About this project
Brief
Helping Other People (HOPe) is a New York and New Jersey-based non-profit that has worked on a number of projects in developing countries for over 18 years. Unfortunately, it seemed as if their website hadn’t been updated in 18 years.
One of HOPe’s board members reached out to me about redesigning their website for the appropriate decade. This meant more than updating layouts, photos, and text. I had to completely redo the website from the ground up, overhauling the information architecture to simplify navigation and the donation process.
Responsibilities
Web Design, Information Architecture
TOOLS
Squarespace, Photoshop, Illustrator, GoDaddy, Google Docs
The HOPe website as of April 2018. Images courtesy of Wayback Machine.
The Problem
When I first saw HOPe’s website in Spring 2018, it looked like it had been designed using a Wordpress theme gone haywire. Right-aligned page titles and left-aligned body text were set against a pair of mismatched images of clouds. Photos were small, and extremely low-resolution. Navigational links were out of order, misplaced, and/or led to blank or incomplete pages.
HOPe has done great work around the world for nearly two decades. They deserved a website that reflects their values and continued efforts to help areas that need it most.
Methodology
Research & Comparative Analysis
Content Inventory & Audit
Site Mapping
Image Sourcing
Sketching & Wireframes
Copy Writing & Editing
Squarespace Build
Domain Transfer
Project Goals
For the Client
Improve visual appearance
Establish credibility
Promote events
Encourage PayPal donations
For Visitors
Easily navigate website
Learn about the organization’s projects
RSVP to upcoming events
Donate without friction
Constraints
Original Sitemap
Revised Sitemap
Impact
This project has had a positive overall impact on HOPe’s overall engagement and fundraising. When I requested photos for the About page, the HOPe board took their first set of team headshots since the organization was founded!
Based on site analytics, the HOPe charity website has experienced:
Increased newsletter signups
Increased event RSVPs
Increased donations via PayPal
