Minnesota Department of Commerce

The Minnesota Department of Commerce needed to redesign their website in a way that was easier to use and focused on getting consumers and businesses the information they needed. They chose Nighthawk because of our in-depth knowledge in website planning, Tridion, user experience (UX) research, architecture, design, and implementation.

Minnesota Department of Commerce Website Drupal CMS Government

Minnesota Department of Commerce Website

The Minnesota Department of Commerce protects the public interest through a broad range of regulations and programs. Whether you’re filling up on gas, purchasing a home, working to reduce energy consumption, or rebuilding after a disaster, the Department of Commerce is with you every day. They oversee more than 40 industry areas in Minnesota and license about 250,000 professionals and businesses to ensure that their services and products are fair, accessible and comply with state laws.

The Need

The Minnesota Department of Commerce needed a new digital front door with a modernized website that is easier to use and focuses on getting consumers and businesses the information they need. In reimagining the website, Commerce put an emphasis on obtaining feedback from users to improve the experience of Minnesotans in their digital interactions with the Department. The new design needed to offer users easier access to find information and take actions, ranging from applying for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program, to renewing a license, or filing complaints about businesses in the more than 40 industry areas that Commerce oversees.  

The Solution

The goal of this project was to focus on the user experience (UX) research through improved website functionality, navigation, design, and content strategy. We conducted research and discovery examining the existing interface features and navigation elements, including research with external and internal stakeholders, closed- and opened-card sort exercises, and interviews with diverse Commerce site users. Research findings were documented and used as the basis for the development of the new information architecture, content strategy, and design. The new website features a home site and six topical subsites designed based on feedback from website users.

Highlighted Services

User Experience (UX) Research

User Experience (UX) Research

Collaborated with Commerce on User Experience testing to develop and consult with a diverse panel of users, with emphasis on engagement with BIPOC and immigrant communities in Minnesota. UX testing encompassed the following: Testing of the existing site, testing based on user interviews, and user panel feedback during functional testing. 
Roadmap & Planning

Card Sorting

Developed and conducted a card sort process to encompass diverse research panels, with the first group of external users to participate in a “closed card sort” and the second group to participate in an “opened card sort.” The card sort process collects user input as a means to categorize and structure website content so it is intuitive for all the different audience groups using the website. A card sort evaluation helps determine an information architecture, but most importantly it ensures a more user friendly website.
Content Strategy + Audit

Content Inventory and Migration

Provided a searchable content inventory of the existing Commerce website in an Excel workbook format. Provided a technology solution which enables Commerce users the ability to enter content into a standard format that can be exported easily into the new environment. Revised all content based on UX experience, card sort, information architecture, and design. Updated, consolidated, and eliminated unnecessary/redundant content. Developed new content, as needed, to meet consumer, industry, and regulatory needs of Commerce’s divisions.
Minnesota Department of Commerce Website Drupal CMS Government

Responsive Design

The redesign required an updated, modern look and feel that was responsive to mobile use. The site was designed for all major mobile browsers and devices (iOS and Android). It was compatible with all major desktop/laptop.