Overview
Optimize the current information architecture of Craigslist to address the diminishing user engagement on the platform. Streamline navigation and refine the content hierarchy, thereby enhancing the usability for its users by providing enhanced discoverability and usability.
About
Craigslist is a popular online classifieds platform that connects people in local communities for buying, selling, and trading a wide range of goods and services, jobs, housing, merchandise, and community events.
Revenue at Craigslist, 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
Problem
Inconsistent information
Craigslist is a popular online classifieds platform that connects people in local communities for buying, selling, and trading a wide range of goods and services, jobs, housing, merchandise, and community events.
filtering systems
The functionalities of multiple
are redundant
Solution
Before
After
Current Sitemap
Craigslist's existing 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.
Analysis
A thorough analysis of the current user experience, interface and structure of Craigslist led to the following conclusions:
01
The existing site structure has a lot of repeated and duplicate information which makes it redundant.
02
It has multiple styles of navigations and filters which do not function consistently within each category page.
03
Reduced engagement and confusion of the user while using the platform are the major problems.
Concept Map
Creating a concept map helped us understand the relationship between ideas and concepts present in the craigslist website. It helped us in organizing and representing complex information visually. It helped to identify connections and gaps in the current current offerings of Craigslist.
Card Sorting
Open Card Sorting - During this process, we restructured the website and reduced the number of navigation points and filters. We also streamlined the navigation to reduce redundancy and optimize user flow.
Closed Card Sorting - During this process, we implemented the naming convention in regards to terminology as well as more effective categorization of information as suggested by users.
Competitor Analysis
Competitor analysis was conducted for for each sub category/offering available in the Craigslist Website to identify pros and cons within the digital realm.
Facebook Marketplace for goods, Indeed for job postings and services, Reddit for it’s community forums and Redfin for housing.
Established user base and scheduling features are available. Filters can be overwhelming and authenticity of products is a concern for users.
Comprehensive filters but detailed job information causes information overload and low visibility of other listings.
Optimized filters and content differentiation, but inconsistent user experiences and potential for age-inappropriate content.
User-friendly interface and clear categorization. Overwhelming number of listings and high learning curve for users.
Research Insights
01
Irrelevant results while looking for a specific outcome are a major frustration of the user.
Irrelevant results
02
Users have trust issues and safety concerns, around scams and high-value transactions.
Safety concerns
03
Many low-quality or spammy listings clutter the platform and drown out legitimate posts.
Spam posts
Customer Journey Map
Understanding user emotions and identifying gaps provide a roadmap for refining user experiences, ensuring optimal satisfaction across diverse interactions.
The journeys were identified on the basis of the actions that a user would perform in each category of the website. These include buying a couch, looking of a job, participating in the discussions forum and renting a house.
Streamline filters, enhance CTA button visibility, and simplify meeting arrangements for a smoother user experience.
Buying a couch
Enhance job category options, standardize post formatting, and allow employers to update listing status for improved job hunting.
Looking for a job
Simplify username creation, standardize UX terminology, declutter the UI and enhance the visibility of various posts on the website.
Discussion forum
Standardize filters, optimize advanced filters, introduce safety badges and offer a more feasible reservation making feature.
Renting a house
Optimized Information Architecture
Optimized User Flow
The project aims to develop a user-centric redesign to declutter, instill trust, and enhance the visual appeal, positioning Craigslist for a seamless and enjoyable navigation experience.
Craigslist
revised
Learning Outcomes
01
Organizing information makes sure that users won't have to spend effort to understand how the website works. It allows them to focus more on the content.
Cognitive Load
02
Consistency in design helps users learn how to navigate and interact with the website quickly. This reduces confusion and enhances satisfaction.
Consistency
03
Altering the IA by understanding the user expectation by analyzing the user journey ensured a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.
User-Centric Adaptation