Exploratory Work:
Language &
Information Architecture
Client: National Center for Transgender Equality, a nonprofit social equality organization
Note: This work was not done with the National Center for Transgender equality, this website was used for case study purposes only.
Challenge
Design a website navigation that uses inclusive, neutral language to serve three key audiences equally:
Trans folks
LGBTQ+ advocates
People from outside the LGBTQ+ community
Solution
Through moderated and unmoderated card sorting sessions, I identified language in the NCTE’s existing navigation that could be exclusionary. The research, which included 55 participants across three audience types, revealed patterns that guided the creation of a new, inclusive navigation.
Key Contributions
Conducted card sorts to understand how each audience responded to current language.
Created a new navigation structure using neutral, inclusive language to make the site welcoming to all.
Outcome
Developed a recommended navigation structure that ensures every visitor, regardless of background, feels welcome and can easily find relevant content.
Impact
This case study gained widespread recognition and evolved into a conference talk for the Information Architecture Conference. The talk was subsequently picked up by several other outlets and presented across the country. It also led to the publication of multiple articles, highlighting the importance of inclusive and accessible language in research and design.