I am an information science professional with a focus on user experience research and design. This portfolio details some of my professional experience. Please see my resume and my profile for more information. Feel free to contact me by email at gemmapetrie@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more about my work.
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2011 – WebStore, University of Illinois
URL: webstore.illinois.edu
Status: in-process
Scope: content strategy, prototyping, usability testing
Conducted usability testing on the current University of Illinois WebStore website, conducted a website content assessment, and created an annotated prototype of site redesign. The WebStore offers discounts on software to three University of Illinois campuses. The current website confuses users by requiring multiple clicks to access the search system, offering unintuitive entry points, and organizing content with conflicting purchasing categories. Our team created prototypes of various page redesigns using Axure. This is an ongoing project.
Screenshot 1: Current WebStore Website
Screenshot 2: WebStore Prototype – Home Page
Screenshot 3: WebStore Prototype – Search Results
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2011 – Sears.com Jewelry Department
URL: sears.com
Status: live
Scope: usability test screener development, user behavior research, card sorting, usability testing
Assisted the Sears User Experience department with usability testing for the Sears.com jewelry department. I created original participant screeners for target demographics, card sorting exercises, and user behavior surveys. I assisted in the testing of 17 subjects in the Sears UX lab and drafted a final report that included quantitative and qualitative data analysis and recommendations for taxonomy and website improvements. More information available upon request.
Screenshot 1: Sears.com Jewelry Department
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2011 – Bestica
URL: bestica.com
Status: in-process
Scope: information architecture
Conducted an information architecture assessment of the Bestica website. Bestica is a user experience staffing firm with an outdated website that does not convey expertise in their field. Bestica is currently working with a variety of consultants on a complete overhaul of their website. I assessed the information architecture of their website and made recommendations for improvement through a formal report. Bestica is using my recommendations for their redesign.
Screenshot 1: Recommended Website Architecture
Screenshot 2: Current Bestica Website
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2010 – ACDC, University of Illinois
URL: library.illinois.edu/funkaces/acdc
Status: live
Scope: content strategy, information architecture, prototyping, design, usability testing, photography, content updates
The Agricultural Communications Documentation Center at the University of Illinois was one of the last websites in the university library system to remain outside of the OpenCMS content management system. I conducted a content assessment, improved the website architecture, created design prototypes for the department head, conducted usability testing on the final design, and developed the website in OpenCMS. I continue to update the website.
Screenshot 1: Previous ACDC Website
Screenshot 2: New ACDC Website – Home Page
Screenshot 3: New ACDC Website – Contact Page
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2010 – APA , American Library Association
URL: ala-apa.org
Status: in-process
Scope: content strategy, information architecture
Conducted a content assessment of the American Library Association’s Allied Professional Association website. The APA website is in need of a complete overhaul. I consulted on content and website architecture and made my recommendations through a written report. The APA plans to hire a web designer to implement my recommendations when their funding allows.
Screenshot 1: Recommendations Report
Screenshot 2: Current APA Website
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2010 – ALCTS Preservation Week, American Library Association
URL: ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alcts/
Status: live
Scope: content strategy, information architecture
Improved the usability of the Preservation Week website for the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services division of the American Library Association. I conducted a content assessment, made content strategy and website architecture recommendations through a written report, and made the approved changes using Cold Fusion. The original pages of this website were confusing and redundant. By cleaning up the content and improving the website architecture, the ALCTS is better able to communicate with visitors about Preservation Week.
Screenshot 1: Previous Preservation Week Website
Screenshot 2: New Preservation Week Website
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2009 – Gemma Petrie
URL: gemmapetrie.com
Status: live
Scope: content strategy, information architecture, design, photography, content updates
Created a personal website using WordPress to point visitors to my content around the web. There have been several iterations of this website over the last three years. I keep up-to-date on other splash page options (like about.me), but designing my own fully customizable option has always been a better fit. In 2010, I added a user experience and information architecture blog. The UXIA blog combines visually engaging photography with book reviews and other relevant content.
Screenshot 1: Gemma Petrie – Home Page
Screenshot 2: Gemma Petrie – UXIA Blog Home Page
Screenshot 3: Gemma Petrie – UXIA Blog Archive Page
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2007 – Onward Neighborhood House
URL: onwardhouse.org
Status: live
Scope: content strategy, information architecture, prototyping, design, usability testing, content updates
Created a new public face for Onward Neighborhood House, a Chicago nonprofit organization with a $3.4 million operating budget. Onward House works to empower low-income families and individuals to achieve their full potential through community-based education and social service programs.
I created and edited content, developed the website architecture, created a prototype for the designer, managed site development and executive feedback, and conducted usability testing. The new website better serves the specific goals of the organization and offers both clients and donors access to a wealth of information about the organization, the services they offer, and opportunities to get involved.
Screenshot 1: Onward House – Home Page
Screenshot 2: Onward House – Early Childhood Program Page
Screenshot 3: Onward House – Donation Page
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2005 – Pro Bono Baker
URL: probonobaker.com
Status: live
Scope: content strategy, information architecture, design, usability testing, photography, content updates
Created a popular food, photography, and recipe website. Pro Bono Baker is one of the earliest food blogs and has received press attention from the Chicago Tribune, Sashay Magazine, and the Smithsonian Magazine.
I designed the website, created and edited content, developed the website architecture, conducted usability testing, and managed relationships with advertisers. I have created multiple iterations of this website over the last six years using various content management systems, including Blogger, Typepad, and WordPress. I continue to create and edit content on an ongoing basis, including original recipes and photography. Pro Bono Baker is currently moving from Typepad to WordPress.
Screenshot 1: Pro Bono Baker – Home Page
Screenshot 2: Pro Bono Baker – Recipe Detail
Screenshot 3: Pro Bono Baker – Archive Page
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