User Experience Design
Cultivating Online Presence for BIPOC Non Profit
About The Project
The Healing Chi started as a grassroots initiative offering weekly yoga sessions and quickly evolved into a nonprofit focused on the holistic wellness journey of Black and Brown men in Chicago. Inspired by the collective grief following the loss of notable figures like Kobe Bryant and the tragic impact of systemic racism highlighted by the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, the project aimed to provide more than just a digital presence. With the goal of creating a digital space that transcended traditional wellness platforms, the redesign sought to address the unique needs of Black men globally, focusing on community connection, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
Project Deliverables
- Website Redesign
- Homepage: A welcoming and engaging landing page that highlights key features, services, and community impact.
- Community Hub: A dedicated space for users to share stories, connect with each other, and engage in discussions.
- Resource Center: A comprehensive library of wellness content, including vlogs, interactive stories, and voice-optimized articles.
- Empowerment Portal: A section celebrating community successes and providing opportunities for involvement.
- Safe Space: Features offering immediate assistance and counseling services.
- User Experience Enhancements
- Interactive Elements: Improved navigation and interactive features based on user feedback, including continuous scroll and easy-to-find information.
- Persona Integration: Design elements and content reflecting the persona of “The Enlightened Big Bro,” focusing on wisdom, trustworthiness, and approachability.
- Usability Testing
- Prototype Testing: Conducted an unmoderated usability test with 8 participants to refine user pathways and interface design to get a better understanding of user behavior.
- Feedback Integration: Adjustments made based on usability test results to improve user experience and accessibility.
- Homepage: A welcoming and engaging landing page that highlights key features, services, and community impact.
What Was The Goal Of The Project?
To design an interactive web space that serves as a supportive haven for Black men, fostering community, connection, and mental wellness. The platform needed to stand out in the crowded wellness landscape by offering a deep sense of belonging and tangible resources.
Strategic Highlights:
- Safe Space: Immediate assistance and counseling resources.
- Community Hub: A platform for sharing stories, forming connections, and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Resource Center: A rich library of vlogs, interactive stories, and articles tailored to user needs.
- Empowerment Portal: Celebrates community successes and provides engagement opportunities.
- Connectivity: Facilitates connections with mental health professionals.
Project Execution
Opportunities:
- Creating a digital space that genuinely connects with and supports Black men, addressing both current and historical mental health issues.
- Designing a platform that goes beyond providing information to fostering a true sense of community and belonging.
User Research:
- Conducted interviews, surveys, and user testing with 13 participants to understand the needs and preferences of Black men.
- Developed the persona “The Enlightened Big Bro” to guide design, reflecting attributes like wisdom, emotional intelligence, and approachability.
Design Highlights:
- Safe Space: Integrated immediate assistance and counseling features.
- Community Hub: Enabled users to share stories and form connections.
- Resource Center: Offered diverse resources, including vlogs, interactive stories, and voice-optimized articles.
- Empowerment Portal: Celebrated community achievements and encouraged involvement.
- Connectivity: Facilitated connections with mental health professionals.
Usability Testing:
- Conducted unmoderated tests with 8 participants using Maze.
- Achieved mixed feedback on navigation; 50% found the continuous scroll easy, while others faced challenges due to technical constraints.
Project Results
User Engagement: The platform resonated deeply with users, offering a comprehensive digital ecosystem that combined community, resources, and interaction.
Positive Feedback: The design successfully reflected the persona of “The Enlightened Big Bro,” fostering trust and emotional connection.
Handoff Preparation: Detailed documentation and a workshop for the internal team ensured a smooth transition for ongoing maintenance and future development.
Key Takeaway:
The Healing Chi’s digital platform emerged as a vital resource, blending empathy-driven design with community-focused features to support Black men’s mental wellness. The project highlighted the impact of user-centric design and collaborative effort in creating a meaningful and effective digital sanctuary.