BLENDED COLLECTIVE

UX Research & Design

Overview

Blended Collective is an award-winning marketing and brand consultancy specializing in brand strategy, development, and marketing efforts. The purpose of this project was to evaluate and redesign the Blended Collective website to better reflect the company’s expertise, values, and impact. Our team conducted extensive user research and usability testing to identify pain points, opportunities for improvement, and user expectations. We used a mixed-methods approach that included five in-depth interviews with past and current clients, two surveys targeted at different user groups, and heuristic evaluations conducted by our team.

Across all research methods, users highlighted the need for a cleaner visual layout, stronger emphasis on past work and case studies, and a more modern look that reflects the capabilities of Blended Collective. Our final design recommendations directly address these themes, offering more concise pages, improved navigation, engaging visuals, and a minimalistic aesthetic that aligns with the high-quality work Blended Collective delivers.

Final Prototype

Goals

1. Identify the key decision-making factors for potential and current clients when considering to work with Blended Collective

2. Uncover usability issues that negatively impact navigation, comprehension of content, and overall experience on the site

3. Understand user expectations for branding, visual appeal, and interactivity on a marketing consultancy’s website

4. Assess the effectiveness of the current website in communicating Blended Collective’s values, services, and work

5. Redesign the site navigation and structure to allow users to efficiently locate essential information and keep them engaged

User Interviews & Usability Test

The User Interviews and Usability tests led us to determine the necessary changes for the site. Site interactivity, access to previous work, and information about the team and founder needed to be improved upon.
Heuristic Evaluations

The Heuristic Evaluations showcased unique findings separate from the our other research methods. There was a large discrepancy between the site and real world systems, showcasing a need for adjustments in clickable elements, navigation, etc. Additionally, the site lacked consistency and proper features like the search function. Lastly, the evaluations determined aesthetic downfalls previously showcased through both surveying and usability testing.
Surveys

Surveying led us to understand the importance of aesthetics and overall site impression. Additionally, users wanted more information on the services offered by Blended Collective. Similarly to the usability test findings, users were eager to learn more about the founder and team, showcasing that this information should be highlighted throughout the site.