Ao3
Ao3
Ao3
Simplifying the search experience
Simplifying the search experience
Problem
The Search page of Archive is too cluttered and users have no idea where the filters are.
The Search page of Archive is too cluttered and users have no idea where the filters are.
Solution
Redesign the Search page to allow for better readability and declutter the space.
Redesign the Search page to allow for better readability and declutter the space.
PROJECT DETAILS
3 months
Dec 2025 - Feb 2026
Skills
Figma, Prototyping, Redesign, UX Writing
Catagory
Case studies
ABOUT
Ao3 or (Archive of Our Own) is a website hosting fan stories by category hashtags
Ao3 or (Archive of Our Own) is a website hosting fan stories by category hashtags
Excluding tags however is extremely hard
Excluding tags however is extremely hard
The website features 10+ categories users can filter from, which can be overwhelming.
The website features 10+ categories users can filter from, which can be overwhelming.
USER INTERVIEW DATA
Users were asked to find and test these filters, but failed to do so…
Users were asked to find and test these filters, but failed to do so…
50% Say Cluttered UI
50% Say Cluttered UI
Complaints of cluttered UI without guiding imagery.
Complaints of cluttered UI without guiding imagery.
67% Failed to find the filters
67% Failed to find the filters
Users gave up using because it was hidden.
Users gave up using because it was hidden.
67% said poor UX writing
67% said poor UX writing
Complex wording and long paragraph explanations.
Complex wording and long paragraph explanations.
Make filters visible to be easily accessible
Make filters visible to be easily accessible
Simplify UI to declutter with easier language
Simplify UI to declutter with easier language
Solution
Solution
Solution
TASK FLOW
Creating a filter that is right on the Search Page from the start
Creating a filter that is right on the Search Page from the start
Old Archive wanted users to actively search for these filters, the new redesign will immediately appear when users arrive, solving this problem.
Old Archive wanted users to actively search for these filters, the new redesign will immediately appear when users arrive, solving this problem.
UI REWORK
Reducing font variations, adding in stronger colors to help readability
Reducing font variations, adding in stronger colors to help readability
While remaining on brand, new cleaner UI and font were introduced so users have an easier time navigating the website.
While remaining on brand, new cleaner UI and font were introduced so users have an easier time navigating the website.
PROTOTYPE CHANGES
New filter is on the Search Page without a hundred checkboxes attached
New filter is on the Search Page without a hundred checkboxes attached
Type to Add or Subtract content tags easily
Type to Add or Subtract content tags easily
Easily lets users find where filters are, and lets them type what they want to see without going through hundreds of premade options.
Easily lets users find where filters are, and lets them type what they want to see without going through hundreds of premade options.
USER FEEDBACK
Users were invited to test the new prototype
Users were invited to test the new prototype
100% Liked the new UI
100% Liked the new UI
Users preferred the decluttered & simplified UI.
Users preferred the decluttered & simplified UI.
100% Task Completion
100% Task Completion
Users were able to locate filters easily.
Users were able to locate filters easily.
100% Readable UX Writing
100% Readable UX Writing
Users were able to understand the UX writing.
Users were able to understand the UX writing.
PROTOTYPE
Explore the Prototype
Explore the Prototype
Explore the Prototype
REFLECTION & NEXT STEPS
Conduct a heuristics evaluation on other areas of Archive for pain points
Conduct a heuristics evaluation on other areas of Archive for pain points
If users are having trouble with this section of the website, I want to conduct more interviews and a heuristics evaluation to see if other parts such as Homepage, Work Upload, and etc are usable.
If users are having trouble with this section of the website, I want to conduct more interviews and a heuristics evaluation to see if other parts such as Homepage, Work Upload, and etc are usable.
REFLECTION & NEXT STEPS
Check out my other works
Check out my other works
© 2026 Wei Yan
MY SOCIALS
© 2026 Wei Yan
MY SOCIALS
© 2026 Wei Yan
MY SOCIALS
© 2026 Wei Yan
MY SOCIALS