Craigslist Redesign: A Modern Approach
This project reimagines Craigslist for the modern user. Through usability testing and a data-driven approach, the design prioritizes ease of use and a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
The Design Process
Heuristic Evaluation Key Takeaways
- The website's navigation lacks user-friendliness.
- There's no clear starting point for users.
- Help and support resources are not easily accessible.
Card Sorting Key Takeaways
- This exercise highlighted the importance of explicit category naming.
- It emphasized how crucial narrowing down or grouping content to improve user experience is.
- Users often grouped labels in unexpected ways, providing new insights into how they perceive the website structure.
User Testing Key Takeaways
- User testing demonstrated minor frustrations towards the search filters and navigation.
- Users felt overwhelmed by the cluttered interface and preferred a more minimalist design.
- Timing users during specific tasks helped identify which features were accessible and which needed improvement.
Craigslist Redesign Design Decisions
My design decisions were significantly influenced by the tests I conducted to understand how users perceive the Craigslist website. The primary design choice was to make the layout more modern and clean. Most users I tested mentioned that the website looked outdated and felt untrustworthy, so I prioritized creating a more attractive UI.
Other design choices aimed to improve the website's effectiveness by avoiding an overwhelming landing page and instead grouping categories to create a better viewing experience. I focused on fixing the small details that frustrated users while introducing a more contemporary look. Overall, I worked to address user pain points and update the design to make it more visually appealing and user-friendly.
Next Steps:
I plan to further expand this project by adding interactivity and animations to encourage users to explore the site. I also envision creating a community hub page where users can engage in local events, discussions, and festivals. This addition would foster a sense of community and enhance user engagement.
Lastly, I believe Craigslist could be taken to the next level by refining the search bar, making it more powerful by offering more options. This would allow users to sort through items more effectively, improving the overall search experience.
