Craigslist IA
5 Weeks
Optimize the current information architecture of Craigslist to address its diminishing user engagement. Streamline navigation and refine the content hierarchy, thereby enhancing the usability for its users by providing enhanced discoverability.
ROLE
Lead UX Researcher
UI/UX Designer
Information Architect
TOOLS
Figma
FigJam
TASKS
Card Sorting
User Journeys
Information Architecture
COLLABORATORS
1 UX Researcher
2 UI/UX Designers
Craigslist is a popular online classifieds platform that connects people in local communities for buying, selling, and trading a wide range of goods and services, jobs, housing, merchandise, and community events. Revenue at Craigslist, once the worldwide powerhouse of classified advertising, dropped 26% in 2020 and almost 50% during the past two years, a new AIM Group report shows.
Traffic at the website, still one of the top 25 U.S. websites overall, continued a five-year slide and is only about 40% of what it was in 2017.
Overview
About
Problem
Inconsistent information displayed makes it confusing for the user to navigate through the website.
The functionalities of multiple filtering systems are redundant.
Competitor Analysis
Solution
Before
After
Craigslist's existing sitemap offers an overview of the website's various categories and locations. Users navigate and explore listings for jobs, housing, goods, services, and more, organized by city or region in its current structure.
Sitemap
Analysis
A thorough analysis of the current user experience, interface and structure of Craigslist led to the following conclusions:
01
Existing site structure has many repeated and redundant information.
02
Multiple navigation styles and filters don’t operate consistently in categories.
03
Reduced engagement and confusion are the major problems of the platform.
Concept mapping helped understand the relationship between ideas present in the website. It helped in organizing and representing complex information visually. The connections and gaps in the current current offerings of Craigslist could be identified.
Concept Map
Open Card Sorting - During this process, we restructured the website and reduced the number of navigation points and filters. We also streamlined the navigation to reduce redundancy and optimize user flow.
Card Sorting
Closed Card Sorting - During this process, we implemented the naming convention in regards to terminology as well as more effective categorization of information as suggested by users.
Competitor analysis was conducted for for each sub category/offering available in the Craigslist Website to identify pros and cons within the digital realm.
Facebook Marketplace for goods, Indeed for job postings and services, Reddit for it’s community forums and Redfin for housing.
Competitor Analysis
Established user base and scheduling features are available. Filters can be overwhelming and authenticity of products is a concern for users.
Comprehensive filters but detailed job information causes information overload and low visibility of other listings.
Optimized filters and content differentiation, but inconsistent user experiences and potential for age-inappropriate content.
User-friendly interface and clear categorization. Overwhelming number of listings and high learning curve for users.
Research Insights
01
Irrelevant results while looking for a specific outcome are a major frustration of the user.
02
Users have trust issues and safety concerns, around scams and high-value transactions.
03
Many low-quality or spammy posts clutter the platform and drown out legitimate posts.
Understanding user emotions and identifying gaps provide a roadmap for refining user experiences, ensuring optimal satisfaction across diverse interactions. The journeys were identified on the basis of the actions that a user would perform in each category of the website. These include buying a couch, looking of a job, participating in the discussions forum and renting a house.
Customer Journey Map
Buying a Couch
Streamline filters, enhance CTA button visibility, and simplify meeting arrangements for a smoother user experience.
Looking for a Job
Enhance job category options, standardize post formatting, and allow employers to update listing status for improved job hunting.
Discussions Forum
Simplify username creation, standardize UX terminology, declutter UI and enhance visibility of various posts on the website.
Renting a House
Standardize filters, optimize advanced filters, introduce safety badges and offer a more feasible reservation making feature.
Optimized IA
The project aims to develop a user-centric redesign to declutter, instill trust, and enhance the visual appeal, positioning Craigslist for a seamless and enjoyable navigation experience.
Optimized User Flow
Craigslist Reimagined
Learning Outcome
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Organizing information makes sure that users won't have to spend effort to understand how the website works. It allows them to focus more on the content.
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Consistency in design helps users learn how to navigate and interact with the website quickly. This reduces confusion and enhances satisfaction.
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Altering the IA by understanding the user expectation by analyzing the user journey ensured a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.text goes here
Forte
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