Case Study:
Knights of Columbus
Background
Organizational Digital Challenges:
The Knights of Columbus had a website that failed to serve users effectively across desktop and mobile platforms. The organization operated with siloed business groups that couldn't collaborate on digital initiatives, creating fragmented experiences that prioritized internal preferences over user needs.
Cultural Transformation Needed:
Beyond technical fixes, the organization needed a fundamental shift toward user-centered design principles to create cohesive digital experiences balancing business objectives with user requirements.
Responsibilities
Leading User Experience Design:
As Lead User Experience Designer, I was responsible for applying User Centered Design principles throughout the project. My role included UX research, competitive analysis, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing to ensure the product met both user needs and business goals.
Organizational Change Management:
I needed to break down organizational silos, facilitate collaboration between business groups, and mentor other designers while establishing sustainable design practices that would transform the organization's approach to digital projects.
Initiatives
Research and Stakeholder Alignment:
I conducted comprehensive UX research and competitive analysis, then facilitated workshops with stakeholders across departments to break down silos and align teams around user-centered objectives using strategic storytelling techniques.
Design System Development:
Working with designers, developers, and project managers, I created detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and comprehensive specifications. I developed sustainable design systems ensuring consistency across all digital touchpoints.
User Validation:
I conducted extensive user testing sessions throughout the design process to validate decisions based on real feedback rather than assumptions, ensuring the final product genuinely met user needs while achieving business objectives.
Outcomes
Increased Engagement:
The new site saw a 65% rise in time spent on page, return visits, and social media shares.
Sustainable Organizational Change:
The project delivered significantly improved online experiences across desktop and mobile platforms that effectively balanced business goals with user needs, providing better functionality, navigation, and engaging content.
Enhanced Team Capabilities:
The mentorship framework I created improved overall team design capabilities and knowledge sharing, ensuring user-centered thinking would continue beyond this project and benefit future digital initiatives.