NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
UX Design

Overview

Redesigned a core feature of the Great Lakes Aquatic Nonindigenous Species Information System (GLANSIS) for NOAA over a 12-week research and design process.


Problem Statement

GLANSIS serves a wide audience, from natural resource managers to 4th-grade teachers, seeking information on 180+ nonindigenous species in the Great Lakes.
However, the Species List Generator, the site's most-used tool, suffers from:

  • Overwhelming content

  • Poor information organization

  • Inefficient navigation

Redesigning this page was essential to improve clarity, usability, and scientific accessibility.


Final Prototype - Mobile

Final Prototype - Desktop

Here are some images of the original website that we were tasked with redesigning:

Early Iterations

  • Focused on Species List Results and Species Profile pages

  • Improved functionality while keeping the Home + Generator pages visually consistent

  • Aimed to reduce clutter and highlight key scientific details

Feedback & Refinement

  • Incorporated instructor and peer feedback

  • Introduced a more modern, intuitive visual style

  • Drew inspiration from contemporary interfaces (e.g., Rivian) for a cleaner, more familiar experience

  • Ensured accessibility for both scientific users and educators

Mobile → Desktop Adaptation

  • Converted mobile layouts into desktop-friendly designs

  • Adjusted layouts for better visibility of content without excessive scrolling

  • Resized search tools, results, and profile elements for smoother navigation

Final Adjustments

  • Refined visual consistency across pages

  • Updated dropdown colors on Species Profile

  • Added a main image to the Species List Generator for a more cohesive look with the Home page