[Case 02]
Community Platform
Redesigning features of Reddit to solve common user issues.
Project Overview
I focused on redesigning specific elements of Reddit to address common pain points, such as enhancing the search function, improving navigation, and optimizing content discovery. The goal was to create a more intuitive experience while preserving the platform's core functionality.
Problem Statement
Reddit users face challenges with a cluttered interface, poor navigation, difficulty finding relevant content, overwhelming notifications, and a lack of clear content hierarchy. This project aims to address these issues by redesigning key elements of the platform to enhance usability, streamline user flows, and improve the overall user experience.
[Focus]
Community Platform
[Timeline]
August 10 2024 - August 31 2024
[My Role]
UX Designer
Design Process
1. Site Audit
2. Competitor Analysis
3. User Research
4. Design Solutions
0.1 Site Audit
I began my research with a basic audit of the current Reddit website. This helped highlight areas for improvement, such as navigation, content discovery, and search functionality, while also recognizing elements that contribute positively to the user experience.
[Problem 2]
Content discovery
Finding relevant content based on individual preferences can be difficult for some, potentially deterring new users from engaging with the platform. Encountering irrelevant information during searches can also lead to cognitive overload, making it harder for users to find what they are seeking.
0.2 Competitor Analysis
I analyzed X (Twitter) and Quora to identify industry trends, understand what features work effectively, and uncover opportunities where Reddit could improve. This analysis highlighted design patterns and user experience elements that could be adapted to address Reddit’s key pain points while revealing gaps that could be turned into strengths for the redesign.
Quora
Content Hierarchy: Quora organizes content by prioritizing CTA’s and other important elements, allowing for a streamlined flow.
Cleaner Design: The interface is straightforward and focused, reducing visual noise while still giving the user many options.
Content Discovery: Quora’s personalized recommendations are based on user interests and past interactions, which improves discoverability.
X (Twitter)
Simplified Interface: The layout is clean and minimal, which reduces clutter and allows users to easily focus on content.
Personalized Content: The feed is tailored based on user preferences, showing relevant trending topics and posts without overwhelming the user.
Streamlined Navigation: Twitter’s navigation is intuitive, with clearly defined tabs and fewer clicks required to access content.
I designed a survey to gather insights from Reddit users regarding their experiences and challenges. The survey focused on identifying pain points, understanding usage patterns, and prioritizing features for improvement in the redesign.
[Affinity Map]
Based on survey feedback from six participants, the map categorizes the most common issues into 4 areas: interface, finding relevant content, navigation, and content hierarchy. This clustering of insights highlights the specific challenges users face, providing a clear direction for targeted design improvements in the project.
0.3 User Research
0.4 Design Solutions
I began the design process by creating initial sketch ideations to explore potential solutions. These sketches served as a foundation for wireframes, which were developed to map out improved user flows and interface structures. Based on my research, I decided to focus on 3 main areas for the redesign:
• Homepage
• Navigation and content discovery
• Notification management
Final Prototype
I ensured that the final UI prioritizes key features for a seamless user experience. Each feature is redesigned for clarity, ease of use, and visual appeal.
Interface
Established clear separation between content types
Incorporated collapsible sidebars to reduce visual clutter
Made CTA's more visible with distinct colour and labeling
Navigation & Discovery
Introduced filters to allows users to customize their search
Designed a cleaner search interface making it easier to adjust parameters
Implemented category-based browsing, making it easier to explore content
Notification Management
Introduced clear labels and tabs to categorize each notification type
Used visual cues to make unread notifications stand out
Challenges
Balancing Familiarity & Change: Users resist drastic UI changes, so the redesign keeps Reddit’s core identity while improving usability.
Diverse User Preferences: Some prefer minimalism, others like dense layouts, requiring careful iteration.
Limited Research Scope: A small survey sample provided valuable insights but would benefit from larger validation.