Cal Poly Interfraternity Council
Cal Poly Interfraternity Council
Redesigned a website for the Cal Poly Interfraternity Council
Redesigned a website for the Cal Poly Interfraternity Council
As the lead researcher and designer on this project, I conducted and analyzed user research, ideated early concepts, ran design sprints, presented frequently to leadership, and developed the final website. I worked with a primary decision maker in this organization throughout this project.
As the lead researcher and designer on this project, I conducted and analyzed user research, ideated early concepts, ran design sprints, presented frequently to leadership, and developed the final website. I worked with a primary decision maker in this organization throughout this project.
Role
Lead UX/UI Designer
Lead UX/UI Designer
Lead UX/UI Designer
UX Researcher
Tasks
Wireframing
Branding
Development
Usability Testing
User Research
Tools
Figma
Squarespace
Timeline
2 Months
Project Summary
Project Summary
Problem
The Cal Poly Interfraternity Council (IFC), which oversees 18 national fraternities affiliated with Cal Poly, plays a key role in fostering leadership, service, and community among male students. Cal Poly IFC was also working to improve its public perception by promoting the positive aspects of fraternity life. However, the existing website was outdated and as a result, it made it difficult for users to understand the benefits of joining, learn about Cal Poly IFC and its 18 chapters, or find clear recruitment information.
The Cal Poly Interfraternity Council (IFC), which oversees 18 national fraternities affiliated with Cal Poly, plays a key role in fostering leadership, service, and community among male students. Cal Poly IFC was also working to improve its public perception by promoting the positive aspects of fraternity life. However, the existing website was outdated and as a result, it made it difficult for users to understand the benefits of joining, learn about Cal Poly IFC and its 18 chapters, or find clear recruitment information.
Solution
The new site now provides a place for people both within and beyond the Cal Poly Greek community to learn more about Cal Poly IFC, its mission, the 18 chapters it oversees, recruitment information, and the overall benefits of joining the Cal Poly fraternity community.
The new site now provides a place for people both within and beyond the Cal Poly Greek community to learn more about Cal Poly IFC, its mission, the 18 chapters it oversees, recruitment information, and the overall benefits of joining the Cal Poly fraternity community.
Impact
85%
85%
of users reported the website clearly conveyed the fraternity recruitment process.
71%
71%
of users reported a strong understanding of the benefits of joining a fraternity after viewing the website.
92%
92%
of users expressed a highly positive perception of Cal Poly SLO fraternities after viewing the website.
Process
Process
Problem
Problem
While Cal Poly IFC has been working to strengthen and maintain a positive image within the community, the existing website was outdated. Therefore, this hindered users from easily understanding the benefits of joining, learning more about Cal Poly IFC and its 18 chapters, or finding clear recruitment information.
While Cal Poly IFC has been working to strengthen and maintain a positive image within the community, the existing website was outdated. Therefore, this hindered users from easily understanding the benefits of joining, learning more about Cal Poly IFC and its 18 chapters, or finding clear recruitment information.
Sitemap
I created an initial sitemap to outline the structure and content of the IFC website, ensuring it included essential information for users, such as recruitment details, chapter profiles, and a frequently asked questions page.
I created an initial sitemap to outline the structure and content of the IFC website, ensuring it included essential information for users, such as recruitment details, chapter profiles, and a frequently asked questions page.
Initial Meeting with IFC Executive Board
Initial Meeting with IFC Executive Board
I met IFC executive board to align on project expectations and establish a clear timeline. I shared the initial sitemap to gather feedback on the proposed structure and content of the website. Based on their input, I was advised to research other West Coast IFC websites to ensure the design captured a similar vibe and aligned with regional standards.
I met IFC executive board to align on project expectations and establish a clear timeline. I shared the initial sitemap to gather feedback on the proposed structure and content of the website. Based on their input, I was advised to research other West Coast IFC websites to ensure the design captured a similar vibe and aligned with regional standards.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Now that I had met with the IFC Executive Board and defined my information architecture, I decided to conduct a competitive analysis and user research. Based on feedback from the IFC Executive Board, I primary analyzed IFC websites from schools on the West Coast, such as UCSB, UCLA, University Park(USC), and Oregon.
Now that I had met with the IFC Executive Board and defined my information architecture, I decided to conduct a competitive analysis and user research. Based on feedback from the IFC Executive Board, I primary analyzed IFC websites from schools on the West Coast, such as UCSB, UCLA, University Park(USC), and Oregon.
Key Insights
Highlight key benefits of fraternity life on the home page to quickly communicate value and counter misconceptions for new visitors and parents
Make recruitment information easy to access so potential new members can clearly understand how the recruitment process works and how to get involved
Include chapter profiles to help potential new members learn about each fraternity’s values, culture, and philanthropy, making it easier to find the right fit
Highlight key benefits of fraternity life on the home page to quickly communicate value and counter misconceptions for new visitors and parents
Make recruitment information easy to access so potential new members can clearly understand how the recruitment process works and how to get involved
Include chapter profiles to help potential new members learn about each fraternity’s values, culture, and philanthropy, making it easier to find the right fit
Attended AFLV West Conference
Attended AFLV West Conference
As the current IFC VP of Public Relations and Marketing Chair, I had the opportunity to attend the AFLV West Conference in Anaheim, California. During the conference, I attended workshops focused on improving our IFC’s online presence. I also had the chance to network with other PR and Marketing Chairs from IFCs at various universities, gaining valuable insight into their website development processes and the strategies they use to engage with their communities online. Additionally, other members of the Cal Poly IFC Executive Board who attended the conference shared feedback from their own sessions, which further informed ideas for enhancing our website.
As the current IFC VP of Public Relations and Marketing Chair, I had the opportunity to attend the AFLV West Conference in Anaheim, California. During the conference, I attended workshops focused on improving our IFC’s online presence. I also had the chance to network with other PR and Marketing Chairs from IFCs at various universities, gaining valuable insight into their website development processes and the strategies they use to engage with their communities online. Additionally, other members of the Cal Poly IFC Executive Board who attended the conference shared feedback from their own sessions, which further informed ideas for enhancing our website.
Key Insights
Include a clear call-to-action button on the landing page that directs potential new members to recruitment information.
Make it easy for potential new members to see how the recruitment process works, offering a clear, step-by-step overview of how to get involved.
Create a comprehensive FAQ page, as parents are a major factor in the decision-making process and often seek detailed answers to questions about safety, values, and the fraternity experience.
Include a clear call-to-action button on the landing page that directs potential new members to recruitment information.
Make it easy for potential new members to see how the recruitment process works, offering a clear, step-by-step overview of how to get involved.
Create a comprehensive FAQ page, as parents are a major factor in the decision-making process and often seek detailed answers to questions about safety, values, and the fraternity experience.
Project Goals
With a strong understanding of both user and business needs, I defined a clear set of goals to accomplish through this project.
With a strong understanding of both user and business needs, I defined a clear set of goals to accomplish through this project.
Create a place for students who haven’t joined a fraternity where they can learn more about being a part of fraternity at Cal Poly offers and they have can have their questions answered about recruitment and the Cal Poly fraternity experience.
Improve the public perception of Cal Poly SLO IFC and fraternities at Cal Poly SLO:
Community outside of Cal Poly SLO
Students at Cal Poly SLO
Cal Poly SLO Parents
Cal Poly Clubs and Organizations
Create a place for students who haven’t joined a fraternity where they can learn more about being a part of fraternity at Cal Poly offers and they have can have their questions answered about recruitment and the Cal Poly fraternity experience.
Improve the public perception of Cal Poly SLO IFC and fraternities at Cal Poly SLO:
Community outside of Cal Poly SLO
Students at Cal Poly SLO
Cal Poly SLO Parents
Cal Poly Clubs and Organizations
Style Guide
Style Guide
Now that I had gathered user research and defined my project goals, I made branding updates regarding its color palette and typography to ensure consistency with Cal Poly IFC’s official brand. By staying true to the existing brand, this made the site feel familiar and trustworthy to students and anyone interacting with Cal Poly IFC online.
Now that I had gathered user research and defined my project goals, I made branding updates regarding its color palette and typography to ensure consistency with Cal Poly IFC’s official brand. By staying true to the existing brand, this made the site feel familiar and trustworthy to students and anyone interacting with Cal Poly IFC online.
Redesiging the Website in Squarespace
Redesiging the Website in Squarespace
Now that I had my information architecture and branding guide defined, I started to redesign the website in Squarespace.
Now that I had my information architecture and branding guide defined, I started to redesign the website in Squarespace.
Home Page
Home Page
An introduction to IFC highlighting the benefits of joining, core values, and a snapshot of member chapters.
An introduction to IFC highlighting the benefits of joining, core values, and a snapshot of member chapters.
Chapters Page
Chapters Page
A directory of all 18 Cal Poly SLO fraternities with key information about each chapter.
A directory of all 18 Cal Poly SLO fraternities with key information about each chapter.
Executive Board Page
Executive Board Page
Meet the 10 student leaders who guide the Interfraternity Council and ensure smooth operations.
Meet the 10 student leaders who guide the Interfraternity Council and ensure smooth operations.
Recruitment Page
Recruitment Page
Detailed information on joining a fraternity, including key events, requirements, and how to get involved.
Detailed information on joining a fraternity, including key events, requirements, and how to get involved.
Frequently Asked Questions Page
Frequently Asked Questions Page
Answers to common questions about fraternity life, recruitment, membership, and IFC policies.
Answers to common questions about fraternity life, recruitment, membership, and IFC policies.
Development Challenges
Development Challenges
Working around Squarespace’s limited layout customization options
Squarespace's restricted layout flexibility made it difficult to fine tune spacing, alignment, and responsive behavior across devices.
Solution: Utilized systems thinking to use Squarespace's general layout settings to create a consistent layout throughout the site
Working around Squarespace’s limited layout customization options
Squarespace's restricted layout flexibility made it difficult to fine tune spacing, alignment, and responsive behavior across devices.
Solution: Utilized systems thinking to use Squarespace's general layout settings to create a consistent layout throughout the site
Lack of breakpoint-specific control over section height and text sizing.
Squarespace applies these settings universally across both desktop and mobile devices.
As a result, the hero image often appeared improperly scaled or cut off on smaller screens, creating a less-than-optimal mobile experience.
Solution: To solve these issues, I put in custom CSS Code to maintain visual consistency across breakpoints.
Lack of breakpoint-specific control over section height and text sizing.
Squarespace applies these settings universally across both desktop and mobile devices.
As a result, the hero image often appeared improperly scaled or cut off on smaller screens, creating a less-than-optimal mobile experience.
Solution: To solve these issues, I put in custom CSS Code to maintain visual consistency across breakpoints.
Usability Testing
Usability Testing
After the website was launched, I conducted usability tests with students and parents to better understand if there needs are met and what other changes they would like to be made. After conducting these tests, I came away with the following takeaways:
After the website was launched, I conducted usability tests with students and parents to better understand if there needs are met and what other changes they would like to be made. After conducting these tests, I came away with the following takeaways:
Key Insights
Clear Communication: Users found the site effectively explained fraternity life and the recruitment process.
Improved Perception: Students and parents reported a more positive view of fraternities and the IFC after using the site.
Requests for Transparency: Parents wanted more detail on time commitments, anti-hazing policies, and real student experiences.
More Visuals & Updates: Users suggested adding current event highlights and more images to showcase fraternity involvement and impact.
Clear Communication: Users found the site effectively explained fraternity life and the recruitment process.
Improved Perception: Students and parents reported a more positive view of fraternities and the IFC after using the site.
Requests for Transparency: Parents wanted more detail on time commitments, anti-hazing policies, and real student experiences.
More Visuals & Updates: Users suggested adding current event highlights and more images to showcase fraternity involvement and impact.
Results
After publishing the new Cal Poly IFC website, we were able to the see the notable impacts on the organization:
After publishing the new Cal Poly IFC website, we were able to the see the notable impacts on the organization:
85% of users demonstrated a clear understanding of the fraternity recruitment process
71% of users reported a strong understanding of the benefits of joining a fraternity
92% of users (students & parents) expressed a highly positive perception of IFC and fraternities at Cal Poly SLO after viewing the website
Users were able to easily to view recruitment page and complete tasks
85% of users demonstrated a clear understanding of the fraternity recruitment process
71% of users reported a strong understanding of the benefits of joining a fraternity
92% of users (students & parents) expressed a highly positive perception of IFC and fraternities at Cal Poly SLO after viewing the website
Users were able to easily to view recruitment page and complete tasks
Next Steps
Next Steps
Based on the feedback from the Cal Poly IFC Executive board and user feedback, I plan to make the following changes:
Based on the feedback from the Cal Poly IFC Executive board and user feedback, I plan to make the following changes:
Increase Visual Content: Users expressed a desire for more visuals. Adding photos of fraternity events, recruitment activities, and community service will help users visually connect the positive impact of Cal Poly IFC.
Expand Supportive Resources: Users, parents in particular, expressed a need for more accessible resources addressing common concerns like time commitment, hazing prevention, and maintaining academic balance.
Add Student Testimonials: To build trust and relatability, I plan to incorporate student testimonials that highlight real experiences with fraternity life at Cal Poly SLO.
Increase Visual Content: Users expressed a desire for more visuals. Adding photos of fraternity events, recruitment activities, and community service will help users visually connect the positive impact of Cal Poly IFC.
Expand Supportive Resources: Users, parents in particular, expressed a need for more accessible resources addressing common concerns like time commitment, hazing prevention, and maintaining academic balance.
Add Student Testimonials: To build trust and relatability, I plan to incorporate student testimonials that highlight real experiences with fraternity life at Cal Poly SLO.
Project Goals
With a strong understanding of both user and business needs, I defined a clear set of goals to accomplish through this project.
Create a place for students who haven’t joined a fraternity where they can learn more about being a part of fraternity at Cal Poly offers and they have can have their questions answered about recruitment and the Cal Poly fraternity experience.
Improve the public perception of Cal Poly SLO IFC and fraternities at Cal Poly SLO:
Community outside of Cal Poly SLO
Students at Cal Poly SLO
Cal Poly SLO Parents
Cal Poly Clubs and Organizations