Fantastic Website with a Tight Deadline: Designing, Building, Testing, and Releasing

Background

The site evne.org is hosted by a Norwegian non-profit focused on the rehabilitation of former convicts and people with disabilities through vocational training in software development. Given the high demand for software developers in Norway, Evne Network aims to equip these individuals with the required hard and soft skills, breaking down barriers to employment and reducing recidivism rates. The organization collaborates with mPower Academy to offer interdisciplinary training in soft skills, with an emphasis on stress management, communication, teamwork, and leadership, among others.

Objective

The main goal was to design and build a new, user-friendly website for evne.org on the Wix platform within a tight deadline of one month, April 2023. The website was meant to highlight the organization's purpose, services, and success stories, and provide a platform for interested individuals to contact or join the program.

Process

As an autonomous freelancer, I guided the project through a continuous, adaptive, and iterative process. I led the development of the website's logo, branding, and theme, incorporating the progressive influx of content. This approach reinforced the project's agility, as the website underwent numerous iterations to align with evolving requirements. Ensuring mobile-friendliness was a core aspect of the design process, aiming to cater to a broader audience.

In the capacity of a designer and builder, I shouldered the responsibility of the entire website's creation - from conceptualization to testing and release. Frequent communication, sometimes up to thrice daily, kept the project responsive to changes and stakeholder needs.

Leveraging stock images and templates expedited the process, yet pivotal design decisions were consistently required to impart a distinct look and feel. The goal was always to deliver an appealing, user-friendly, and high-quality website.

Challenges

The primary challenge was the strict timeline, which demanded swift yet thoughtful decision-making. Regular updates and modifications due to the evolving content added another layer of complexity.

Outcome

Despite the challenges, the website was delivered on time. It was met with satisfaction from the client who appreciated the high-quality design and seamless user experience. The website now serves as an effective platform for evne.org, spreading awareness about their noble cause, showcasing their work, and attracting more participants to their program.

Key Takeaway

The project underlined the importance of adaptability and efficient decision-making in design, especially within tight deadlines. It also reinforced the value of a mobile-friendly design, ensuring accessibility to a broader audience. Ultimately, it was gratifying to contribute to a project that serves such a significant and transformative cause.