Combine three sites into one to reduce complexity, redundancy, and streamline the user experience.

Overview

The goal of this project was to optimize the information provided to users, making the experience seamless and efficient.

I was tasked with exploring ways to combine three sites (Polling Place Finder, My Ballot, and Caucus Finder) into a central location, modernizing the user interface, and implementing accessibility standards. Having complete creative control, I was able to start the project from scratch and introduce the team to a development workflow that incorporates design.

Design Process

Research

I began with a thorough audit of the sites. I worked closely with the Product Owner and Elections Department to understand the business goals and requirements, and learn of any challenges users were facing.

It was also essential at this stage to work with the IT Manager and lead developers to learn of any technical limitations we may encounter when trying to combine the three sites.

Define, Ideate, Prototype

Implement, Launch, Analyze

To simplify the user experience, the three sites were combined into an address search and results page. Business requirements would remain the same and the majority of the work would focus on the frontend.

The address search provided an opportunity for the team to enhance the functionality and implement a type-ahead address input. This input would simplify the address input for users by eliminating complexity, such as the two paths (ZIP Code vs. County).

Once on the results page, I wanted to draw attention to the most pertinent information and minimize clutter on the page. The accordion accomplishes both those goals, while also allowing for more complex business logic.

Depending on where a user is coming from (Polling Place Finder, My Ballot, or Caucus Finder) the corresponding accordion will automatically expand. If no election information is available none of the accordions are expanded so that the “no elections” messaging is highlighted, instead of the polling place location.

This is a results page that will be able to grow and be modified with ease in the future.

Wireframes and prototypes were presented to the Elections Department and the Development Team. Feedback was discussed and incorporated before final designs were approved and active development commenced.

Once the Voter Information Portal is launched, I will have analytics to monitor and will ensure that the type-ahead address input isn’t a roadblock for users. I will also work closely with the Elections Department to review any user feedback.

Voter Information Portal