CRAIGSLIST

Homepage Redesign Challenge

Role: Individual, UX/UI Designer

Timeline: 3 days

Tools: Figma

Role: Individual, UX/UI Designer

Timeline: 3 days

Tools: Figma

Problem

Craigslist is a classified advertisements website focused on two things - allowing users to post and find something (i.e. jobs, housing, for sale, items wanted, etc.). It began its services in 1995, but there hasn't been much of an update to its design since then. Craigslist has a simple, text based layout but can make improvements in usability, UI design, and category organization.

RESEARCH

Secondary Research & Competitive Analysis

Research & Competitive Analysis

I started this project with secondary research to get a better understanding of Craigslist and its goals. I also did a competitive analysis of direct competitors and was able to pinpoint the threats and opportunities to see where improvements can be made.

Interviews

I conducted 1:1 interviews with 3 participants who have experience using Craigslist. The interviews revealed the needs, wants and pain points users have experienced while navigating Craigslist's homepage. Below are the findings from the interviews:

Most important categories needed: Housing, jobs, for sale (furniture, electronics, cars); subcategories are helpful
Looks outdated and hard to navigate and find things; needs more consistency
Ability to narrow down/filter location to a specific area; currently difficult to change cities/location
Less important categories: community, services, gigs, resumes, discussion forums, event calendars
Users like how Craigslist doesn't require an account to post/sell
Clear and easy search function
Make it easy to use and not too cluttered; add photos, icons, colors, and visual design
Provide free service (post and buy for free)

Most important categories needed: Housing, jobs, for sale (furniture, electronics, cars); subcategories are helpful
Looks outdated and hard to navigate and find things; needs more consistency
Ability to narrow down/filter location to a specific area; currently difficult to change cities/location
Less important categories: community, services, gigs, resumes, discussion forums, event calendars
Users like how Craigslist doesn't require an account to post/sell
Clear and easy search function
Make it easy to use and not too cluttered; add photos, icons, colors, and visual design
Provide free service (post and buy for free)

Most important categories needed: Housing, jobs, for sale (furniture, electronics, cars); subcategories are helpful
Looks outdated and hard to navigate and find things; needs more consistency
Ability to narrow down/filter location to a specific area; currently difficult to change cities/location
Less important categories: community, services, gigs, resumes, discussion forums, event calendars
Users like how Craigslist doesn't require an account to post/sell
Clear and easy search function
Make it easy to use and not too cluttered; add photos, icons, colors, and visual design
Provide free service (post and buy for free)

Define

I developed a persona based on my research and interview findings to better empathize with a type of user of Craigslist.

Low Fidelity Wireframes

High Fidelity Wireframes + Testing

Low Fidelity Wireframes

After getting design inspiration, I did some quick sketches and put together a wireframe of the homepage. Since users stated that a clear search function and the ability to change locations were important, I placed that at the top center so that the options are easily accessible.

I also removed a few subcategories like bike parts and motorcycle parts (which could go under the bikes and motorcycles subcategories) so that the subcategories aren't too overwhelming. I included a "Saved Items" category as well so that users can save items to consider in the future. For the footer items, I consolidated the categories as well.

For each category, I included a "Most Viewed" section of photos for popular items so that the user can get an idea of what types of items are under each category.

After getting design inspiration, I did some quick sketches and put together a wireframe of the homepage. Since users stated that a clear search function and the ability to change locations were important, I placed that at the top center so that the options are easily accessible.

I also removed a few subcategories like bike parts and motorcycle parts (which could go under the bikes and motorcycles subcategories) so that the subcategories aren't too overwhelming. I included a "Saved Items" category as well so that users can save items to consider in the future. For the footer items, I consolidated the categories as well.

For each category, I included a "Most Viewed" section of photos for popular items so that the user can get an idea of what types of items are under each category.

High-Fidelity Mockup

Craigslist uses purple as its brand color so I incorporated the color into the final UI. I found an illustration that showcases Craigslist's goal to connect people and build community.

Craigslist's homepage currently has no explanation of what the website is about, so I included a sentence so that users can have a clear understanding of what Craigslist offers.

I included an option to change the location by the search field as well as above the "Most Viewed" gallery, because this was the primary concern for most users.

Each posting under "Most Viewed" has a photo, subcategory label, name of item, price of item and ability to save an item with the heart icon.

I also included a "Contact Us" section since their contact section is currently hidden and not easily accessible.

Here's the final layout:

Craigslist uses purple as its brand color so I incorporated the color into the final UI. I found an illustration that showcases Craigslist's goal to connect people and build community.

Craigslist's homepage currently has no explanation of what the website is about, so I included a sentence so that users can have a clear understanding of what Craigslist offers.

I included an option to change the location by the search field as well as above the "Most Viewed" gallery, because this was the primary concern for most users.

Each posting under "Most Viewed" has a photo, subcategory label, name of item, price of item and ability to save an item with the heart icon.

I also included a "Contact Us" section since their contact section is currently hidden and not easily accessible.

Here's the final layout:

Craigslist uses purple as its brand color so I incorporated the color into the final UI. I found an illustration that showcases Craigslist's goal to connect people and build community.

Craigslist's homepage currently has no explanation of what the website is about, so I included a sentence so that users can have a clear understanding of what Craigslist offers.

I included an option to change the location by the search field as well as above the "Most Viewed" gallery, because this was the primary concern for most users.

Each posting under "Most Viewed" has a photo, subcategory label, name of item, price of item and ability to save an item with the heart icon.

I also included a "Contact Us" section since their contact section is currently hidden and not easily accessible.

Here's the final layout:

Craigslist uses purple as its brand color so I incorporated the color into the final UI. I found an illustration that showcased Craigslist's goal to connect people and build community.

Craigslist's homepage currently has no explanation of what the website is about, so I included a sentence so that users can have a clear understanding of what Craigslist offers.

I included an option to change the location by the search field as well above the "Most Viewed" gallery, because this was the primary concern for most users.

Each posting under "Most Viewed" has a photo, subcategory label, name of item, price of item and ability to save an item with the heart icon.

I also included a "Contact Us" section since their contact section is currently hidden and not easily accessible.

Here's the final layout:

Let's work together -

grayspeckdesign@gmail.com

Find me here -