A comprehensive UI/UX design project for HPCDI North, a creative studio focused on sustainable architecture, natural building, and Himalayan craftsmanship. This project transformed their digital presence into an engaging, user-friendly platform that effectively showcases their diverse offerings and unique brand identity.
My Approach
As the UI and UX designer for this project, I implemented a holistic approach to create a cohesive digital experience:
Conducted extensive user research and developed detailed personas to understand the diverse audience
Created a comprehensive information architecture and user flows to optimize navigation
Developed a unique visual language that reflects North's ethos of sustainability and craftsmanship
Designed an interactive storytelling experience using parallax scrolling and subtle animations
Implemented responsive design principles to ensure seamless functionality across all devices
Collaborated closely with developers to ensure accurate implementation of design vision
Vision and Innovation
The vision for North's digital platform was to create an immersive online experience that mirrored the warmth, creativity, and sustainability of their physical spaces. We aimed to:
Showcase North's multifaceted offerings (architecture, workshops, residencies, products) in an intuitive, visually appealing manner
Integrate storytelling elements to convey North's journey, philosophy, and impact
Create an online community hub for artists, architects, and craft enthusiasts
Develop a scalable design system that could accommodate future growth and new initiatives
Identifying Unique Challenges
Balancing the diverse content needs of multiple user groups (architects, artists, travelers, students)
Conveying the tactile, experiential nature of North's work through a digital medium
Creating a visually rich experience while ensuring fast load times for users in remote areas
Designing an intuitive e-commerce solution for handcrafted, often one-of-a-kind products
Developing an interface to cater to both local and international audiences
User-Centric Design
Implemented a card-sorting exercise to optimize the information architecture
Designed intuitive navigation patterns based on user journey mapping
Created interactive prototypes for user testing, iterating based on feedback
Developed persona-based content strategies to ensure relevance for different user groups
Meeting User Needs
Implemented a modular design system that allows for easy content management across diverse sections
Utilized advanced lazy-loading techniques and optimized assets to ensure smooth performance
Designed an innovative "virtual tour" feature to give users an immersive sense of North's spaces
Created a flexible product showcase that highlights the uniqueness of each handcrafted item
Developed a custom booking system that integrates workshop schedules, residency availability, and stay options
Detailed Pages and Features
Responsive design optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices
Custom-built content management system for easy updates by North's team
Integration with payment gateways for secure workshop bookings and product purchases
Implementation of WebGL for interactive 3D models of architectural projects
Advanced filtering and search functionality to help users find relevant content quickly
Conclusion
The HPCDI North website design project successfully transformed their digital presence into a powerful tool for engagement, education, and e-commerce. By combining innovative UX strategies with a visually striking design language, we created a platform that not only showcases North's work but also fosters a community around sustainable living and traditional craftsmanship. The new website has significantly increased user engagement, workshop bookings, and product sales, serving as a testament to the power of thoughtful, user-centered design.
