Our Mission
Programs
Board and Officers
Organizations and Chapters
Contact Us
Legacy
Youth
Press Releases
Media
Newsletters
Research
Donate
Merchandise
Members Signup
Tuskegee Airmen Inc.
Overview
Tuskegee Airmen Inc. (TAI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of African Americans who served in the Army Air Corps during WWII.
Through their initiatives, they provide educational support and inspire young people to pursue careers in science and aviation, upholding values like courage, leadership, and determination.
However, their website struggled with accessibility and engagement, making it hard for both older members and the next generation to connect.
Our redesign focused on enhancing clarity, usability, and creating graphic assets to strengthen their social media presence.
Duration
4 Months
Methods
UX/UI Design, Social Media
CONTEXT
Challenge
The website was overloaded with information but lacked clear organization.
Navigation was challenging for older, less tech-savvy users.
In addition, the site did not effectively engage younger audiences, limiting overall communication.
Solution
We redesigned the website with an intuitive structure and clear visual hierarchy.
Key improvements included
- Streamlined navigation
- Enhanced accessibility features
- Consistent visual hierarchy
We also developed graphic assets for social media to improve audience engagement.
View Prototype 🔗IMPACT
40% decrease in website navigation time
Achieved over 80% user agreement on main navigation structure
RESEARCH
We validated the problem with competitive analysis, user surveys, and card sorting exercises. This helped us focus on the most impactful areas for improvement.
Competitive Analysis
Analyzing similar nonprofit websites revealed effective navigation and content flow strategies. We also looked at educational nonprofits for modern UI inspirations.
User Surveys
We surveyed users across various age groups. The feedback highlighted unclear paths for actions such as donating or signing up, which discouraged engagement.
Card Sorting
Card sorting with board members revealed low agreement on subpage organization. We consolidated redundant tabs to achieve a more intuitive sitemap.
PRE-DESIGN PHASE
After analyzing user feedback and the current site structure, we developed a new sitemap.
Our approach included
Conducting a thorough content audit
Brainstorming sessions on Figjam
Integrating survey insights into design proposals
Sitemaps
We reorganized content into four main tabs: About, Programs, Press, and Get Involved, consolidating redundant pages.
Priorities for sitemaps
Eliminate redundant pages
Consolidate related information
Simplify navigation structure
About
Programs
Press
Get Involved
Old Sitemap
New Sitemap
DESIGN PHASE
With the new sitemap approved, we built a style guide and design system in Figma.
Style Guide
Our style guide used TAI’s brand colors and introduced a new font for improved readability. Emphasis was placed on proper kerning and consistency.
The red, white, and blue palette was retained, with red as an accent, to honor the organization’s heritage. Accessibility was verified using A11Y’s Validator Tool.
Iterating Design Concepts
Designers worked on desktop and mobile layouts concurrently. Weekly update emails and feedback sessions helped us maintain consistency and reduce friction.
Priorities
Ensure visual consistency and readability
Simplify key user journeys (e.g., signups, donations)
Old Design
For example, the original member signup process required multiple steps. We streamlined it into a single, clear call-to-action.
New Design
The redesigned "Get Involved" tab now directs users to MemberPlanet with one click.
Old Design
We also restructured the presentation of program offerings. Previously, programs were presented in dense text blocks with little hierarchy.
The new Overviews page uses media, banners, and improved spacing to showcase Programs, Scholarships, and Awards.
New Design
Visual separators and banners now guide users through the content more effectively.
Additional banners highlight individual programs and yearly accomplishments.
User Testing
After creating a medium-fidelity prototype, we conducted user testing with timed tasks on both the old and new designs.
Results showed a 40% faster navigation time. Feedback from these sessions allowed us to fine-tune the high-fidelity designs.
SOCIAL MEDIA
To jumpstart TAI’s social media initiatives, we focused on:
Consistent Branding
Designed graphic templates for a cohesive social media presence.
Social Media Handbook
Created a guide with a content calendar & best practices.
Our team brainstormed content topics and created templates on Canva. Examples include:
Event Announcements
Event Photos
All assets and guidelines are compiled in our content strategy handbook.
Social Media Handbook 🔗RESULTS
Improved Navigation
We redesigned the information architecture, making it easier for users to find what they need.
Accessibility Enhancements
We ensured the website met WCAG guidelines, improving usability for all users.
Responsive Design
The site is now fully optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Our collaboration is expected to enhance communication, increase member signups, and create a more engaging online presence, based on insights from our usability testing.
Next Steps
Refine User Experience
Gather post-launch feedback and iterate on the design based on user insights.
Content Strategy
Develop a plan for regular updates to maintain engagement and keep content fresh.
Monitor Performance
Track site analytics and usability metrics to measure effectiveness and make adjustments.
With the design vision established, TAI can now move forward with development, maintenance, and enhanced media organization to further boost their social presence.
MEET THE TEAM
Clara Truong 🔗
Design/Product Manager
Tyson Cheung 🔗
Designer
Apoorva Makarla 🔗
Designer
Caleb Moran 🔗
Designer
Steve Sheng
Designer
Gabriel Wong 🔗
Designer
We’d like to thank Develop for Good, especially Mary, Amanda, and our Project Lead Wesley, for this collaborative experience. Special thanks to our mentor, Jack Wang, for his invaluable guidance.
