Urban League of Springfield Massachusetts Website

Providing Community

COMPANY

The UL

ROLE

Product Designer

Team

Designers,
Project Manager,
Developers

YEAR

2024

Overview

As part of a volunteer service, we were tasked with redesigning the website for The Urban League of Springfield. They support the African American community in Greater Springfield through advocacy and impactful services. Their mission focuses on empowering individuals and promoting social equity.

As part of a volunteer service, we were tasked with redesigning the website for The Urban League of Springfield. They support the African American community in Greater Springfield through advocacy and impactful services. Their mission focuses on empowering individuals and promoting social equity.

Research & Planning

Initial Testing Methods:

Survey of ~12 newsletter subscribers (ages 18–75)

6 in-depth interviews across different age groups

Accessibility audit using WCAG and manual testing (keyboard-only, screen reader)

👴🏾 Older users need:

Larger, readable fonts

Clear navigation (especially on mobile)

More contrast and simplicity

plain language

👴🏾 Older users need:


Larger, readable fonts

Clear navigation (especially on mobile)

More contrast and simplicity

plain language

🧑🏾‍🦱 Younger users need:

A “clean and modern” site that felt credible

Clear calls to action

• Stories and visuals


🧑🏾‍🦱 Younger users need:


A “clean and modern” site that felt credible

Clear calls to action

• Stories and visuals


Both want:
Up-to-date Information

Details on the organization’s mission, impact, and schedule.

Transparency on the organization’s utilization of donations.

Who Are Our Users?

Based on our user research we created personas for our main types of users. We then used these personas to go through a user flow they would take and listed perceived pain points from their perspective.

Design & Prototyping

🧠 Brain storming:
Before we started on wireframes, we ran a crazy 8s exercise and, as a team, explained the value of our design ideas. We only allowed ourselves to voice thoughts that were rooted in research or design practices, thus leading to engaging discussions.

👩‍💻 Design system
Readable Typography: We used large, high-contrast sans-serif fonts with generous line spacing to reduce visual strain.

Color Contrast: All text met or exceeded WCAG AA contrast standards to support users with low vision.

Familiar Components: Buttons, links, and icons followed standard web patterns—ensuring they felt intuitive for users unfamiliar with digital interfaces.

Focus States & Keyboard Navigation: Every interactive element was optimized for keyboard use and screen readers.

Touch-Friendly Elements: We increased tap targets and spacing between items for users on mobile devices or with limited dexterity.

🌟 Final designs

We prioritized accessibility in every detail of the final design to ensure a seamless experience for all users, especially those with visual or cognitive impairments.


• Clear, Concise Content: Text was simplified for clarity and readability, reducing cognitive load across all age groups.

• Responsive Typography: Font sizes scale smoothly in dynamic displays, maintaining layout integrity and readability without breaking the page.

• Screen Reader Optimization: All headings, links, and interactive elements were properly labeled and structured to work effectively with assistive technologies.


These updates made the website more inclusive, intuitive, and usable—regardless of age or ability.

Results

The redesigned Urban League website boosted user engagement, accessibility, and community impact. These enhancements empowered the organization to further its mission of uplifting African American communities.


User Engagement and Satisfaction

• Increased Traffic: Significant rise in unique visitors post-redesign.

• Longer Sessions: Users spent more time exploring the site, and engaging with relevant content.

Community Impact

‍• Higher Event Participation: Improved calendar design led to more community involvement.

Stakeholder Feedback

• Resources Management: Easier redirection of users with the resources page.

• Volunteer Growth: More volunteers due to simplified sign-up.

The redesigned Urban League website boosted user engagement, accessibility, and community impact. These enhancements empowered the organization to further its mission of uplifting African American communities.

Community Impact

‍• Higher Event Participation: Improved calendar design led to more community involvement.

Stakeholder Feedback

• Resources Management: Easier redirection of users with the resources page.

• Volunteer Growth: More volunteers due to simplified sign-up.

Figma Prototype

Figma Prototype

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Jax
Powell

This website was made with 🍵 & 💚

Jax
Powell

This website was made with 🍵 & 💚

Jax
Powell

This website was made with 🍵 & 💚

Urban League of Springfield Massachusetts Website

Providing Community

COMPANY

The UL

ROLE

Product Designer

Team

Designers,
Project Manager,
Developers

YEAR

2024

Jax
Powell

This website was made with 🍵 & 💚