Open Books Redesign

Improving Navigation and Information Architecture for a Nonprofit

ROLE

UX Designer

TIMELINE

Winter 2026

10-week academic project

SKILLS

User Research, Information Architecture, Content Strategy

OVERVIEW

RESEARCH

Methods Used

  1. Content inventory

  2. Heuristic analysis

  3. Card sort (3 rounds)

  4. Tree test (3 rounds)

Main Insights

Users struggled most with:

  • Ambiguous labeling (e.g., “Access to Books”)

  • Mixed mental models (actions vs. information)

  • Scattered content across navigation

→ Clear labeling + task-based grouping significantly improved usability.


SYNTHESIS

DESIGN

VALIDATION

OUTCOMES

REFLECTION

This project strengthened my ability to connect research insights to design decisions.

Key Takeaways

  • Clear labeling is critical. Small wording changes have a major impact on usability.

  • Information architecture should reflect user goals.

  • Iteration is essential. Early assumptions were sometimes incorrect.

  • Research methods like card sorting and tree testing are powerful when combined.

If I had more time, I would:

  • Conduct usability testing on the final prototype

  • Improve feedback and error handling in key flows (e.g., donation)

  • Gather more diverse participant data