Rethinking the Classifieds

Craigslist IA Overhaul

Role

Researcher

Information Architect

Duration

6 Weeks

Overview

To address declining engagement, this project redesigned Craigslist's information architecture through card sorting analysis, streamlining navigations and listings organization to enhance utility for existing users and help Craigslist regain competitiveness.

TLDR ;

Click to show summary of project achievements

  • Conducted open and closed card sorting to enable data-driven IA redesign based on user feedback

  • Condensed ineffective pages and links to simplify information architectures here

  • Reorganized listings for consistency and improved searchability

Before

After

Context

Craigslist's Evolution

Out of Sync with Today's Needs

Once the worldwide powerhouse of classified advertising, dropped 26% in 2020 and almost 50% during the past two years, a new AIM Group report shows. Traffic at the website, still one of the top 25 U.S. websites overall, continued a five-year slide and is only about 40% of what it was in 2017.

The Problem

Craigslist's sitemap offers an overview of the website's various categories and locations. Users navigate and explore listings for jobs, housing, goods, services, and more, organized by city or region in its current structure.

Craigslist's Web Maze

Users Lost in Information Overload

Through analysis we found out that Craigslist has Duplicate information, inconsistent displays, and redundant filters complicate user navigation.

Information Architecture

Card Sorting

Organize and structure content

While open card sorting, we restructured the website and reduced the number of navigation points. We streamlined the navigation

For the closed card sorting, we implemented the naming convention in regards to terminology as well as more effective categorization of information as suggested by other users

Open Card Sorting

Closed Card Sorting

Navigating Digital Realms

Competitor UX Breakdown

Competitior Analysis

Performed Competitor analysis for each sub category to identify pros and cons within the digital realm
Facebook Marketplace for goods, Indeed for Job postings, Reddit for Community Forums and Redfin for Housing

Customer Journey

Journey Analysis

Navigating User Emotions & Opportunities

Understanding user emotions and identifying gaps provide a roadmap for refining user experiences, ensuring optimal satisfaction across diverse interactions

Updated IA and Flow

The backbone of the project

A Fresh Start for User-friendly Navigation

Aiming for a user-centric redesign to declutter, instill trust, and enhance the visual appeal, positioning Craigslist for a seamless and enjoyable navigation experience

Focusing on Listing Quality, Trust and Safety, Visual Design, User-Friendly Navigation

User Flow

Project Takeaway

  • The necessity of a simplified and streamlined information architecture, emphasizing the importance of reducing complexity for users.

  • Understanding the user journey proved crucial in tailoring the information architecture to align with user expectations, ensuring a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.

  • The project emphasized the importance of clear communication within the platform. Standardizing terminology and creating a more consistent language across the interface contributed to a smoother user experience, reducing confusion and enhancing overall usability.

Spatial Interface / AI, ML / UX Research / Prototyping

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