Aila La Q:
Celebrating Cuban Culture Through Storytelling and Products
Objective: Design and develop a website to highlight culturally inspired books and products, while sharing the author’s personal story and Cuban heritage.
Role: UX/UI Designer and Web Developer
Tools Used: Wix, Figma, Inkscape, Canva, Miro
Project Overview
Aila La Q is a unique platform that celebrates Cuban culture and lifestyle through books and products inspired by the author's rich heritage. The client sought a website that would showcase their work, offer products for purchase, and create a connection with individuals interested in Cuban traditions.
Research and Discovery
1. Understanding the Audience
The target users were individuals passionate about or descendants of Cuban culture, children's literature enthusiasts (teachers, parents, etc), and those seeking unique cultural products. Through interviews and surveys, I uncovered key user needs:
Access to Content: Users wanted a simple way to browse and learn about the books and products.
Connection with the Author: The personal story behind the platform was important for fostering trust and interest.
2. Competitive Analysis
I analyzed similar cultural and lifestyle websites to identify strengths and weaknesses. Common issues included:
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Less-than intuitive Layout - Very small menu icon
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Overwhelming footer
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Initial WCAG text contrast failure:
Normal Text
WCAG AA: Fail
WCAG AAA: Fail
Large Text
WCAG AA: Fail
WCAG AAA: Fail
Graphical Objects and User Interface Components
WCAG AA: Fail
To stand out, I focused on simplicity, cultural authenticity, and a responsive design.
Design Process
Information Architecture
I structured the website with the following key sections:
Home: A visually engaging introduction to the platform, featuring vibrant imagery and call-to-action buttons.
Books: A dedicated section showcasing books inspired by Cuban culture, with detailed descriptions and purchase links.
Shop: A clean, organized layout for browsing products with an easy-to-navigate cart system.
About: A personal narrative about the author and the inspiration behind Aila La Q.
Contact: A simple form for inquiries and feedback.
Design Process
Wireframing and Prototyping
Using Figma, I created wireframes to outline the layout and navigation flow. Mockups were next and high-fidelity prototypes followed, ensuring alignment with the client’s vision before development began.
Design Process
Visual Design
Color Palette: A vibrant yet elegant scheme inspired by Cuban landscapes, blending tropical hues with neutral tones.
Typography: Chose modern, legible fonts that conveyed professionalism while maintaining a warm, personal touch.
Imagery: Integrated high-quality visuals of her books, tropical motifs, and the author’s personal story to enhance authenticity.
Development and Implementation
1. Platform Selection
Wix was chosen for its ease of use, flexibility, and ability to integrate both e-commerce and storytelling elements seamlessly.
2. Responsive Design
I ensured the website provided a smooth browsing experience across all devices, from desktops to smartphones.
3. Interactive Features
A user-friendly shopping experience with clear product categories and a secure checkout process.
Social media links to drive engagement and expand the platform’s reach.
Challenges and Solutions
Challenge 1: Showcasing Culture Authentically
Solution: Worked closely with the client to ensure visuals and copy accurately reflected Cuban heritage, balancing tradition with modern design elements.
Challenge 2: Integrating E-Commerce
Solution: Simplified the shopping flow by organizing products into clear categories and optimizing the checkout process for ease of use.
Outcome and Reflection
Success Metrics:
Increased book sales and positive user feedback within the first month of launch.
A significant rise in website traffic, especially from mobile users.
Lessons Learned: This project emoted the importance of cultural sensitivity and storytelling in UX design. Creating a balance between functionality and emotion resulted in a platform that not only met but exceeded user expectations.
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Conclusion
The Aila La Q project highlights my ability to blend cultural storytelling with functional design. Through close collaboration and a user-centered approach, I delivered a website that celebrates Cuban heritage while driving engagement and sales.
Client Testimonial
I felt so comfortable and at ease throughout the process. Yamelys is a fantastic listener who quickly understood my wants and needs. She took everything I shared and turned it into a website that truly represents me in a way I couldn’t have imagined. What stood out to me was how quickly she grasped exactly what I was looking for. She took the time to understand my vision and consistently communicated with me throughout the process. Her efficiency and focus on bringing my needs to life, while offering valuable feedback, made the entire process smooth and easy. She made me feel heard and valued at every step. I never felt lost or uncertain because she was always clear in her communication, offering guidance from start to finish. She worked closely with me to ensure the final product truly aligned with my goals. The final project exceeded my expectations 10000%. The website perfectly represents me and my brand. Yamelys took my needs and turned them into something even better than I envisioned, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. This has been something I have wanted to do for years and am so happy it’s a reality now! Yamelys is kind, hard working, reliable, talented, and dedicated to fully understanding her clients’ needs. She has a unique ability to take what her clients envision and create magic! 100000 percent yes! Yamelys is incredibly reliable and she does an amazing job of understanding your goals and translating them into a site that truly works for you. Her work ethic and communication are exceptional, and the final product will be spot-on. I'd work with her again in a heartbeat and would recommend her to everyone who needs a website!