Simplifying access to essential resources
The important resources, in the previous design, were buried under multiple menus. Wayfinding felt inconsistent and important tasks took too many clicks, especially on mobile. I redesigned the homepage, focusing on clarifying the information architecture and elevating high-value entry points.
Clarifying the core objective
The primary objective was to transform the homepage into an intuitive, accessible entry point for all users, including students, staff and visitors.The design needed to simplify navigation, highlight essential resources like programs and support and present key information clearly without overwhelming users.
Updating the look without losing familiarity
The website hadn't been updated for quite some time. There were a lot of text elements in the homepage which made it feel like information overload. My redesign aimed to add structure and make a balanced use of the brand's colors.
Translating insights Into structure
My process began by going through the college’s existing brand and online presence. I analyzed their sitemap and information architecture to identify what content mattered most. To ensure the redesign aligned with industry standards, I reviewed other similar college's websites to see what type of content they have in their homepage.
Updating the overall theme
The existing design lacked cohesive color palette. It appeared fragmented across pages. To refresh this, I introduced a new palette that matched well with the logo and with something that we all could associate Canada with - Maple leaf. I also adjusted the font hierarchy, making it bolder when needed to grab users attention.
Highlighting what matters the most
To reduce unnecessary navigation and improve discoverability, I introduced a “Featured Resources” section that surfaces the most visited and valuable content directly on the homepage. This area acts as a dynamic gateway, showcasing top learning materials, tools and support pages that users frequently accessed through multiple steps before.
Simplifying how users discover events
To match with the new design, I updated the events and calendar section. The old events section was dense with text, making it difficult for users to scan or find relevant details quickly. This made this section easily scannable and approachable.
Redesigning the footer for clarity and accessibility
The previous footer looked like two separate sections due to the gap in the bottom. I restructured it and made it cover more screen estate, providing us with more space to add new links or elements. I made sure to add social media accounts in the footer since it will be present across multiple pages and the client will be able to add more links with ease.
Impact of the new homepage
The redesign established a visually cohesive experience that prioritizes clarity and accessibility. Key resources and events are now surfaced directly on the homepage, cutting navigation time and improving user flow across devices.
By modernizing the layout and hierarchy, the site now feels more organized, reflecting the institution’s credibility and community-driven values while making essential information easier to find for both students and staff.