Home Page Redesign

AKOMA is a cooperative for women artists, especially women of color who are artists and makers. Mandisa Smith, AKOMA’s owner, handled the company’s website and online orders by herself. Mandisa reported that website users often had to contact her with additional questions about AKOMA, and it was time-consuming to take these inquiries. She wondered if there was a way to help users find this information more easily.

Our initial assessment was that AKOMA’s website design contained most of the necessary information, but it could deliver a more consistent message with the brand. After conducting user testing, however, it became apparent to all that the site map and home page were not working for customers. We prototyped and tested a reorganized website, and created content for several new pages customers wanted, including information about AKOMA’s events, membership, and overall brand.

Once complete, we implemented the new website, showed Mandisa how to update it, and provided her with a summary of insights from user testing, and a guide on how to implement new features and plugins onto the website that might ease her workload as a business owner.

See the before and after from the redesign of AKOMA’s website:

Mandisa Smith

Workshop leader, community educator, and founder and former co-owner of Detroit Fiber Works

“Working with the DNEP students was a truly positive experience for AKOMA. They accomplished so much in such a short period of time, including conducting effective research, and making several important design changes to our website, based on the research results. Their professionalism and thoroughness was exceptional, and I am really pleased to have had the opportunity to work with this team. The major issue addressed by the team was the need for enhanced functionality on the AKOMA website. Several changes were implemented, all of which make the website more user friendly and easier to navigate."

Visit AKOMA's website