Can you describe a time when you had to pivot your design approach based on user testing results?

During my final year in university, I worked on a project to redesign our campus app. Initially, I focused on adding new features based on my assumptions of what students wanted. However, after conducting user testing, I found out that students primarily struggled with navigation and accessibility instead. Taking this feedback seriously, I shifted my approach to prioritize a more intuitive layout and clearer icons. The result was a much more user-friendly app, and I received positive feedback from my peers, confirming that the changes made a significant difference in usability.

While volunteering for a non-profit organization, I was tasked with redesigning their website. My initial design focused heavily on visuals and aesthetics, which I thought would attract visitors. However, after observing users interact with the site, it became clear that they were having difficulty finding essential information. Based on this feedback, I pivoted to streamline the navigation and increased the visibility of key sections. This change led to a measurable increase in site traffic and engagement, and the organization was thrilled with the outcome, showcasing how adaptable design can lead to better user experiences.

During my internship at an e-commerce startup, I was part of a team working on redesigning the product detail pages. Initially, we focused on showcasing multiple images and product details. However, after user testing sessions, we learned that users were overwhelmed by too much information at once. We decided to pivot by simplifying the layout and introducing a 'tabbed' approach for product details. This change not only improved user satisfaction but also positively impacted conversion rates, illustrating the importance of being open to feedback and willing to adapt.