Sunset Coast Lawns
A website for a new lawn service company
Background
Sunset Coast Lawns is a newly launched lawn service company that sought assistance in defining its brand identity and establishing an online presence to enhance business promotion strategies.
Competitive Audit
To help narrow down the clients wants and needs, I conducted a competitive audit to see what other competitors were doing in the space.
Findings: I found that most lawn companies in the area had a budget-centric, bold approach. To differentiate from other competitors, we decided to go with a modern and upscale feel.
UX Discovery
In order to gain an initial understanding of the website’s structure and promptly ascertain its information architecture, I developed a sitemap. To maintain site efficiency, I implemented a structure comprising eight pages, ensuring a relatively shallow site hierarchy.
Visual Approach
Following the presentation of the sitemap to the client, it became apparent that the client required further visual aids to comprehend the site structure. Consequently, I developed additional wireframes for the client’s feedback and reaction. This process was instrumental in initiating the definition of site structure and hierarchy, as well as laying the groundwork for creating a development template.
Creative Concepting
Following several iterations of wireframes, I obtained approval from the client regarding the site structure and template. Then, I commenced the development of their brand’s color palette, typography, and overall style.
User Testing
I developed a high-fidelity prototype of the proposed website and conducted user testing with a sample of 10 individuals. During these sessions, I posed a series of questions aimed at eliciting their impressions and expectations regarding the site’s functionality and design.
Findings
- Most users reported that the most important thing when it came to lawn maintenance for them was affordability and reliability.
- Some users had difficulty finding the estimate form.
- Users were most interested in services.
- I also had users describe the site's look and feel in 2 words, below are their descriptions:
Iterations
In response to the client’s request to emphasize estimates and users’ challenges in locating the estimate form, I strategically placed the form directly on the homepage to ensure it was the first element users encountered. Furthermore, I identified opportunities to incorporate additional estimate call-to-action (CTA) buttons throughout the site.
Solution
Following extensive research, meticulous design, and thorough development efforts, I successfully delivered a website that not only delighted the client but also resonated positively with users. As a result, our company has garnered more than 30 new clients, showcasing the efficacy of the design.
What I Learned
It is crucial for designers to cultivate versatility in communication methods with stakeholders. Recognizing that others may vary in their preferences, with some leaning towards technological and logical discussions while others are more inclined towards visual presentations, it is imperative to offer multiple communication approaches. This ensures effective collaboration even when our communication style may differ from that of our stakeholders.