Black Tie Dinner

From Interviews to a Redesign Blueprint

UX Strategy
Heuristic Evaluation
Non-Profit

Overview

Led the foundational research strategy for a $1M+ non-profit. Diagnosed critical friction points and delivered the strategic blueprint that guided a total website overhaul to align brand perception with organizational values.

Problem Statement

The existing website suffered from critical usability friction and projected an "exclusive" image that contradicted the organization’s inclusive mission, alienating volunteers and beneficiaries.

Users & Audience

Board Members, Prospective Volunteers, Beneficiaries (non-profits applying for aid), and Donors.

Role & Scope

Lead UXR Consultant
10 months, Jan 2024 – Oct 2024

Methods & Tools

Stakeholder Interviews
Competitive Analysis
Heuristic Evaluation
Journey Mapping
Information Architecture

Constraints

100% volunteer-run organization with limited development resources and a strict annual gala timeline.
Methodology Deep Dive Coming Soon!

Outcomes

Delivered the strategic blueprint that defined the site's new structure. Key research recommendations, including the "Board Application" portal, were implemented, directly resolving volunteer friction and bridging the mission gap.

This project reinforced the importance of aligning digital strategy with organizational culture. I learned that successful UXR requires managing stakeholder expectations as much as data. Future steps included a roadmap for a dedicated "History" archive.

Next Steps

  • Execute the planned organizational history archive roadmap.
  • Test the new site structure with core users.

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