CASE STUDY:

The article-focused site of the United Methodist News

Needed a reputable platform to provide an ever-growing news-based of content.

STARTING POINT

Old, outdated user interface based on prepackaged theme

United Methodist News began as a subsection within UMCom.og. As the organization grew, however, a substantial amount of high-quality content began to justify its own online identity. To best leverage the news content, many of the layout decisions made for UMCom.org had to be re-evaluated for the new UMNews.org site. The key stakeholders had a vision for a site built to specifically display news in a simple, unobtrusive manner – keeping the focus squarely on the stories.

Objectives:

The platform should look like a news Site
- The story should be the focus
- Sharing stories should be simple
- Key photos should display in a flattering size
The site should support stories in multiple languages
The site had to be built within the Sitecore CMS

GATHERING REQUIREMENTS

As with most projects, this one started with a series of meetings
- Met with key executives within United Methodist Communications
  - To establish a cohesive look to UMNews.org, UMC.org, UMCom.org
  - To establish consensus on scope of work
- Met with UMNews staff
  - To gather input on the current platform
  - To create concrete objectives for the minimum viable product
- Met with UMCom development team
  - To establish feasibility of requested functionality
  - To set realistic delivery timelines and milestones
- Met with Sitecore certified vendor
  - Ensure feasibility of requirements
  - Discuss strategic creation of development components
  - To divide work between vendor and internal development team
Researched demographics and already provided user personas

Old, outdated user inteface based on prepackaged theme

UX DESIGN

Low-fidelity designs were created to ensure all points of MVP were met
Meetings with development team and vendor continued to maximize across the board communication
Once development and UX agreed on general approach, development of high-fidelity prototypes began
One-on-one user testing sessions were conducted as need arose
Upon completion of prototypes, final designs were presented to stakeholders fo final approval

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Upon stakeholder approval of high-fidelity prototypes, design system files were finalized and initial development began
Throughout development, I attended daily stand ups, received revisions, and communicated backend needs to internal developers
Once prototypes gained formal approval, I began in-person user testing across 36 participants in three locations
After user testing, appropriate revisions were made, and communicated back to all stakeholders for approval
Upon delivery, the final web app supports the integrity of UM News journalists and thousands of their readers on a daily basis