REDESIGNING NUPD'S DIGITAL PRESENCE FOR A SAFER AND MORE ACCESIBLE EXPERIENCE
JAN - AUG 2025
BOSTON
FIGMA, MIRO
ROLE: DIGITAL EXPEREINCE DESIGNER
PROJECT BACKGROUND
NORTHEASTERN POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICIAL PLATFORM WHEREIN NORTHEASTERN STAFF AND STUDENTS REPOT INCIDENTS AND REQUEST SAFETY ASSISTANCE
Recognizing the need for a more accessible and user-friendly digital experience, NUPD prioritized a comprehensive website redesign. I was appointed as the Web and Digital Experience Designer to improve accessibility and usability. Unfortunately, due to privacy reasons, I can’t show the bulk of the work I did at NUPD—so for now, you’ll just have to trust that I did quite a lot in my co-op.
PROBLEMS
MORE FEATURES, MORE CHALLENGES
Redesigning NUPD’s website came with its own unique UX hurdles:
OVERWHELMING CHOICES
With so many safety services available, users—whether students, faculty, or staff—often felt lost trying to figure out where to go or what to click. The lack of clear structure made it harder to act quickly, especially in urgent situations.
TIME-CRITICAL SCENARIOS
In emergencies, every second matters. Users needed to report incidents or request help fast, but the site’s layout often slowed them down. Speed and simplicity were non-negotiable.
UNCLEAR CATEGORIZATION
Whether reporting an emergency, signing up for training, or requesting a safety escort, users had vastly different needs—but the site treated them all the same. The lack of intuitive organization led to confusion and frustration.
ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL
The site serves a wide audience: first-time visitors, international students, parents, and more. But it wasn’t designed with this diversity in mind. Language clarity, visual hierarchy, and simple navigation were all areas that needed major improvement to ensure accessibility for everyone.
CHALLENGE
Students and staff at Northeastern need to feel safer and more informed, because clarity and trust unlock faster decision-making and stronger engagement.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
THAT GUIDED THE REDESIGN
Clarity in Communication: We prioritized clear communication through plain language, strong visual cues, and intuitive navigation to help users find what they need without hesitation.
Accessible by Design: We followed WCAG 2.1 AA standards, prioritizing mobile responsiveness, keyboard navigation & screen reader compatibility for all users across devices and abilities.
Feedback-Driven Iteration: We integrated feedback loops throughout the design process, allowing us to refine the experience based on usability insights and evolving needs.
Trust-First UX: We focused on designing transparent user flows, explaining actions(like what happens after submitting a report),minimizing ambiguity to ensure confidence.
LEARNINGS
What I loved most was being able to ask anything and always get thoughtful guidance. It made me think: how can we make safety resources feel more approachable? And of course—will there be snacks at the stakeholder meeting?
I learned the value of designing for clarity over complexity. Simplifying critical safety information wasn’t just about aesthetics— it’s about clarity, urgency, and trust.
Advocacy matters. From accessibility best practices to UX principles, I found myself not just designing but also educating stakeholders on the ‘why’ behind each decision. The ability to communicate impact made all the difference.
FROM PASSION TO
THE DREAM JOB
Everyday looks different than the other! Some days, I was deep in Figma, designing intuitive layouts while sipping coffee. Other days, I was diving into research—chatting with students, staff, and officers to understand how they engage with safety resources. Whether advocating for accessibility, refining designs, or translating stakeholder needs into seamless user experiences, the project kept me on my toes—and I loved every moment!
