The Black Star Journal, Brown University's pioneering Black publication, serves as a vital platform for Black voices on campus. It offers coverage of Black news, life, and culture, fostering community and celebrating Black existence within the Brown University community.

An Overview

Our team of three UX designers undertook the challenge of creating a website for the Black Star Journal. Our primary objective was to develop a digital platform that would capture the journal's artistic essence while providing a user-friendly space for writers to showcase their work. The website aims to extend the reach of the journal beyond its physical form, allowing contributors to easily share their pieces with friends and family who might not have access to the print edition. This digital transformation seeks to preserve the journal's unique character while embracing the accessibility and sharing capabilities of the online medium.

Project Brief and Deliverables

• Ability to share site with friends and family
• Wireframes, prototypes, and design iterations
• Complete Website

Initial Research and Inspiration

We began by identifying websites that could serve as inspiration for our design. We analyzed several creative literary and artistic websites, including Orange Magazine, C&10 Magazine, and Pitch Magazine. From these sites, we drew inspiration for layout, typography, and interactive features. This research helped us understand how to effectively blend artistic essence with user-friendly design.

Identifying Key Pages and Features

After our initial research, we identified the key pages and features essential for the Black Star Journal's website. These included:

     • Menu Bar: Easy navigation to all sections of the website.
     • Masthead/Team Page: Highlighting the editorial team and contributors.
     • Archives: Allowing users to access past editions and articles.
     • Articles Page: Displaying individual articles with related content suggestions.
     • Landing Page: Featuring the latest articles, top stories, and featured writers.

We chose these pages and features to ensure a comprehensive and engaging experience for our readers and contributors.

Design Process

Our design process was highly iterative. We started with low-fidelity wireframes to outline the basic structure and layout of the website. Using tools like Sketch and Figma, we created multiple design concepts and continuously refined them based on feedback. We focused on key elements such as typography, color schemes, and the overall layout to ensure the site reflected the journal's artistic essence.

Team Collaboration and Voting

Team collaboration was crucial throughout the project. We held regular brainstorming sessions and design reviews. To select the best designs, we employed a voting process where each team member could vote on their preferred designs. This process was repeated until we reached a consensus on the main pages.
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Final Design and Implementation

The final designs were a result of multiple iterations and careful consideration of user feedback. Key features included a dynamic home page with rotating headlines, a clean and easy-to-read article layout, and intuitive navigation. We used a responsive design approach to ensure the website worked well on both desktop and mobile devices. The implementation phase involved close collaboration with the development team to bring the designs to life.

View Prototype

Reflection

Reflecting on the project, the biggest lesson learned was the importance of teamwork in creating the best possible product. Effective communication, regular feedback sessions, and a collaborative approach ensured that we leveraged everyone's strengths and ideas.

the black star journal

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