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Redesign Challenge : Space Jam (1996)
Overview
The original Space Jam website (1996) is a relic of early web design, famous for being one of the first major online movie promotions. While nostalgic, its outdated interface poses major usability and accessibility challenges—especially for modern users and assistive technologies.
How Might We?
Skills Used During Project Creation
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Enable users to find what they need more effectively
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Modernize the design of the site
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Establish stylistic consistency across the site
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Heuristic Evaluation
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User Interviewing
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Wireframing
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Prototyping
User Interviews & Heuristic Evaluation
Approximately ten 30 minute interviews of a semi-structed nature were conducted with UMBC students, staff, and faculty of varying age ranges and ability levels. 2 of the students had some type of formal art and design training while all other participants had little to none.
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Much of what was found during the heuristic evaluation was echoed by interviewees
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Navigation is difficult and site map reliant
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Inconsistencies with element placement contribute to confusion and error making
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Ununified color pallet and typography cause readability to be low
Wireframes
After synthesizing the information from the user interviews and heuristic evaluation low fidelity prototypes were created to visualize rearranging elements on the site could improve navigation.
Prototyping
After exploring wireframes in low fidelity we move to unifying the site design to bring unity to the pages layout.
Conclusion and Reflection
Redesigning the Space Jam website offered a hands-on opportunity to apply user-centered design principles to a legacy digital experience. Through heuristic evaluations, user interviews, and iterative prototyping, key usability issues, including poor navigation, inconsistent design, and accessibility barriers, were addressed. Testing with users from diverse backgrounds and varying familiarity with the source material yielded critical feedback that informed improvements in site navigation, readability, color contrast, responsiveness, and overall clarity. This project highlighted the importance of inclusive design, thoughtful interaction patterns, and continuous refinement through user feedback—all essential skills I look forward to bringing to future design work.