Continually developing for the members

In the Spring of 2016, Djøf introduced a new offline design guide. After its introduction, it was time to revisit the digital design across all platforms, starting with the website. After an in-depth pitch process, Djøf chose THINK to deliver the UX and design concept. Rooted in solid research and insights, THINK's approach focussed on solving identified problems: Djøf members had a hard time distinguishing core content and services from news and other short-cycle content.

In close collaboration with Djøf, THINK created a set of fundamental navigation principles from which to base the overall site structure. Each principle was aimed at minimizing the number of steps involved in accomplishing specific tasks on the website, taking into account both user expectation and context. Insights derived directly from research involving Djøf members fed directly into user journeys and storytelling from a member persepective.

At the onset of the project, it was important to identify key areas of focus. By working with Djøf to define a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), as well as directly with Djøf members to gain insights about their needs, THINK was able to develop a concept that prioritized those areas which were most important to Djøf's members, namely: courses, events and network.

Each key area was tested in order to establish a clear list of issues experienced by Djøf members. These were then used as a basis for mapping existing user journeys which could highlight the challenges faced at each touchpoint with Djøf. Findings gathered via user interviews made it clear that members wanted to be able to find course overviews, events and networks offered by Djøf, as well as the ability to refine offers made to them based on factors such as geographic location and subject. The resulting UX concept was then tested with Djøf members using a prototype, the reactions to which were overwhelmingly positive. Post launch, THINK will continue to work with Djøf to further refine the concept based on user input. The success of the project is a direct result of close collaboration with both Djøf and its members.

In mid-2017, THINK began a collaboration with Djøfbladet, a magazine distributed monthly to Djøf members. Although it is a subdivision of Djøf, it has its own brand, design guide and goals. Djøfbladet worked with THINK to develop a new design direction aimed at creating a reading experience that was on the one hand inspiring in its presentation of large portrait articles and on the other, mobile friendly for easy reading on the go.

The project was kick-started with a research phase that focused on identifying trends and success factors among news media and communication fields. What worked and what didn't? These findings where then integrated into a workshop, where initial concept sketches could be generated and content modules began to take shape. All project participants took an active role in the workshop, either sketching, clarifying functionality, or providing background input. This method of co-creation ensured that all participants had contributed to the final product and were therefore motivated to help the project succeed. The UX and design processes took place simultaneously to ensure both coherence and mututal sparring. During the design process, we conducted prototype testing with Djøf members, the findings from which were fed directly into the design. The concept remained therefore changeable throughout the process. The UX and design concepts were also developed in close collaboration with THINK's frontend developer as well as developers from Djøf.