The Horizon theme, developed by Discourse, was created to enhance the user experience for community administrators lacking technical expertise. Initially, Discourse was primarily engineer-driven, with design being added later. A significant shift occurred when the design team was tasked with leading the development of this new theme, addressing previous feedback that their designs were perceived as uninspiring. The goal was to simplify the interface and cater specifically to non-technical users while ensuring a more appealing and user-friendly experience.
Through customer interviews, the team established two primary personas: one representing non-technical administrators and the other the casual forum member. This persona-based approach guided their design principles, focusing on clarity and ease of use. A collaborative approach involving mood boards and iterative feedback sessions led to unique features like the Topic List Item, Welcome Banner, and Color Palette, specifically designed to streamline the admin experience and enhance aesthetic appeal.
The Topic List Item was redesigned to emphasize critical information such as author and engagement metrics, while the Welcome Banner was integrated into the product for ease of use. The Color Palette enables users to customize their forum appearance with predefined colors effortlessly. These thoughtful adjustments showcase how a user-centered design process can transform community software, making it accessible and appealing to all users.
What are the key features of the Horizon theme?
Key features include a simplified Topic List Item, an integrated Welcome Banner, and an easy-to-use color selection system.
How did user feedback influence the design process?
User feedback highlighted the need for a more visually appealing and user-friendly interface, which guided the design team's approach and principles.
What is the significance of personas in design?
Personas helped the design team to keep their users in mind throughout the design process, ensuring features catered specifically to their needs.
How can Metaistic help with software design projects?
Metaistic can assist by providing expert consulting services in UI/UX design, conducting user research, and implementing user-centered design strategies for your software projects.
