Context
I worked in a public library for three years, where I created adult programs. One of these programs was a WordPress workshop, where I taught patrons how to create blogs, websites, and portfolios using WordPress.
The Challenge
I wanted patrons to have a resource they could use when they weren’t in the workshop. Subsequently, I needed a site that would help me guide them to making a site of their own. Up until that point, I’d used notes I’d printed out on paper, but a website would be easier to use because everything would be on a computer.
The Goal
To create an interactive WordPress guide to aid patrons outside the library
Scope
End-to-end
Tools
WordPress
Role
UX Designer
Team
Self-directed
Goals of the Site
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To aid patrons in creating a WordPress site outside of the library
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To create a clear, easy-to-understand guide
Understanding the Users
I worked with patrons every day, helping them use basic computer functions, and learned what sort of technology needs they had.
Major priorities:
Non-technical language: Many patrons that came to the library were not very computer literate, but there were still patrons who wanted to start a site for their own business or for school.
Patrons' independence: I wanted patrons to be able to understand and use the site without my help, so the guide had to be as clear as possible and offer as much support and help aids as possible.
Flexibility of content: Each patron had a different reason for creating a WordPress site, so the guide needed to support those needs.
Diversity: The library hosted a diverse population of patrons, such as Spanish and Vietnamese speakers.
Main Features of the Site
The main features of the site that I took into consideration relate to the users' needs.
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Streamlined and linear process: Creating a WordPress site is a linear process, and I wanted the guide to reflect that.
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Addresses non-technical language
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Addresses patrons' independence
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Images to supplement instructions: I added images to avoid confusion and clarify steps.
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Addresses non-technical language
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Addresses patrons' independence
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Comprehensive content on WordPress basics: I cover everything from creating an account to the difference between Pages and Posts to the variety of blocks WordPress offers, ensuring all visitors to the guide will learn the basics and extra details that they might need.
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Addresses patrons' independence
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Addresses flexibility
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Text widgets with tips: These widgets included basic tips to operate WordPress.
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Addresses non-technical language
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Addresses patrons' independence
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Widgets for language: The content needed to be accessible to all patrons in the language they felt comfortable using.
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Addresses non-technical language
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Addresses diversity
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Outlining the Content
I originally started teaching the WordPress workshops with a paper outline, so I was able to easily transfer my original outline to the WordPress site itself.
On the left is my outline I made for the workshop.
Site Content
The site covers the basics from creating an account to the differences between block and classic editor - a recent feature of WordPress at the time - to creating posts and pages.
There are other useful tips to edit images and a section that talks about the different types of blocks someone can use on their site.
I wanted the navigation to reflect the process of creating a WordPress Website, so the menu reads left to right in order of the information needed to make a blog, website, or portfolio.
Outcome
When I taught the WordPress workshop, I found the site to be incredibly useful. It was easy to switch tabs as I instructed patrons in how to create a site. The workshop only lasted for a year, only gaining 11 views by 5 people in that span of time. However, since its creation in 2019, it has generated 113 views by 79 viewers, and it is not advertised on any site.