-friendly community website.
8. Lessons Learned
A key lesson learned was the importance of clearly communicating design ideas early in the process to ensure alignment with stakeholder expectations. Additionally, understanding the specific needs of the community was crucial for creating a design that resonated with users.
