Overview
Reaserch . Design . Prototype . Creative code . UX POC .
This project focuses on improving the Colorado Community Resource Center (CRC) website to better communicate its mission, programs, and impact, strengthening engagement with nonprofits, community groups, and partners across Colorado.
What it is
A UX and content clarity initiative aimed at redesigning CRC’s website experience to clearly convey who they are, what they do, and how they support community-driven organizations.
What has been done
Feedback from external partners revealed confusion around CRC’s mission and offerings, pointing to gaps in usability and content clarity.
How it was done
A UX-driven process was used to analyze the existing website, identify communication breakdowns, and propose improvements to structure, content flow, and usability.
Background Research
Reaserch . Design . Prototype . Creative code . UX POC .
About
Founded in 1981, the Community Resource Center (CRC) initially supported organizations using community organizing to drive social change in Denver’s inner city. By 1984, its mission expanded to serve a wide range of nonprofits and community groups across Colorado, continually evolving to meet the sector’s needs.
Local Competitors
Target Users
User Research
Reaserch . Design . Prototype . Creative code . UX POC .
Research questions
01
What are the main challenges users face when navigating CRC's website, especially in accessing resources and grant information?
02
What website improvements would users prioritize to enhance their experience and engagement with CRC's programs?
03
How can the CRC website content and design clearly express what CRC does, who they serve and what their impact is?
Heuristic Evaluation
Cumulative evaluation of CRC website
Reaserch . Design . Prototype . Creative code . UX POC .
Score Card Scale
1
Poor
2
Needs Improvement
3
Adequate
4
Good
5
Excellent
The homepage does not have a clear statement about what CRC does and its services.
upcoming events are incorrectly placed under rural philanthropy days
Does not explain what is the donation used for? why to donate? no mission. works done with donation money
Is the interface free from ambiguity, providing clear instructions and labels, with error messages and notifications being clear and informative?
Highlights
The homepage doesn't clearly explain what CRC does or what services it offers. It needs clearer information about its products and services. Also, the descriptions for the information cards are insufficient.
Clarity
2
Clear communication and presentation of information facilitate comprehension and usability.
Clarity
Center aligned text is difficult to read, Inconsistent imagery
upcoming events are incorrectly placed under rural philanthropy days
Text style is not consistent
Is the visual design and content focused on the essentials, with all distracting, unnecessary elements removed?
Highlights
There is no clear design system in place with a consistent color palette, style, text sizing, and image layout. A lack of visual style guidelines makes it distracting for users.
Aesthetics
1
A visually appealing design enhances user engagement and perception of the website.
Aesthetics
No arrows to navigate back to CRC
Overwhelming amount of drop downs
Is the navigation system intuitive and easy to use, with clear and descriptive labels guiding users to relevant content and features?
Highlights
There are many links and buttons that direct the user to external sites with no clear path back to CRC. The navigation bar has an abundance of drop downs that makes it hard for users to navigate.
Navigation
3
Intuitive navigation structures help users locate information and features easily.
Navigation
Information density
Overwhelming amount of text.
Is there an appropriate balance of information on each page, and is complex information presented in a digestible manner?
Highlights
There are certain pages with content overload that overwhelms the users and creates confusion.
Navigation
3
Balancing the amount of information presented ensures content remains digestible and avoids overwhelming users.
Nonfunctional button / links
AmeriCorps visa program links does not work
Can users get the information they need in a clear & efficient path?
Highlights
There are nonfunctioning links and buttons throughout the site. There is confusion about how to access certain resources.
Efficiency
2.5
Streamlining processes and minimizing unnecessary steps allows users to accomplish tasks quickly.
Efficiency
No breadcrumbs and No back arrows
Does the design clearly communicate its state, and is feedback presented promptly after user actions?
Highlights
There are missing breadcrumb menus, back arrows, and navigation back to the homepage from external sites.
System status
2
Providing clear system status updates ensures users are informed about the state of the website.
System status
Tasks and information are not separated
Not intuitive for fundraise to be under donate
Is there a clear indication of task progress and completion status, and are tasks clearly defined and structured for successful completion?
Highlights
It is confusing between information/resources and actionable tasks. There is an unclear path on how to complete certain tasks.
Task completion
4
Guiding users efficiently through task flows enables them to achieve their goals effectively.
Task completion
Mission and background statement at the bottom and does not have strong hierarchy.
Does the interface effectively communicate important information, and are notifications and alerts appropriately prioritized and presented?
Highlights
The content is not properly prioritized in order for users to know what is the most important information, services, and tasks to complete.
Communication
2.5
Feedback mechanisms enhances engagement and fosters a sense of connection and understanding.
Communication
User Interview
Reaserch . Design . Prototype . Creative code . UX POC .
We recruited 5 users on userinterviews.com that are Nonprofit Organization workers. We studied users demographics prior to recruitment in order to get a broad range of participants. In addition to their personal demographics, we considered their role and type of nonprofit to consider various perspectives.
Interview Participents
Vernon
male, 36
Donor relations manager
Tommy
male, 27
Senior External Relations
Zachary
male, 57
Non-profit Policy Director
Alicia
female, 47
Non-profit Program coordinator
Amy
female, 57
Vice president/director of training
Findings Highlights
Recommendations
Reaserch . Design . Prototype . Creative code . UX POC .
Navigation/Task Efficiency
Users found the navigation clean but noted a need for clearer calls to action and stronger content prioritization.
Tailor content navigation for diverse user personas (nonprofit leaders, volunteers, grant seekers) for relevance and accessibility
Information Organization
Users felt content organization did not align with CRC’s mission, making information hard to find.
Strategically use the homepage to spotlight key resources, upcoming events, success stories, and featured content that align with CRC's mission.
Aesthetics/Visual Design
While the website is generally clean, users feel it could be improved aesthetically to enhance engagement and appeal.
Create visual hierarchy with size, color, and positioning to prioritize critical content, ensuring easy distinction from less important information.
Content
CRC is perceived as a key resource hub supporting capacity building across Colorado’s nonprofit sector.
Prioritize key content or actions on the website, such as popular products/services, essential information, and primary conversion goals, ensuring they are prominently featured.