Mafilton Green Resort
Duration: 5 Weeks
Team: 6 Members
Field: UX/UI & Webb Design
Role: In charge of evaluation
Me and my team had the opportunity to design a website for Mafilton Green Resort, a small hotel located on the coast of Sierra Leone. The primary goal of this project was to authentically represent the essence of the resort: an invitation to experience the true spirit of Africa and the welcoming ambiance of a family-run establishment. The resulting website design reflects these core values, inviting visitors to explore the unique character of Mafilton Green Resort in a genuine and heartfelt manner.
Sprint 1: Research
In the first sprint, our focus was on research and user studies. We initiated the project by thoroughly examining the existing website using Nielsen's 10 heuristics. This analysis allowed us to quickly identify user interface issues that needed improvement. To validate our findings, we conducted user testing, presenting participants with basic tasks such as room reservations on specific dates.
Additionally, during this sprint, we researched other hotel websites to identify common and vital features. We also conducted interviews with owners of smaller, intimate hotels to gain insights into their target audience and their specific needs. This combined research, along with input from our client, enabled us to define a clear target audience for the website.
To understand the goals, motivations, and requirements of our target audience, we conducted interviews with potential users. By the end of this sprint, we had developed a comprehensive project brief that outlined the identified target audience, user motivations, goals, requirements, and a clearly defined problem statement.
Sprint 2: Wireframing & Prototyping
In the second sprint, we shifted our focus to wireframing and prototype development. Armed with the insights gathered in the research phase, we began sketching initial design ideas by hand with paper and pencil. These sketches were then collectively reviewed and refined within our team. Approximately 15 sketches were generated, forming the basis for collaborative wireframing activities using Figma.
Our wireframes evolved into a basic prototype, where key elements and user interactions were defined. Before proceeding further, we conducted a heuristic evaluation, employing a customized version of Nielsen's 10 Heuristics. This rapid evaluation helped us identify and address design flaws early in the process.
We also established a visual identity for the prototype, including typography and color schemes, which would be subject to evaluation as they played a significant role in conveying ecological sustainability, the authentic African atmosphere, and a personalized touch.
Sprint 3: Evaluation & Iteration
The third and final sprint was dedicated to evaluation and iteration. We conducted user testing on three distinct iterations of the prototype, each one representing a progressively refined version of the design. Each iteration underwent five user tests, along with at least one pilot test to ensure accuracy.
The initial prototype, created during Sprint 2, allowed users to complete basic tasks on a visually skeletal version of the website. The second iteration streamlined the design, concealing non-essential information and eliminating unnecessary pages. In the third and final iteration, we presented a fully functional web-based prototype, implementing all design decisions and refinements based on user feedback.
Throughout this sprint, we also executed several A/B tests to evaluate the graphical user interface further. Font choices and color schemes were assessed for user understanding, satisfaction, and usability, ensuring alignment with the client's objectives.
Ultimately, we delivered a complete and polished website for Mafilton Green Resort in Sierra Leone. The website enabled users to book rooms, activities, and transportation seamlessly. It featured an overview of the hotel and its core values, with contact information and social media links readily accessible on all pages.
To provide additional value to the client, we developed an admin interface that allowed the hotel to manage bookings through a backend system. The admin interface also provided the capability to edit text and images and add new rooms and activities. We created a secure login form for this interface and provided a user guide to assist with its functionality and usage, ensuring the client's long-term success.
Insights
In my role as the head of evaluations, I've gained some valuable insights. Managing evaluations is a significant responsibility, and effective teamwork and communication are key to ensuring that everyone's input is considered, helping us develop best practices.
I've also come to understand that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to evaluation methods. Different methods serve different purposes and yield different results. It's important to know when to use each method effectively. For instance, before we conducted user testing on our prototype, we used a heuristic evaluation to identify and address obvious issues. This proactive step streamlined the testing process by addressing problems upfront. However, it's important to recognize that heuristic evaluations have limitations over the long term:
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User Perspective: We, as designers, aren't the ultimate users of the product, so our views must be balanced with a professional perspective that prioritizes user satisfaction.
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Bias Awareness: Designers may unintentionally introduce bias when evaluating their own or their team's work. Involving a diverse group of evaluators helps minimize these biases.
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Design Immersion: When deeply immersed in the design process, it can be challenging to spot issues that are glaringly obvious to someone approaching the prototype with fresh eyes.
Moreover, I've learned that treating evaluation as a well-planned process is crucial, especially in user testing. In our project, we couldn't compensate our test participants, which made their contribution a significant favor. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that your testing process meets high standards before inviting participants to avoid wasting their time and ours.
In summary, my role as the head of evaluations has taught me the importance of teamwork and communication, the need to adapt evaluation methods appropriately, and the value of a well-structured evaluation process. These insights have been instrumental in optimizing the project's outcomes and ensuring user experiences are both robust and user-centric.