From Cold Case to Clarity: Redefining Navigation
Product Design & Research
Status: BACKLOG
As part of a broader interface overhaul, I was tasked with exploring new ways to improve navigation. This phase was focused heavily on problem framing, research, and validation - creating the strategic foundation that will guide the upcoming redesign of the navigation system and the design system overall.
What I did
Came into the project as a “cold case,” with no starting hypotheses. Over two months, I led a full research and discovery track to uncover root problems and validate opportunities.
Key workstreams included:
Competitive & market analysis
Stakeholder interviews (Data Analysts, Editorial team, PMs)
A/B testing and concept validation
Full customer-journey review and sitemap analysis
This work shaped a clearer understanding of user behaviors, navigation friction points, and high-impact opportunities for future design.
Results
I produced a full case study synthesizing insights, principles, and recommended solutions, which I presented to my product leaders. It was well received and is now being used by senior designers and execs during QA as groundwork for the next navigation system (2024)
What I Learned:
This project was as much about personal growth as product evolution:
User testing is never a one-off. Meaningful improvements only surfaced through continuous rounds of feedback.
Know your audience deeply. My early designs didn’t quite land because I hadn’t considered how un-tech-savvy a large portion of our user base is. After running a workshop with our acquisition team, I was able to refocus the design around real user needs and behaviors—which made a noticeable difference in usability.
Collaboration is key. Working closely with PMs, Data, and Insights validated assumptions and grounded decisions in evidence.
Proud moment. Knowing this foundational work will help millions access top news more efficiently made the process genuinely worthwhile.
