NaijaDC
.png)
OVERVIEW
NaijaDC, a network of emerging Nigerian diaspora leaders, seeks a developer to build a website that enhances its online presence, fosters global member collaboration, and connects with key stakeholders. The site will feature a public interface for advocacy and a private member section for resource sharing.
MY ROLE
UX Designer
Research, Information, Architecture, Wireframes, Prototype
DURATION
4 WEEKS, JULY 5 2020
CHALLENGES FACED
Fragmented Collaboration Hindered Advocacy
NajjaDC’s existing platform struggled to unite Nigerian diaspora leaders, resulting in:
-
Siloed communication: Members relied on scattered tools (emails, WhatsApp) for coordination.
-
Inefficient resource-sharing: Critical documents were buried in unstructured folders.
-
Limited public visibility: Stakeholders couldn’t easily track advocacy efforts or join initiatives.
“How might we create a digital hub that bridges Nigerian diaspora leaders globally while amplifying their impact?”
Process
Research & Discovery
User Persona
Information Architecture
Wireframes & Iteration
Prototype & Testing
Research & Discovery
How is the problem currently being addressed?
User Interviews:
-
Users rely on multiple platforms (social media, emails, group chats) for updates and networking, leading to scattered information.
-
86% of interviewees are NaijaDC members but lack a central, real-time hub for engagement.
-
Job postings, announcements, and discussions are fragmented.
Survey Insights:
-
Only 3 responses were received, making data inconclusive.
-
This shows that the current communication approach may not be reaching or engaging users effectively.
Focusing on the WHY, not the WHAT
Affinity Diagram for Problem Statement
Key User Insights:
-
The need is not just for information but for active engagement and networking.
-
Users want a real-time, centralized feed that combines news, jobs, announcements, and live chat.
-
They are passionate about contributing to Nigeria’s progress but lack a structured digital space to collaborate.
USER PERSONA
FRUSTRATION
The organization faces challenges such as a lack of dedicated time from members, low engagement and communication, and the emergence of multiple Naija hubs without a central set of rules or coordination.
GOALS
The goal is to encourage young Nigerians to engage in politics and advocacy, connect Nigerian professionals across the U.S. and beyond for a shared purpose, and create networking opportunities with like-minded individuals.
Profession: Lawyer
Age: 33
Single Nigerian Professional
SAM
Information Architecture
To ensure a seamless experience for NaijaDC members and stakeholders, the app map was structured to prioritize accessibility, engagement, and efficiency.
Mapping the Experience
The app map lays out the foundation of the platform, ensuring smooth navigation and logical content flow. Every section was strategically placed to enhance user engagement and accessibility.
Refining for Efficiency
Throughout the design process, adjustments were made to eliminate unnecessary steps and improve accessibility. Key areas like the member hub and advocacy resources were positioned for quick access, reducing friction and enhancing usability.
By prioritizing clarity and efficiency, the structure supports NaijaDC’s mission—connecting, informing, and empowering its global network.
Wireframes & Iteration
Paper Prototypes
Great ideas start with a pen and paper! Below are our rapid ideation sketches (6-8-5 method) that helped shape the foundation of NaijaDC’s digital home
A warm introduction sets the stage for new and returning members.
Highlighting the community, this section fosters connections among professionals.
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
How does NaijaDC bring members together?
At this stage, we transformed the initial sketches into structured wireframes, ensuring a seamless and intuitive flow for users. Here’s a look at how different sections come to life
What’s NaijaDC all about? → The About Page gives visitors insight into the mission and vision.
The Events Page highlights upcoming gatherings, both virtual and in-person.
The Membership Page explains how to join and connect with like-minded professionals.
Members-Only Features – Connect & Collaborate
The Profile Page lets members showcase their background and interests.
The Feed Page is a real-time hub for discussions, updates, and interactions.
The Feed Page with Settings gives control over notifications and preferences.
The Members-Only Events Page provides access to networking opportunities.
How did user feedback shape NaijaDC’s final design?
After conducting usability tests, we made significant refinements to enhance user experience. Here are the major updates:
A Fresh New Welcome – NaijaDC Homepage
First impressions matter! Based on feedback, we added a homepage as the landing page, making it easier for visitors to learn about NaijaDC right away.
A Clearer Path to Membership
"How do I become a member?" The Membership Page now provides a step-by-step application process and all the necessary details to guide new members.
Open Doors – Public Events Page
"What’s happening at NaijaDC?" The Public Events Page now clearly showcases upcoming events that anyone can attend, making it easier for interested individuals to participate.
Members-Only Feed Page
The feed page has been streamlined to display news, job postings, updates, and events more effectively.
Members-Only Profile Page
What does my profile look like? Profile details are now more structured and easier to navigate.
Members-Only Events Page
Where can I network with other members? A refined layout makes it simpler to find and register for exclusive member events.
Usability Testing
Is the site easy to use and navigate?
To ensure a smooth user experience, we tested the features with 4 NaijaDC members and prospective members (ages 31-36). Their insights helped us refine the design.
Key Metrics
-Photoroom.png)
Average task completion rate
-Photoroom.png)
Average error rate
-Photoroom.png)
Average time to complete a task
Findings & User Feedback
🟠 Homepage Confusion:
-
Users were unsure if the About Page was the homepage.
-
Recommendation: A dedicated homepage was added for clarity.
🟠 Navigation Issues:
-
Members’ portal had a different navigation layout, confusing users.
-
Events tab wasn’t clear—was it for public or members-only events?
-
Recommendation: Standardized navigation and improved event categorization.
🟠 Preference for Top Navigation:
-
2 out of 4 participants preferred top navigation instead of side navigation for non-members.
-
Recommendation: Implemented a top navigation bar for a more familiar experience.
🟠 Contact Page Hard to Find:
-
3 out of 4 participants struggled to locate it.
-
Recommendation: Made the Contact Page more visible
🟠 Low Willingness to Use the Site:
-
3 out of 4 users felt overwhelmed.
-
1 participant said they would use it if it was simplified.
-
Recommendation: Decluttered and simplified the interface.
🟠 Member Portal Felt Too Much Like Facebook:
-
1 participant questioned what features were unique compared to Facebook.
-
Recommendation: Added exclusive community engagement tools.
🟠 Hidden Profile Icon:
-
Users found it hard to locate.
-
Recommendation: Moved and highlighted profile icon for better visibility.
🟠 Steep Learning Curve for Members’ Portal:
-
Initial experience seemed difficult to grasp.
-
Recommendation: Improved onboarding and guidance for new users.
🟠 Odd Social Media Placement:
-
Icons were placed at the top, which users found distracting.
-
Recommendation: Moved them to the footer for a cleaner look.
Final Takeaways & Action Steps
- Homepage added to eliminate confusion
- Navigation simplified for a smoother experience
- Contact page made accessible for easy communication
- Visual hierarchy improved to reduce overwhelm
- Clearer event structure to distinguish public vs. private events
- Better onboarding flow to make learning easier