Husky Communications

Category

Web Design, Web Development, UX Design

Industry

Agency, Digital Communication, Public Relations

My Role

Web Developer, UX Designer

Application Used

WordPress, Figma, Adobe Photoshop

Project Overview
This project was part of Northeastern University's official digital agency, which offers students from media-related disciplines the opportunity to gain real-world experience in Public Relations and Digital Communication. By participating in this agency, students can apply their academic knowledge in practical settings, preparing them for professional careers. The agency works with both non-profit and for-profit organizations, providing effective digital solutions to various clients.
As a UX Designer and Web Developer, I focused on website layout design, development, and content updates. This role allowed me to directly contribute to the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the website, ensuring it met the needs of our diverse stakeholders.
Visit the Website

Design Process

Problem Statement
At Northeastern University, media students often struggle to translate their academic knowledge into real-world skills due to limited exposure to practical experiences. Simultaneously, organizations need cost-effective, innovative digital communication solutions but lack direct access to fresh talent. The Husky Communications project addresses these issues by establishing a platform where students can provide and develop digital solutions that showcase student capabilities and connect them with real-world clients. This initiative not only helps students gain essential practical experience but also provides organizations with tailored, effective digital communication services.
User Research
In designing the nameplate for "Traipse" magazine, I focused on a clean and modern aesthetic that would resonate with our target audience—travel and culture enthusiasts who are drawn to artistic expression. I chose a bold, straightforward typography to ensure the title is impactful and legible, crucial for standing out in the competitive magazine rack space. Initially, I experimented with both serif and sans-serif fonts to balance the contemporary feel with a touch of tradition. However, after some trials, I settled on a serif font for its playful look, which aligns well with the magazine's focus on vibrant, dynamic travel stories.
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The tagline "Step into Wanderlust" positioned consistently below the title acts as a direct invitation to the readers, encouraging them to immerse themselves in the world of travel. This minimalistic approach in the nameplate design ensures that the magazine's visual identity remains distinctive and recognizable across different issues, while still allowing flexibility within the overarching brand framework.
Student Feedback
Conversations with students revealed a keen interest in a platform that would allow them to display their work and testimonials. They expressed a desire for a space that would not only serve as a portfolio but also reflect the real-world impact of their academic projects. This feedback was instrumental in shaping the user-centric features of the website.
Stakeholder Interviews
We interviewed representatives from various organizations to understand their expectations and requirements from a partnership with the university. The insights gathered indicated a strong preference for a platform that not only highlighted the professional skills of the students but also showcased successful collaborative projects.
Wireframes
Adherence to Northeastern University's established brand guidelines was crucial in this project. My design approach was to blend these guidelines with a style that emphasizes clarity and organization, ensuring that both textual and visual elements are harmoniously integrated.
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Considering the number of projects we needed to display, a two-column layout was implemented for the showcase gallery page. This layout efficiently utilizes space to present visual images alongside key project information, enabling users to quickly grasp the essence of each case study without overwhelming them with details.

For the specific case study pages, we followed a consistent structure comprising an overview, process, testimonials, and showcases.
Technical Implementation
As part of the Husky Communications project, I leveraged my skills in WordPress to construct and refine critical components of our website, focusing on both functionality and user experience.
WordPress Development
Case Study Display Pages: I designed and developed the case study display pages and specific case pages using WordPress. This involved creating custom templates that cater to the unique needs of each project, ensuring that they are both informative and visually appealing.
UX Optimization: Throughout the development process, I continuously optimized the user experience by implementing intuitive navigation and coherent layouts, which made the website more user-friendly and accessible.

Website Maintenance and Content Updates
Blog Content Updates: I was actively involved in maintaining the website, including regular updates to the blog section. This involved curating and updating content to keep the website dynamic and engaging for visitors, ensuring that it served as an up-to-date resource for showcasing student work and industry collaborations.
Image Optimization: To enhance site performance, I optimized web images for better resolution and faster loading times. This not only improved the aesthetic quality of the site but also contributed to better overall website speed and user experience.

Performance Enhancements
Speed Optimization: I applied various techniques to improve website loading speed, such as compressing images, minifying CSS. and identifying the best plug-ins. These enhancements provided a smooth browsing experience, thereby retaining visitor engagement and improving SEO performance.

Deliverables

Visit Husky Communications

Reflections

Participating in the Husky Communications project at Northeastern University was a valuable experience that significantly enhanced my skills in web development and UX design. By engaging directly with WordPress to design and optimize the project’s website, I sharpened my technical abilities and gained practical insights into digital communication. This role allowed me to effectively connect academic learning with real-world applications. I am grateful for the opportunity provided by Northeastern University to apply my skills in such a dynamic environment and collaborative team, contributing meaningfully to a project that blends educational goals with practical outcomes.

Other Works

LinkedIn