US Chess
Federation
A redesign of the US Chess
Federation website
A redesign of the US Chess
Federation website
A redesign of the US Chess
Federation website
Objective
UX Audit and Redesign
The US Chess Federation (USCF) is the national governing
body for chess in the United States. As the Product Design
Intern I had been tasked with redesigning this website.
Throughout this redesign I have been focusing on the
navigation menu and landing page by applying UX
research and design methods to create a more
consistent, usable, accessible, and user-friendly
digital experience.
Objective
UX Audit and Redesign
The US Chess Federation (USCF) is the national governing
body for chess in the United States. As the Product Design
Intern I had been tasked with redesigning this website.
Throughout this redesign I have been focusing on the
navigation menu by applying UX research and design
methods to create a more consistent, usable,
accessible, and user-friendly digital experience.
Objective
To evaluate and redesign
the US Chess Federation
website, addressing overall
site structure by applying
UX research and design
methods to create a more
consistent, usable, and
user-friendly digital
experience.
Objective
UX Audit and Redesign
The US Chess Federation (USCF) is the national
governing body for chess in the United States. As
the Product Design Intern I had been tasked with
redesigning this website. Throughout this redesign
I have been focusing on the navigation menu by
applying UX research and design methods to
create a more consistent, usable, accessible, and
user-friendly digital experience.
My Role
UX Research
Information Architecture
UI Design
Prototyping
My Role
UX Research
Information Architecture
UI Design
Prototyping
My Role
UX Research
Information
Architecture
UI Design
Prototyping
My Role
UX Research
Information Architecture
UI Design
Prototyping
Tools
Miro Figma
Tools
Miro Figma
Tools
Miro Figma
Duration
Research- 8 weeks
Prototyping- 8 weeks
Team
Esha Macha
Natasha Roberts
Sangeeta Parakala
Duration
Research- 8 weeks
Prototyping- 8 weeks
Team
Esha Macha
Natasha Roberts
Sangeeta Parakala
Duration
Research-
8 weeks
Prototyping-
8 weeks
Duration
Research- 8 weeks
Prototyping- 8 weeks
Team
Esha Macha
Natasha Roberts
Sangeeta Parakala
The Challenge
Who are we solving for?
Our USCF landing page primarily targets Chess Players, Parents, and Tournament Directors
The original USCF landing page primarily focuses on news and updates, organizational information, and the unorganized navigation menu.
The pages are inconsistent with their visual design.
Our USCF landing page primarily targets Chess Players, Parents, and Tournament Directors
The original USCF landing page primarily focuses on news and updates, organizational information, and the unorganized navigation menu.
The pages are inconsistent with their visual design.
Our USCF landing page primarily targets Chess Players, Parents, and Tournament Directors
The original USCF landing page primarily focuses on news and updates, organizational information, and the unorganized navigation menu.
The pages are inconsistent with their visual design.
what are we solving?
After conducting surveys with the primary users of USCF, we identified the primary set of issues with the current landing page that we aim to address through the redesign
Presently, the landing page does not prioritize the needs of the main users for USCF. The navigation bar needs to be concise and catered to the users who visit the site.
After conducting surveys with the primary users of USCF, we identified the primary set of issues with the current landing page that we aim to address through the redesign
Presently, the landing page does not prioritize the needs of the main users for USCF. The navigation bar needs to be concise and catered to the users who visit the site.
After conducting surveys with the primary users of USCF, we identified the primary set of issues with the current landing page that we aim to address through the redesign
Presently, the landing page does not prioritize the needs of the main users for USCF. The navigation bar needs to be concise and catered to the users who visit the site.
what are the end goals?
Redesign the navigation bar to align with the visual style of the landing page while streamlining the menu by removing unnecessary pages that contribute to clutter.
Ensure that all pages follow a consistent visual style and design system, creating a cohesive experience that feels unified across the entire site
Redesign the navigation bar to align with the visual style of the landing page while streamlining the menu by removing unnecessary pages that contribute to clutter.
Ensure that all pages follow a consistent visual style and design system, creating a cohesive experience that feels unified across the entire site
Redesign the navigation bar to align with the visual style of the landing page while streamlining the menu by removing unnecessary pages that contribute to clutter.
Ensure that all pages follow a consistent visual style and design system, creating a cohesive experience that feels unified across the entire site
The Research
The Research
The Research
I first conducted an extensive research process to deeply understand its existing challenges and user pain points. My goal was to uncover where the site failed to meet user needs and to identify opportunities for improvement. These insights formed the foundation for my design decisions and guided the creation of a more intuitive, user-friendly experience.
I first conducted an extensive research process to deeply understand its existing challenges and user pain points. My goal was to uncover where the site failed to meet user needs and to identify opportunities for improvement. These insights formed the foundation for my design decisions and guided the creation of a more intuitive, user-friendly experience.
I first conducted an extensive research process to deeply understand its existing challenges and user pain points. My goal was to uncover where the site failed to meet user needs and to identify opportunities for improvement. These insights formed the foundation for my design decisions and guided the creation of a more intuitive, user-friendly experience.
Site Mapping
I created a comprehensive sitemap of the website to clearly illustrate its structure and uncover issues within the layout and organization.
Redundancy of Content: Information is repeated across different areas instead of being consolidated.
Overloaded Navigation: An Immense amount of pages that can become overwhelming for the user. Important categories can get buried among less relevant content
Unclear Grouping: Pages are grouped in ways that don’t match how users think.
Lack of User-Centric Prioritization: Users are unable to get to the parts of the site they rely on the most due to the lack of prioritization for important content.
Site Mapping
I created a comprehensive sitemap of the website to clearly illustrate its structure and uncover issues within the layout and organization.
Redundancy of Content: Information is repeated across different areas instead of being consolidated.
Overloaded Navigation: An Immense amount of pages that can become overwhelming for the user. Important categories can get buried among less relevant content
Unclear Grouping: Pages are grouped in ways that don’t match how users think.
Lack of User-Centric Prioritization: Users are unable to get to the parts of the site they rely on the most due to the lack of prioritization for important content.
Site Mapping
I created a comprehensive sitemap of the website to clearly illustrate its structure and uncover issues within the layout and organization.
Redundancy of Content: Information is repeated across different areas instead of being consolidated.
Overloaded Navigation: An Immense amount of pages that can become overwhelming for the user. Important categories can get buried among less relevant content
Unclear Grouping: Pages are grouped in ways that don’t match how users think.
Lack of User-Centric Prioritization: Users are unable to get to the parts of the site they rely on the most due to the lack of prioritization for important content.
User Surveys
User Surveys
User Surveys
I analyzed user survey data shared by the US Chess team, which revealed valuable insights about the site’s audience, their expectations, and their desired improvements.
Audience: The main users of the site include players, parents, coaches, and tournament directors.
User Expectations: Visitors primarily come to the site to check ratings, manage memberships, and find tournaments, but these features are not currently prioritized in the design.
Opportunities: Users expressed a need for a search feature, an improved menu structure, and additional enhancements to make the site easier to navigate.
I analyzed user survey data shared by the US Chess team, which revealed valuable insights about the site’s audience, their expectations, and their desired improvements.
Audience: The main users of the site include players, parents, coaches, and tournament directors.
User Expectations: Visitors primarily come to the site to check ratings, manage memberships, and find tournaments, but these features are not currently prioritized in the design.
Opportunities: Users expressed a need for a search feature, an improved menu structure, and additional enhancements to make the site easier to navigate.
I analyzed user survey data shared by the US Chess team, which revealed valuable insights about the site’s audience, their expectations, and their desired improvements.
Audience: The main users of the site include players, parents, coaches, and tournament directors.
User Expectations: Visitors primarily come to the site to check ratings, manage memberships, and find tournaments, but these features are not currently prioritized in the design.
Opportunities: Users expressed a need for a search feature, an improved menu structure, and additional enhancements to make the site easier to navigate.
Competitor Analysis
Navigation Models: Many other organizations structure their headers (mega nav, multi nav, dual nav).
Clarity and Consistency: Competitors maintain consistent headers, fonts, and colors. Reinforced the importance of a design system for professional credibility
Use of Micro sites: Many organizations use micro sites for specialized user flows
Utility Navigation: Other organizations have a clearer and intuitive utility navigation.
Navigation Models: Many other organizations structure their headers (mega nav, multi nav, dual nav).
Clarity and Consistency: Competitors maintain consistent headers, fonts, and colors. Reinforced the importance of a design system for professional credibility
Use of Micro sites: Many organizations use micro sites for specialized user flows
Utility Navigation: Other organizations have a clearer and intuitive utility navigation.
Heuristic Evaluation
Heuristic Evaluation
I conducted a Heuristic Evaluation of the USCF website using Nielsen Norman’s 10 usability heuristics as a framework. I systematically analyzed the site against principles such as visibility, consistency, error prevention, and flexibility to identify usability issues. From this evaluation, I developed a set of opportunities and actionable recommendations, which I later presented to the USCF team as part of my research findings.
I conducted a Heuristic Evaluation of the USCF website using Nielsen Norman’s 10 usability heuristics as a framework. I systematically analyzed the site against principles such as visibility, consistency, error prevention, and flexibility to identify usability issues. From this evaluation, I developed a set of opportunities and actionable recommendations, which I later presented to the USCF team as part of my research findings.
I conducted a Heuristic Evaluation of the USCF website using Nielsen Norman’s 10 usability heuristics as a framework. I systematically analyzed the site against principles such as visibility, consistency, error prevention, and flexibility to identify usability issues. From this evaluation, I developed a set of opportunities and actionable recommendations, which I later presented to the USCF team as part of my research findings.
Current US Chess Federation Page UX Audit
Current US Chess Federation Page UX Audit
Define
From my research and heuristic evaluation, I identified several usability gaps in navigation, consistency, and accessibility. To move forward I consolidated three main guiding questions.
From my research and heuristic evaluation, I identified several usability gaps in navigation, consistency, and accessibility. To move forward I consolidated three main guiding questions.
From my research and heuristic evaluation, I identified several usability gaps in navigation, consistency, and accessibility. To move forward I consolidated three main guiding questions.
How might we create a consistent visual and interaction design system across fonts, colors, and buttons that builds trust and improves usability?
Consistency & Trust
How might we restructure the navigation menu so that users can easily find the core content they are looking for?
Navigation & Access
How might we create a consistent visual and interaction design system across fonts, colors, and buttons that builds trust and improves usability?
Consistency & Trust
How might we restructure the navigation menu so that users can easily find the core content they are looking for?
Navigation & Access
How might we create a consistent visual and interaction design system across fonts, colors, and buttons that builds trust and improves usability?
Consistency & Trust
How might we restructure the navigation menu so that users can easily find the core content they are looking for?
Navigation & Access
Audience Needs
How might we design a flexible navigation system that serves multiple audiences without overwhelming any group?
How might we design a flexible navigation system that serves multiple audiences without overwhelming any group?
Audience Needs
How might we design a flexible navigation system that serves multiple audiences without overwhelming any group?
Audience Needs
Persona Development
Persona Development
Persona Development
I developed a few personas to serve as a cumulative representation of the USCF users' motivations, goals, and behaviors that I derived from the user surveys and insights
I developed a few personas to serve as a cumulative representation of the USCF users' motivations, goals, and behaviors that I derived from the user surveys and insights
I developed a few personas to serve as a cumulative representation of the USCF users' motivations, goals, and behaviors that I derived from the user surveys and insights
I developed a few personas to serve as a cumulative representation of the USCF users' motivations, goals, and behaviors that I derived from the user surveys and insights
Tournament Director
Tournament Director
Name
Name
Age
Age
Bio
Bio
Dana White
Background
Committed to growing chess locally
Familiar with technical systems like pairing software and rating uploads
Balances volunteer work with administrative tasks
Dana White
Background
Committed to growing chess locally
Familiar with technical systems like pairing software and rating uploads
Balances volunteer work with administrative tasks
Dana White
Background
Committed to growing chess locally
Familiar with technical systems like pairing software and rating uploads
Balances volunteer work with administrative tasks
Dana White
Background
Committed to growing chess locally
Familiar with technical systems like pairing software and rating uploads
Balances volunteer work with administrative tasks
50
50
50
50
Dana runs local chess tournaments and is passionate about growing the chess community. She's a certified tournament director and uses USChess.org to register events, submit results, and stay updated on rules. Dana enjoys creating fair, fun events for players of all ages.
Motivations
Passion for chess education
Community building
Dana runs local chess tournaments and is passionate about growing the chess community. She's a certified tournament director and uses USChess.org to register events, submit results, and stay updated on rules. Dana enjoys creating fair, fun events for players of all ages.
Motivations
Passion for chess education
Community building
Dana runs local chess tournaments and is passionate about growing the chess community. She's a certified tournament director and uses USChess.org to register events, submit results, and stay updated on rules. Dana enjoys creating fair, fun events for players of all ages.
Motivations
Passion for chess education
Community building
Tournament Competitor
Tournament Competitor
Name
Name
Age
Age
Bio
Bio
Alex Smith
Background
Highly motivated by rankings and ratings
Supported by a parent or coach for travel and training
Uses online tools to prepare and track performance
Alex Smith
Background
Highly motivated by rankings and ratings
Supported by a parent or coach for travel and training
Uses online tools to prepare and track performance
Dana White
Background
Committed to growing chess locally
Familiar with technical systems like pairing software and rating uploads
Balances volunteer work with administrative tasks
Alex Smith
Background
Highly motivated by rankings and ratings
Supported by a parent or coach for travel and training
Uses online tools to prepare and track performance
13
13
13
13
Alex uses USchess.org to check his rating, look up past games, and find new events to join. He likes to see his progress and wants to become one of the top players in his age group.
Motivations
Recognition among peers
College or scholarship potential
Personal pride and mastery
Alex uses USchess.org to check his rating, look up past games, and find new events to join. He likes to see his progress and wants to become one of the top players in his age group.
Motivations
Recognition among peers
College or scholarship potential
Personal pride and mastery
Alex uses USchess.org to check his rating, look up past games, and find new events to join. He likes to see his progress and wants to become one of the top players in his age group.
Motivations
Recognition among peers
College or scholarship potential
Personal pride and mastery
Ideation
User Flow:
I created user flows that visualize the process of users completing a task from start to finish.
These flows highlight the steps needed to accomplish core tasks, helping to understand what needs to be addressed.
User Flow:
I created user flows that visualize the process of users completing a task from start to finish.
These flows highlight the steps needed to accomplish core tasks, helping to understand what needs to be addressed.
User Flow:
I created user flows that visualize the process of users completing a task from start to finish.
These flows highlight the steps needed to accomplish core tasks, helping to understand what needs to be addressed.
Sitemap:
Together with the USCF team, I created a new sitemap that incorporated insights gathered throughout the research and design process.
Sitemap:
Together with the USCF team, I created a new sitemap that incorporated insights gathered throughout the research and design process.
Sitemap:
Together with the USCF team, I created a new sitemap that incorporated insights gathered throughout the research and design process.
Wireframes:
I experimented with several landing pages and menu wireframes, testing approaches such as a mega navigation, a multi-level navigation, and a dual navigation to evaluate which structure best supported usability.
Wireframes:
I experimented with several landing pages and menu wireframes, testing approaches such as a mega navigation, a multi-level navigation, and a dual navigation to evaluate which structure best supported usability.
Wireframes:
I experimented with several landing pages and menu wireframes, testing approaches such as a mega navigation, a multi-level navigation, and a dual navigation to evaluate which structure best supported usability.
Navigation Models
The site’s poor navigation menu was a major factor contributing to its lack of usability. To address this, I created several menu models to present to my team, which allowed us to explore options and identify the most effective navigation structure for the website.
Navigation Models
The site’s poor navigation menu was a major factor contributing to its lack of usability. To address this, I created several menu models to present to my team, which allowed us to explore options and identify the most effective navigation structure for the website.
Navigation Models
The site’s poor navigation menu was a major factor contributing to its lack of usability. To address this, I created several menu models to present to my team, which allowed us to explore options and identify the most effective navigation structure for the website.
Option #1
Option #1
Option #2
Option #2
Option #3
Option #3
Option #4
Option #4
Design System
Design System
Prototype
Following my internship research, I synthesized my findings into a redesigned prototype for the US Chess website. This prototype incorporates solutions to the navigation, organization, and consistency issues uncovered during my audit, while aligning with user needs and accessibility standards.
Prototype
Following my internship research, I synthesized my findings into a redesigned prototype for the US Chess website. This prototype incorporates solutions to the navigation, organization, and consistency issues uncovered during my audit, while aligning with user needs and accessibility standards.
Prototype
Following my internship research, I synthesized my findings into a redesigned prototype for the US Chess website. This prototype incorporates solutions to the navigation, organization, and consistency issues uncovered during my audit, while aligning with user needs and accessibility standards.
Takeaways:
research guides decision
This project highlighted how Competitor analysis, UX audit, and heuristic evaluation provided insights that shaped informed, user-centered solutions.
This project highlighted how Competitor analysis, UX audit, and heuristic evaluation provided insights that shaped informed, user-centered solutions.
consistency drives usability
Inconsistent fonts, colors, and layouts created friction, and defining a clear system demonstrated the value of visual harmony
Inconsistent fonts, colors, and layouts created friction, and defining a clear system demonstrated the value of visual harmony
simplified navigation
