Context
How Can Information Architecture Improve the URecFit User Experience?
This project was part of the Information Architecture class, where we focused on conducting research methods such as competitive analysis and card-sorting experiments to understand how users think and navigate digital interfaces. Working collaboratively in a group of three students, we were assigned the URecFit website as our subject for redesign due to its potential for improved navigability and user satisfaction.
My Role
In this project, I participated in recruiting research participants and conducting the card-sorting sessions that informed the site’s information architecture. Collaborating closely with my group members, I contributed to the development of wireframes and the overall design concepts. Additionally, I took the lead in designing the Fitness and Wellness page, ensuring that the layout and content aligned with the user needs identified during our research.
User Research
Content Inventory
The project began with a content inventory, where we analyzed the site’s structure and levels, reviewed data from Google Analytics, and provided notes and recommendations for improvement.
Competitive Analysis
For the competitive analysis, we selected two direct competitors and two indirect competitors and conducted a SWOT analysis to evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. From the analysis, we discovered several key takeaways. Competitors often feature strong visuals and well-organized navigation, areas where our site currently falls short. Many competitors also maintain frequently updated social media channels, providing a level of engagement we could improve upon. Additionally, their websites include interactive components, such as event calendars, to enhance user experience, whereas our site relies heavily on static elements like text and lacks high-quality imagery.
We also identified weaknesses in competitors, such as unclear labeling, which mirrors a challenge on our own site. This finding was reinforced by the results of our card sorting exercise, which highlighted the need for clearer and more intuitive labeling on our site.
Card Sorting
In our card sorting study, the goal was to understand how users naturally organize URecFit & Wellness content. A hybrid card sorting method was used to balance user freedom with structural guidance. Participants began by organizing Level 1 pages, where they could create, remove, or combine top-level categories as they saw fit. They then sorted Level 2 pages, which were provided in random order, into the established categories to reveal their natural grouping tendencies. Level 3 pages were excluded from this study. 15 participants were recruited from local communities, primarily students with active lifestyles.
Key Findings
Based on the insights gathered from the card sorting study, we refined and reorganized the site map to better reflect users’ natural content groupings and navigation patterns. Key updates included shortening “About URecFit & Wellness” to “About Us,” restructuring the Facilities tab, and moving the online portal to the top for quick access. We also merged Fitness and Wellness, grouped all fitness programs under one tab, clarified terms like “General Aquatic Etiquette” and “Poe Cup,” and refined labels such as “Intramural Registration.” Less relevant sections like “Youth and Family Program” and “Have a Suggestion?” were removed.
Ideation
Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Based on the results and findings, the team decided to redesign the website pages to enhance user navigation and overall usability. The wireframes were divided among the group members; I was responsible for designing the Wellness page, while my classmate worked on the remaining pages.
Final Design
After completing the class, which concluded with designing wireframes, I felt inspired to take the project further. While my groupmates worked on other sections, I decided to focus on the Wellness page—the wireframe I designed—and created a more polished, high-fidelity version of it.
What I Learned
Through this project, I learned how valuable user research is in guiding effective design decisions. The competitive analysis helped me recognize the importance of modern visual design and how small interface changes can greatly impact user perception. Card-sorting sessions showed me how users think and organize information, highlighting the need for clear and intuitive labeling. I also realized how overwhelming content and confusing navigation can increase cognitive load and frustration. By developing wireframes, I learned how to translate research insights into thoughtful design solutions that improve usability and create a smoother, more engaging user experience.
