I connected with a start-up business with the goal to revamp their branding and reimagine their current website. As my first real client-based project, I was excited to create something that not only would get the job done, but help them stand out as a company.
7Grid is a small digital agency made up of young professionals helping local businesses get a foothold in the digital world. Their services include website design, maintenance, and consultation. Approximately two years ago, they built their first fully functional 7Grid website to centralize company and service information. However, as the web design industry is constantly evolving, they are looking for an updated look and feel to their site to keep up with competitors and increase exposure.
Research and redesign 7Grid’s current website, including the home, about and services pages, with an emphasis on responsive web design, branding, customer journey mapping, and strategic thinking.
Stakeholder Interviews
Market Research
Competitive Analysis
Feature Roadmap
Site Map
Task & User Flows
Moodboard
Logo & Style
Wireframes
High Fidelity Prototype
Usability Testing
Client Handoff
Because 7Grid is a primarily local business, I first reviewed digital agencies that cater to the Seattle area. I then looked into top global agencies to discover more inspiration and design patterns for their business type.
Because 7Grid is a primarily local business, I first reviewed digital agencies that cater to the Seattle area. I then looked into top global agencies to discover more inspiration and design patterns for their business type.
After confirming features with the client, I began developing the site map! I wanted it to be as straightforward as possible, while meeting all user & stakeholder needs.
After confirming features with the client, I began developing the site map! I wanted it to be as straightforward as possible, while meeting all user & stakeholder needs.
I presented the client with a dark scheme and a light scheme to select from. They both represented the provided keywords of High-Tech, Futuristic, and Light Speed, but the dark scheme leaned more towards retro futurism, while the light scheme was very clean and minimal.
They selected the dark scheme, which we felt best represented their name, 7Grid, and believed it would help them stand out from the competition.
I began by sketching my ideas on paper, making sure to include everything from the site map. This first step gave me a starting point for the digital wireframes. Upon completing the Mid-Fidelity wireframes, I presented the layouts to the client to ensure the information was correct and their needs were met. I could then move forward in designing all the details for a High-Fidelity prototype.
I presented the client with a dark scheme and a light scheme to select from. They both represented the provided keywords of High-Tech, Futuristic, and Light Speed, but the dark scheme leaned more towards retro futurism, while the light scheme was very clean and minimal.
They selected the dark scheme, which we felt best represented their name, 7Grid, and believed it would help them stand out from the competition.
I began by sketching my ideas on paper, making sure to include everything from the site map. This first step gave me a starting point for the digital wireframes. Upon completing the Mid-Fidelity wireframes, I presented the layouts to the client to ensure the information was correct and their needs were met. I could then move forward in designing all the details for a High-Fidelity prototype.
I was inspired by pixels from retro video games and created an abstract 7 & G for the logomark. At the same time, I was looking for fonts to add to my style tile and came across Proxima Nova for the body text. I really liked the round, sans-serif style and ended up using the bolded version for the logotype as well.
I was inspired by pixels from retro video games and created an abstract 7 & G for the logomark. At the same time, I was looking for fonts to add to my style tile and came across Proxima Nova for the body text. I really liked the round, sans-serif style and ended up using the bolded version for the logotype as well.
There were five participants total. Two were in person and three were remote over zoom. All the users talked me through their thoughts, feelings and processes as they navigated the site. Their task was to determine whether 7Grid seems like a respectable company and then move forward in hiring them as their digital agency.
There were five participants total. Two were in person and three were remote over zoom. All the users talked me through their thoughts, feelings and processes as they navigated the site. Their task was to determine whether 7Grid seems like a respectable company and then move forward in hiring them as their digital agency.
After user testing, I created an affinity map to help me sort, prioritize and rank the feedback. From there I developed the design into what it is today!
After user testing, I created an affinity map to help me sort, prioritize and rank the feedback. From there I developed the design into what it is today!
