Overview
SweepSheet is a trusted platform catering to sweepstakes enthusiasts since 1990. With a daily-updated database covering diverse entry methods, it offers exclusive listings, organizational tools, and community support to maximize users’ chances of winning. However, the platform’s outdated design and confusing user flow were hindering user engagement and efficiency.
My objective was to modernize the platform’s interface, improve navigation, and create tailored user experiences for members and administrators, ensuring SweepSheet remained a valuable resource for both new and long-time users.
My Role
As the lead designer for this project, I was responsible for:
Defining user flows and interactions for key personas: new members, existing members, and admins.
Enhancing the user interface for the existing website and designing an intuitive dashboard for better sweepstakes management.
Collaborating with the client, project manager, and another designer to ensure a cohesive and user-friendly experience across the platform.
Challenges
Confusing User Flow
The existing flow lacked clarity, making it difficult for users to identify and execute primary actions, reducing engagement and effectiveness.
Outdated UI Design
Poor hierarchy and an outdated design created confusion, hindering navigation and readability for all users.
Plan of Action
Define User Roles and Actions:
Clearly differentiated actions for members, admins, and first-time users to deliver tailored experiences.
Focused on role-specific actions to reduce clutter and enhance interactivity.
Display Relevant Actions:
Streamlined dashboards to show only actionable items specific to user roles, improving usability and focus.
Guided User Flows:
Designed step-by-step processes that simplified navigation, improving task completion and overall engagement.
Simplify the Interface:
Focused on decluttering the platform, improving readability, and creating a more intuitive experience for users of all tech-savviness levels.
Target Metrics
Difficult Choices
Simplicity vs. Functionality
For an older, less tech-savvy audience, balancing a simple, intuitive interface with the platform’s robust functionality was critical. The design prioritized clarity without compromising essential features.
Innovation vs. Familiarity
Modernizing the interface while preserving familiar navigation was a key focus. This approach ensured long-time users felt comfortable with the updates while benefiting from improved usability.
Minimized Animations
Recognizing the demographic’s preferences, transitions were kept smooth, and animations were minimized to avoid cognitive overload and enhance content clarity.
Key Features Implemented
Sweep Update & Management:
Defined clear roles and actions for users on the dashboard.
Enabled seamless navigation for users to manage sweeps, track progress, and engage with the community.
Back Office Management for Admins:
Created comprehensive tools for admins to create, update, and manage sweeps efficiently.
Integrated tracking features for engagement and progress, empowering admins to be effective community leaders.
Conclusion
The redesign of SweepSheet revitalized its platform, combining simplicity with functionality to meet the needs of its diverse user base. By addressing pain points and implementing modern design principles, the platform now offers a seamless experience for members and administrators alike.
With a user-friendly dashboard, guided workflows, and intuitive navigation, SweepSheet successfully bridges the gap between innovation and familiarity. This project highlights my ability to craft solutions that not only enhance usability but also align with the expectations of a legacy audience.
SweepSheet is now better positioned to continue its long-standing mission of helping sweepstakes enthusiasts win more efficiently, making it an invaluable resource for years to come.