Taprtoot law
UX Research & Website Redesign
Overview
This project focuses on improving the Taproot Law website through user-centered research and design. Using interviews, surveys, and card-sorting, I identified key usability issues and reimagined the site to be more accessible, intuitive, and aligned with Taproot’s human-centered mission.
01
I began by learning about Taproot Law, a small legal firm focused on serving communities in Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Their mission centers around providing human-centered, compassionate legal support. The goal of this project was to explore how their website could become more accessible, user-friendly, and better communicate their services to a broader audience.
02
I developed research questions focused on usability, communication clarity, accessibility, and audience perception. I reviewed Taproot’s existing site, analyzed competitor websites, and brainstormed ideas to identify key areas for improvement.
03
I conducted qualitative and quantitative research to gather real user insights:
- User Interviews: I interviewed people from various backgrounds—including retirees, professionals, and international contacts—to understand their experiences with the site.
- Survey: I created and distributed a Google Form to students, professors, friends, and family to capture diverse perspectives.
Key findings revealed issues with readability, color contrast, navigation clarity, and mixed messaging about the firm's offerings.
04
Using an affinity diagram and card sorting exercises, I synthesized the feedback into clear themes:
- Users were confused about Taproot's focus (some thought it was environmental law)
- Visual clarity and structure needed refinement
- The navigation and content organization lacked consistency and clarity
These findings helped define clear areas of opportunity for the redesign.
05
Based on research insights, I brainstormed solutions that would simplify the navigation, clarify Taproot’s legal services, and improve visual hierarchy. I focused on accessibility , trust-building elements, and user flow.
06
I brought my redesign to life by refining the visuals, enhancing readability, and reworking the site’s layout for a cleaner, more approachable feel. I focused on creating intuitive navigation and adding thoughtful visual cues so users always felt guided and supported. From simplified menus to improved color contrast and clear calls to action, every detail was crafted to build trust and make legal services feel more accessible. My goal was to create an experience that feels professional, human-centered, and easy to use from the first click.
Reflection
Insights and Future Direction
Key
takeaways
This project gave me the opportunity to focus on user-centered design within the legal services space. Here are the key insights I gained throughout this process:
User-Centered Design for Trust
Allow users to sync with friends’ devices and see each other’s progress live. This could encourage friendly competition, increase engagement, and boost overall replay value.
Aesthetics with Accessibility
The redesign struck a strong balance between visual appeal and clarity. By improving the layout, increasing text size, enhancing color contrast, and simplifying navigation, the design became both attractive and inclusive. These updates made the site easier to use for people of all ages and abilities, without sacrificing style or usability.
Refining User Interactions
I added subtle interactive elements, such as hover effects and intuitive transitions, which provided clear feedback to users. I learned how these micro-interactions, though small, can greatly improve the overall user experience by adding polish and keeping users engaged.
Real-World User Testing
Conducting interviews and surveys with people from various demographics was invaluable in uncovering usability issues. Real-world feedback revealed areas where the website could improve, such as the need for better visual contrast and more intuitive navigation.
Next
Steps
If I were to continue refining the Taproot Law website, I would focus on the following areas:
Expanded User Testing
I'd conduct more extensive in-person user testing with individuals from diverse backgrounds to see how they interact with the website in real time. This would help pinpoint more subtle pain points and ensure the design meets user needs effectively.
Mobile Optimization
Given the growing number of mobile users, I would focus on optimizing the website for mobile devices to ensure the experience is seamless across all screen sizes. This would include simplifying navigation and making the most important information readily accessible on smaller screens.
Interactive Features
I would add more interactive features, like live chat or a legal service cost estimator, to increase engagement and help users feel more supported throughout their experience. These features would provide immediate value and help guide users toward taking action.
Ongoing Iteration
I would continue iterating based on user feedback, especially focusing on the areas identified during testing—like color contrast and content clarity. Regular updates would ensure the website evolves with the needs of its users, keeping it relevant and user-friendly.
UI/UX
Design
We enhance user experiences through intuitive UI/UX design, ensuring seamless interactions that delight users and meet your business objectives.
User Research & Personas Development
Our user research and personas development service involves understanding your target audience through interviews, surveys, and analysis. We create detailed user personas that represent your customers, allowing us to tailor design strategies and improve user experience. This foundational work ensures your solutions are aligned with real user needs and behaviors.
Wireframing & Prototyping
We specialize in wireframing and prototyping to visualize your website or application before development. By creating low-fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes, we map out user flows and layouts. This process allows for early feedback and adjustments, ensuring the final design is intuitive and user-friendly, ultimately enhancing the user experience.
Usability Testing & Analysis
Our usability testing and analysis services evaluate how real users interact with your product. We conduct tests to identify pain points and areas for improvement, gathering valuable insights into user behavior. This data-driven approach enables us to refine your design, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
UI/UX Audits & Redesigns
We offer comprehensive UI/UX audits and redesigns to assess your existing product's effectiveness. By analyzing user feedback, design consistency, and usability, we identify areas for improvement. Our redesign process revitalizes your digital experience, ensuring it aligns with user needs, enhances satisfaction, and drives engagement and conversions.
What Our
Clients Say
See what our satisfied clients say about working with us.
Exceptional Branding That Elevated Our Identity.
Their strategic approach completely transformed our brand. We’ve seen a huge increase in recognition and client engagement
Process
Our proven process ensures successful outcomes and client satisfaction every time.
01
Understanding Your Unique Needs.
In the discovery phase, we immerse ourselves in your brand’s vision, goals, and target audience. Through collaborative discussions and research, we gather insights that inform our strategy.
This foundational step ensures that our design solutions align perfectly with your objectives and resonate deeply with your audience.
This foundational step ensures that our design solutions align perfectly with your objectives and resonate deeply with your audience.
02
Crafting Innovative Solutions.
During the design phase, our team translates insights into visually captivating and functional designs. We create wireframes, prototypes, and mockups, allowing you to visualize the project.
This iterative process encourages collaboration and feedback, ensuring the final design reflects your brand identity while enhancing user experience.
This iterative process encourages collaboration and feedback, ensuring the final design reflects your brand identity while enhancing user experience.
03
Bringing Ideas to Life.
In the development stage, we transform approved designs into fully functional websites or applications. Our skilled developers utilize the latest technologies to ensure optimal performance, responsiveness, and security.
We conduct thorough testing throughout this phase, addressing any issues to deliver a polished final product that exceeds expectations.
We conduct thorough testing throughout this phase, addressing any issues to deliver a polished final product that exceeds expectations.
04
Seamless Deployment and Beyond.
After final reviews and testing, we launch your project with precision and care. Our team ensures a smooth transition while providing ongoing support and maintenance.
We’re committed to your success, offering guidance and updates to keep your website or application running optimally and evolving with your needs.
We’re committed to your success, offering guidance and updates to keep your website or application running optimally and evolving with your needs.