The OAA vision for the web presence is to create the primary communication vehicle for the OAA brand, as well as an informational, educational and social exchange “hub” for opticians in America. By leveraging their association with state optician legislation and oversight, the OAA hopes to become the foremost authority within the space it resides.
The need to create a unique, engaging and relevant tool for the OAA’s current and prospective members suggests that a web design goes beyond a “cookie-cutter” approach in order to provide the necessary information for the target audience. By creating an engaging online experience, the site can help guide the OAA into new ways of connecting with the lifestyle and personality unique to its members and prospective members alike.
Site Map
We utilized several design thinking exercises to re-architect the existing site and make it more intuitive and logical for the users. First was a heuristic evaluation. From there we work-shopped an in-person importance ranking and card sorting exercise with the client and some of their users who also sit on the board.
The sitemap was designed to mobilize and organize participation via a platform that’s localized and supports states in planning events while engaging members with the broad and narrow information they want. It is oriented around OAA’s position of clarity and gives states the simple prescribed tools to execute that vision. The result? An OAA.org that thrives on state-fueled human energy. It empowers state postings of local events and issues that fall back on the constant flow of industry news and leadership in chartering new legislation that impacts opticians across the country.
Wireframes
The wireframes allow
for a quick and effective way to identify usability issues early on in the
design process. Using wireframes to map out the functionality of the pages, and gather feedback we can figure out flaws
early. They also allow the ability to prioritize content, push usability to the forefront. And is a strong way to
illustrate the layout of pages and the functionality of the elements on the
page.
Inspiration
Its important to gather inspiration from all over – in
industry and out. Especially when pushing to do something different than what
may have typically been done before. The need to create a unique, engaging and
relevant tool means you don’t copy your competition unless you want to
continually remain behind them. The best inspiration
often comes from expanding your mind and looking elsewhere.
Brand Exploration
This
method was used as a way to quickly generate as many ideas as possible without
constraints when beginning the design process. Call them rapid prototypes,
rough sketches, 100 mph thinking, or whatever you want. They’re fast. They’re
explorative. They’re collaborative. And they’re extremely beneficial while digging
into the conceptual and aesthetic vision.
Final Designs
Here we've created an engaging online experience, that will help guide the OAA into new ways of connecting with the lifestyle and personality unique to its members and prospective members alike.
