SNAP-Ed Connection
Overview
The goal of SNAP-Ed is to implement nutrition education and obesity prevention programs for eligible individuals that promote healthy food choices and physical activity consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. SNAP-Ed Connection is a reference tool used by SNAP-Ed regional and state coordinators to create SNAP-Ed programs by referencing guidance, finding resources in the library, and receiving training.
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For this project we sought to:
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Restructure navigation and information architecture to account for user needs and top task
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Establish new state pages to consolidate state information such as programs, success stories, and achievements
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Enhance page content for usability by creating page templates with reusable UI components and a clear page structure
Role
UX lead - researching, wireframing, content auditing, visual design
Timeline
Nov 2021 - ongoing
Tools
Figma, Mural, pencil & paper
The Challenge
Deliver comprehensive and dynamic information to users by providing relevant and useful content that makes state and regional coordinators as well as local implementing agency administrators feel confident when referencing guidance, rules, regulations, and best practices.
Discovery
Stakeholder Interviews
We conducted 4 group stakeholder interviews with FNS staff to learn about their experience with the SNAP-Ed Connection website. These sessions lasted approximately an hour each with questions focused on their roles, the current state of the site, the vision of SNAP-Ed, and its users. The first two interviews focused on talking with Regional SNAP-Ed Coordinators and understanding their roles in SNAP-Ed and their pain points with the current site. While the third and fourth interviews were with State SNAP-Ed Coordinators and implementing agencies respectively. Here are some key takeaways from the interviews:
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It’s unclear to users what content is aimed at them versus other groups
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While providing a good knowledge base, the SNAP-Ed Connection site is overwhelming at first glance. This was mentioned 6+ times during the sessions.
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There is a lack of guidance and information scent when users are searching for a specific topic and are unable to find it via search
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Highlight more quantitative data outcomes and success stories from state programs to show the effective SNAP-Ed is in communities
Western Regional Coordinator 2
“I usually have more luck when I'm just digging randomly into the different sections of the site"
Mountain Plains Regional Coordinator 1
"I've never really understood what the SNAP-Ed library is vs receipes vs curricula vs materials so I think there could be more syncing up of the sections."
Western Regional Coordinator 3
“When I go to the site, I'm not sure what's targeted for me and what I should be using”
Insights
After conducting the interviews, I created an affinity map by putting important data points on sticky notes in Mural and grouped them based on commonalities. Collaborating with the team, we divided the information into 4 categories to focus our efforts on during the next phase of our design process.
State & Maps
Provide easy access to state content and highlight state success
Site Content
Create engaging content for users to interact with
Audience
Show the right content to the right users
Communication
Create effective communication channels between user groups
Wireframing
In addition to my role as lead UX designer, I helped give content perspectives when interacting with our client but acknowledged that certain items might need to be revisited once a content strategist was introduced.
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Prior to her departure, the content strategist put together a loose content model. I had to make assumptions about several aspects of the content model but needed to display confidence in front of our client. We began by wireframing the home page and four interior pages to cover all of the content types found within the SNAP-Ed Connection site. I added the “Pillars of SNAP-Ed” section on the homepage based on the feedback from several users during the stakeholder interviews. The client also expressed the need of having a link to their sister site, SNAP benefits, in order to help any lost user looking for information regarding the SNAP Program.
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During the stakeholder interviews, the state coordinators discussed at length that they would like more recognition for their state’s SNAP-Ed success stories. I created a reusable component to showcase the success stories on the homepage and draw attention to the state by adding a tag to the card.
Homepage Designs
We designed three homepages designs, each in a different color palette and style, to present to the client. It was important for us to create an appropriate brand for SNAP-Ed Connection
Option 1 (left): The green plays into the USDA's traditional green but expands the color palette. Yellow is used as an accent color to draw the eye to important elements on the page.
Option 2 (middle): The dark purple draws the eye and is more unique than USDA's traditional blue and green while still being a cool color. Pops of bright green bring attention to illustrations.
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Option 3 (right): A more whimsical and fun design with brighter colors and bolder illustrations. The blue emphasizes USDA's colors and is complemented by the yellow.
