Project Type
Higher Education Web Design & UX
Client
Johnson School of Management, Cornell University
Role
Web Designer & Content Strategist (Interim position)
THE CHALLENGE
The Johnson School's New Students section had become unwieldy and difficult to navigate. Prospective MBA students—who had recently been accepted and were evaluating whether to attend Cornell or another program—struggled to find critical information about orientation, housing, resources, and next steps.
The existing site had too many pages with duplicative content, inconsistent formatting, and poor information architecture. The school needed to streamline the experience, make information easily accessible, and create a welcoming digital presence that reflected the quality of the program.
Additionally, when COVID-19 forced graduation ceremonies online in 2020, the school needed creative solutions to maintain school spirit and community connection virtually.
MY APPROACH
Project 1: New Students Website Overhaul
I led a comprehensive redesign of the New Students section using an 8-step process:
➛ Understood the department's role within the college
➛ Identified the primary audience: recently accepted students evaluating Cornell against other top MBA programs
➛ Recognized the high stakes: students at this stage could still choose another school
2. Action Keywords
Established three guiding principles for every page:
➛ Inform — Provide clear, accurate information
➛ Call to Action — Guide students toward next steps
➛ Excite — Build enthusiasm about joining the Cornell community
3. Content Goals
➛ Cut 50-67% of existing pages through consolidation
➛ Drastically streamline copy
➛ Use existing templates to improve visual layout and user experience
➛ Ensure inclusivity and accessibility
4. Inventory
➛ Created spreadsheet documenting every page on the current site
➛ Made initial notes on consolidation opportunities
➛ Reviewed extensive photo library, organized images showing diversity and strategic messaging
5. Revise
➛ Redesigned site map
➛ Worked with copywriter to rework existing content and create new pages
➛ Resized and organized images
➛ Created Final Audit spreadsheet detailing all changes and edits
6. Consult Stakeholders
➛ Shared Final Audit with Student Services staff for feedback
➛ Met with college Communications team to discuss next steps
7. Make Edits
➛ Chose WordPress templates suited for optimal user experience
➛ Selected photos that guided users to page topics
➛ Implemented accessibility features: proper heading structure, alt text for images, descriptive links
8. Test & Launch
➛ Conducted testing with Student Services staff
➛ Launched in 2.5 months from start to finish
Project 2: Virtual Spirit Page
When the pandemic forced campus events online, I created a resource page to help the Johnson community maintain school spirit virtually.
What I did:
➛ Curated photos from the school's extensive professional photo library
➛ Resized and organized all images for web use
➛ Designed the entire page in Squarespace (as a prototype), then recreated it in WordPress
➛ Created downloadable Zoom backgrounds featuring iconic Cornell campus locations
➛ Organized spirit packages by building (Dyson, Johnson, Nolan School, etc.)
➛ Made it easy for students, faculty, and staff to show their Big Red pride in virtual meetings
The Outcome
New Students Website:
➛ Consolidated pages by 67% — Dramatically simplified navigation
➛ Improved user experience for prospective students at a critical decision point
➛ Created a welcoming, accessible digital presence that reflected program quality
➛ Established a sustainable content structure that was easier for staff to maintain
Virtual Spirit Page:
➛ Provided immediate solution to pandemic-related community engagement challenges
➛ Gave the Johnson community tools to maintain visual connection to campus
➛ Demonstrated institutional adaptability and care for community spirit
Process & Systems:
➛ Documented clear process for future website overhauls
➛ Created reusable templates and systems for content management
➛ Trained staff on accessibility best practices
Skills Demonstrated
➛ Information Architecture: Restructured complex site to improve findability
➛ UX Design: Prioritized user needs at critical decision-making stage
➛ Content Strategy: Worked with copywriter to streamline messaging
➛ Accessibility: Ensured WCAG compliance throughout
➛ Project Management: Delivered complex project in 2.5 months with multiple stakeholders
➛ Visual Design: Curated and organized extensive photo libraries
➛ Stakeholder Communication: Collaborated with Student Services and Communications teams
➛ Adaptability: Pivoted to create solutions for unexpected pandemic challenges
View the Work
This work was completed during a temporary position at Cornell University's SC Johnson College of Business from October 2019 to August 2020.