GEO.ca Website Redesign

Government of Canada - Natural Resources Canada

Timeline: 2023 - 2025
Role: Graphic Designer, UX Consultant, and Communications Co-lead
Tools: Illustrator · Premiere Pro · XD · WordPress · GitHub · Slack · Trello

Overview

Launched in 2021, GEO.ca is the definitive source for Canada's open geospatial information, serving geospatial experts, students, and the broader public. As part of the redesign team, I helped improve the site's navigation, visual design, and information architecture, ensuring that geospatial data and tools are easy to find and use. The project emphasized a mobile-first approach, accessibility, and a clear content hierarchy, informed through user research and stakeholder feedback.

Problem

The previous GEO.ca website had a fragmented user experience, limited search functionality, and an inconsistent information hierarchy. Users struggled to efficiently find geospatial data, leading to frustration and reducing the use and impact of Canada's open geoscience resources.

The previous GEO.ca homepage

Process and Outcome

I collaborated with UX, content, and development teams to redesign GEO.ca into a more user-friendly and visually cohesive platform.

  • Information Architecture: Supported site audits and reorganized navigation to establish a clear content hierarchy, improving access to datasets and initiatives.
  • User Testing: Participated in A/B testing of interactive prototypes and evaluated semantic search functionality to refine usability.
  • Visual Design: Applied federal web content standards and contributed to a style guide to ensure visual consistency and clarity across the platform.
  • Campaign Launch: Planned and executed a strategic communications campaign for the site's public launch, creating promotional materials including newsletter features, social media posts, event collateral, and announcement articles.

The redesigned GEO.ca launched with:

  • Improved navigation and data discoverability
  • Consistent visual identity aligned with federal web content standards
  • Enhanced accessibility and responsiveness across devices
  • Increased visibility and engagement through coordinated launch materials
The redesigned GEO.ca homepage

Reflection

This project strengthened my skills in UX testing, mobile-first design, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. It highlighted the importance of clear information hierarchy, a consistent look and feel, and effective search functionality in improving user experience and engagement.

Previous Project Next Project