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HJ ARCH STUDIO
Tools
Figma
Team
Haley Meyer
UX / UI Designer
Duration
3 Weeks
Project Goal
The goal for the website redesign was for me to create an easily accessible format that would display the client's interior design and architecture background, while also conveying what the company represented in terms of style and branding to set them apart from similar companies in the Salt Lake City region. HJ hired me to convey this attention to detail, as she felt the website did not currently display the best that her firm could offer.
Research
When gathering research, I found that there was a pretty specific age range that is looking to build a new home. HJ Studio mainly works with consumers that have previously owned a home, but are not completely happy with it. They are at a stage of life that they want their dream home, and would like an expert to help them see that vision come to life.
It is important to note that depending on the consumer's background, it may not always be known if people have a design background or understand drawings on paper, so it is crucial that the design be shown to grab their attention.
Current Website
The current client website is based off of a stock template, and has not been optimized to fit with the vision and branding of the company. The client expressed that both architecture and interiors are equally important, and emphasized that they need to be featured on the landing page. The client described the current design as "harsh" with the font type, and would like a cleaner, timeless look with simple feminine colors, such as light blues and pinks.
Competitive Analysis
By completing a competitive analysis, I was able to see the common interactions with local architectural firms that provide multiple services. The key takeaway was that although there were multiple services performed, they were not competing on the landing page similar to the current layout, but shown in conjunction with one another. Since the services can be closely linked, it would make sense that these patterns are in a slideshow-like presentation that would allow consumers to potentially book out both services.
Site Map and User Flow
From my competitive analysis, I worked to bridge the two specialties, interiors and architecture, into one interaction. Since both architecture and interiors typically inform each other, I wanted to show a mixture of both so clients could see the importance of hiring HJ for both of these needs. I did this by showing photos in a carousel interaction so there was no visual hierarchy between the two specialties.
Wireframes
Based on the competitive analysis and site map needs from the client, I sketched out possible landing pages. I sketched various options for the landing page as to whether it would be scrollable or simply lead to links that would give more information.
It became pertinent that not only did the designs need to be shown, but similarly, a brief summary of the owner's story and abilities gave some familiarity to the work. This allows for some humanity while visiting the site, and potentially allow for a better connection to the end product if the consumer gets a clearer picture of who they will be working with.
Final Prototype
Lessons Learned
This project was my first project to work with a client, and was overall a wonderful experience to understand how to meet the needs of a growing business. It was invaluable to be able to learn how to communicate design ideas and to make sure that her needs were being conveyed between the designer and client. That being said, the timeline was expedited because the company wanted to receive an end product quickly. In the end, it was a great exercise to create something that the client was happy with, and can use for her business moving forward.
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