Responsive Website
The Wildernet
Services
UX Design
UI Design
Branding
About the Company
In a digital world often driven by algorithms, The WilderNet offers a space for authentic voices and genuine connections. Inspired by the diverse, open platforms of the early internet, The WilderNet allows users to explore personal blogs, share honest reviews, and engage in meaningful discussions. The platform blends nostalgia with innovation, providing a place where individuality thrives in the modern web.
The Challenge
The WilderNet’s goal was to create a digital space where users could engage with authentic content and connect with like-minded individuals. They needed a mobile application that would allow for easy exploration of user-generated content, while prioritizing a sense of community and individual expression.
Pain Points:
- The need for a platform that avoids algorithm-driven content.
- Balancing nostalgic design with modern usability.
- The challenge of building an intuitive user experience that scales over time.
The Solution
As the lead designer on a team that included three developers and a product owner, I worked on designing a responsive website from the ground up. The focus was to create a digital space that would rekindle the essence of the early internet while ensuring a modern, intuitive experience.
Key Features & Design Elements:
- User-Centered Design: I led the design process, beginning with user research and persona creation to ensure the site reflected the needs of the target audience, particularly users like Emily, who value authenticity and creativity.
- Responsive and Scalable: The site was designed to be fully responsive, with layouts optimized for mobile, tablet, and desktop to ensure a seamless user experience across all devices.
- Collaborative Development: I worked closely with the development team to ensure that the design was feasible and aligned with The WilderNet’s vision. Together, we prioritized essential features for version one, focusing on simplicity and usability.
The Process
Discovery and User Research
We began by conducting user research to define key personas and understand the needs of The WilderNet’s target audience. For example, users like Emily—who values authenticity and creativity—needed a platform that was easy to navigate, fostered community, and avoided content overload.
Design and Collaboration
Using insights from our research, I created user flows and wireframes to guide the development of a seamless, responsive website. I worked closely with the product owner and developers to ensure design feasibility and that the core features aligned with the user-centric goals of the platform. Together, we made strategic decisions, prioritizing essential features for version one while pushing additional elements, like playlists, to future versions.
Visual Design
The visual direction was developed in collaboration with the product owner, using a mood board to ensure alignment with The WilderNet’s brand. From there, I created high-fidelity designs and a comprehensive style guide to maintain consistency across future updates and iterations.
Mobile-First Design and Breakpoints
The design process started with a mobile-first approach, ensuring the website delivered a seamless experience on smartphones. Once the mobile designs were completed, I created tablet and desktop breakpoints, adapting the layout to maintain the same intuitive user flow and aesthetic while making the most of larger screen sizes. This responsive approach ensured a consistent and engaging experience across all devices.
The Results
The WilderNet’s responsive website is set to launch this fall. With a focus on creating an intuitive, mobile-first experience, we’ve laid the groundwork for a platform that supports user exploration, sharing, and community engagement. As the site goes live, we look forward to refining it based on real user interaction and evolving it to meet the growing needs of its audience.
“Cassidy is an exceptional UI/UX designer, with extensive knowledge, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail. Her design approach reflects the precision and craftsmanship of a true artisan. She’s a pleasure to collaborate with and is always willing to refine and iterate until the design perfectly aligns with the project’s vision. Cassidy’s expertise for transforming complex ideas into beautiful, intuitive user experiences makes her an invaluable member of any team. I cannot recommend her highly enough.”
Amanda M.
