As a UX designer with experience in design, research, writing, project management, and front-end code, I'm motivated to make things that solve problems while being a passionate advocate for users.

Using data for redesign

Alert System

Problem

Improve engagement with an intranet's alert system

one blue banner and one black banner with the word 'alert' and text explaining the nature of the alert

Original alert design

Assumptions

Alert system is ignored by users because it does not stand out enough from the rest of the page.
Long-term alerts detract from engagement due to user desensitization.
Engagement is higher later in the week, after staff have caught up from the weekend break.
Meaning of differently styled alerts is unclear

Recommendations

Use color and icons to indicate alert urgency
Make 'dismiss' button more prominent
Enable content managers to update alert type as urgency increases
Shorten alert timeframe to 1 week max
Try mid-week publication of alert

Plan

Measure alert engagement before any updates are made
Launch updated design
Follow governance recommendations
Track which and when users dismiss alert
Track which and when users follow alert's call to action
Make design/governance adjusments based on engagement levels compared with baseline

Updated Design

a light blue banner with the word 'alert', an icon of the letter i in a circle, and text explaining the nature of the alert

Informational alert

a yellow banner with the word 'alert', an icon of an exclamation point in a triangle, and text explaining the nature of the alert

Warning alert

a red banner with the word 'alert', an icon of an exclamation point in a circle, and text explaining the nature of the alert

Urgent alert

Results So Far

Updated design resulted in 43% increase in engagement
There's still a low level of overall engagement

Next Steps

Test governance recommendations
Make 'dismiss' button more prominent
Continue to measure engagement as each recommendation is followed