RedShed Arts Workshop
I redesigned responsive website of a non-profit community establishment offering a creative space catering to both experienced and aspiring artists, providing opportunities for individuals seeking to expand their skillsets or refine their existing abilities.
RedShed is a creative space for artists, both experienced professionals and those who are just starting out. It is a place where individuals can learn and develop new skills or build upon existing ones. Their goal is to foster a supportive environment where artists and art enthusiasts alike can come together to collaborate or work independently on various art projects. RedShed Arts Workshop is open to everyone, not just the local community of Newstead. The workshop is intended to be a shared space where the public can access the facilities and equipment, and offer regular introductory courses to assist with this.
Problem
Before the redesign, the RedShed Arts Workshop website faced usability challenges that hindered a positive user experience. Users, including artists and community members, encountered difficulties navigating the site, accessing relevant information, and engaging with available resources. The lack of user-friendliness contributed to a potential disconnect between the workshop and its audience, limiting participation and awareness of the valuable artistic opportunities and resources it offered.
Solution
To address the usability issues and enhance the overall user experience, the RedShed Arts Workshop website has undergone a comprehensive redesign. The new design prioritizes intuitive navigation, clear information architecture, and improved accessibility, ensuring that both artists and community members can easily discover and engage with the diverse range of activities, workshops, and opportunities available at RedShed. The redesigned site aims to foster a sense of community, encourage artistic exploration, and effectively communicate the workshop’s mission, thus creating a more inclusive and welcoming digital space for all users.
Tools
WordPress, Squarespace, Adobe Illustrator, Figma
Role
Web designer
Duration
February to May 2023
(3 months)
Design Process
Research
Interviews
Previous website
Ideation
Thumbnail sketches
Moodboard
Designs
Wireframes
Mockups
The Recipe
Redesigned website
Research
Interview with RedShed
I asked two representatives from the RedShed Arts Workshop what their goals and aims for the new site were. These were their responses:
Their previous site
- Created using SquareSpace (found quite limiting)
- The pages ‘Updates’ and ‘The Space’ were to be archived
- Static, did not convey much information for prospective visitors (both online and in-person)
- Much information was deemed superfluous – despite the whitespace a lot of the design was quite cluttered
- Text was hardbaked on, not accessible for many viewers to the site
- Template was not able to be customised, they were essentially working around the only framework they had been given
Prospective redesign
- The organisation was inspired by Megalo Print Studio – megalo.org and Newstead Arts Hub – newsteadartshub.org
- Considered the use of WordPress compared with the previous SquareSpace as a platform
- Wanted a page for News (to function as a blog for updates)
- Needed the option to continually update and create new events for classes and workshops
- Required their brand identity to be more prevalent
Ideation
Thumbnail Sketches
Moodboard
Designs
Wireframes
I generated wireframes on Figma, followed shortly by their page mockups. From left: Home, Activities, About Us, Contact.
Mockups
Mockups were designed to a greater extent and included the News page, as well as example blog posts and an upcoming Class/Workshop information page.
The Recipe (Outcome)
RedShed Arts Workshop website
The redesigned website displaying the following pages: Home, About Us, Activities, Current and Upcoming Classes and Workshops, News, a sample class, Contact Us, Previous Classes and Workshops.
Reflection
The RedShed Arts Workshop website redesign has greatly improved user engagement and community involvement. The revamped site now offers a more user-friendly experience, making it easier for users to find information about workshops, events, and projects. This has led to increased participation rates and a more accessible registration process, catering to users of all artistic levels. The redesign has successfully connected the workshop’s physical space with its online presence, enhancing the cultural vibrancy of Newstead.
