Boosting engagement through homepage optimisation

The Royal Institute of Philosophy needed to improve website engagement, as users often struggled to navigate beyond the homepage. Much of the content was hidden away, and new material wasn’t surfaced effectively. Working with the Managing Director and developer, I led the design of new homepage components, including quick visual links to key areas, news and upcoming events, and an introductory section about the Institute.

The Royal Institute of Philosophy needed to improve website engagement, as users often struggled to navigate beyond the homepage. Much of the content was hidden away, and new material wasn’t surfaced effectively. Working with the Managing Director and developer, I led the design of new homepage components, including quick visual links to key areas, news and upcoming events, and an introductory section about the Institute.

I began by defining the problem statement and hypothesis with stakeholders, then produced six layout concepts for review. Each option emphasised clear navigation, a welcoming introduction, and structured calls to action that could adapt to seasonal content such as lecture series, essay prizes, and funding opportunities. The designs were created to fit seamlessly with the existing visual identity while keeping build time efficient.

I began by defining the problem statement and hypothesis with stakeholders, then produced six layout concepts for review. Each option emphasised clear navigation, a welcoming introduction, and structured calls to action that could adapt to seasonal content such as lecture series, essay prizes, and funding opportunities. The designs were created to fit seamlessly with the existing visual identity while keeping build time efficient.

Outcome

The chosen design introduced a flexible homepage component that guided users to high-value areas including memberships, events, and donations. Success metrics were defined around click-through rate, bounce rate, and time on site, supported by optional heatmaps and surveys. The update provided a scalable foundation for the Institute to surface both permanent and time-sensitive content, improving visibility of its programmes and outreach activities.

The chosen design introduced a flexible homepage component that guided users to high-value areas including memberships, events, and donations. Success metrics were defined around click-through rate, bounce rate, and time on site, supported by optional heatmaps and surveys. The update provided a scalable foundation for the Institute to surface both permanent and time-sensitive content, improving visibility of its programmes and outreach activities.

Company

The Royal Institute of Philosophy (TRIP)

The Royal Institute of Philosophy (TRIP)

My role

My role

Lead UX/UI designer

Lead UX/UI designer

Timeline

March 2025

March 2025

Team

Lead UX/UI designer, developer and managing director

Lead UX/UI designer, developer and managing director

Deliverables

Figma designs

Figma designs

View of the new components on the homepage in 3 key break points (mobile, tablet and desktop)

View of the new components on the homepage in 3 key break points (mobile, tablet and desktop)

Full view of the homepage in 3 key break points (mobile, tablet and desktop)

Full view of the homepage in 3 key break points (mobile, tablet and desktop)

© Stina Slingo 2025