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Overview 

Initially hired as a digital marketer for Prairie Ridge, the project turned into updating their priority pages within the allowed budget to help push conversions to book a campsite and update the outdated visuals and lack of clear user flow for bookings. I redesigned the homepage, accommodations, and activities pages to create a smoother, more modern, and conversion-friendly user experience

The Problem 

The original Prairie Ridge Resort website lacked:

  • A clear visual hierarchy, making it hard to scan ortake action
  • Consistent branding or imagery to highlight thenatural experience
  • A streamlined way to explore accommodationsand activities
  • Mobile responsiveness in key areas

As a result, the site didn’t fully capture the resort’sunique offerings or guide users toward bookings.

Project Goals

Improve navigation flow and clarity

Create a visual narrative around the resort’s nature-focused experience

Highlight accommodations and activities clearly

Encourage bookings through stronger CTAs and design structure

Research and Analysis 

This self-directed redesign focuses on Prairie RidgeResort’s website, which I selected due to its outdatedvisuals and lack of clear user flow for bookings. I designed the homepage, accommodations, andactivities pages to create a smoother, more modern,and conversion-friendly user experience.

COMPETITOR 
PROS
CONS
UX OPPORTUNITY

Blackstrap Glamping Resort 

  • The main menu includes prominent
  • Book Now and virtual tour options, makingit easy to take action quickly
  • A large hero banner with a straightforwardwelcome message sets the scene immediately
  • The dome amenities page is detailed andinformative, supporting decision-making
  • Pages repeat similar formats with longparagraphs, which can cause scroll fatigueand reduce clarity.
  • Key info (like pricing and policies) is buriedin dense paragraphs instead of being scannable
  • The site focuses on features, but doesn’t tella strong story about the experience
  • Long load times and inconsistent spacing onsmaller screens affect usability
  • Break up large text blocks with icons, pull quotes, orbullets to aid skimming.
  • Embed more lifestyle storytelling by using quotes, itineraries, or testimonials to bring the experience to life 
  • Strengthen mobile layout by optimizing scrolling behaviour with collapsible sections or stick CTA  

Camp Wolf Willow 

  • A visible “Book site” button in the headerencourages immediate action
  • Main menu cleanly divides content aidingexploration
  • Hero image and intro text instantly communicatethe scenic riverfront and cozy glamping vibe
  • Retreat packages (SUP, sauna, yoga) are listedwith descriptions and pricing, enhancingexperiential appeal
  • Highlighting themed retreats encourages exploration
  • Site imagery and social look suggest warmthand authenticity.
  • No hero banner on small screens(mobile layout shows mid-content start), whichmay confuse new visitors The “About” and “Details” sections are text-heavyand lack formatting for easy skimming
  • Operating dates are buried mid-page, risking userconfusion (“Open May long weekend to mid-Sep”)
  • Limited gallery visuals on main pages reduceemotional appeal; users may have to dig intogalleries to see the vibe
  • Hero banner with river or nature view plus quicksubtitle like “18min from Saskatoon”.
  • Position the booking button clearly from the start.
  • Break sections into bullets, icons, or cards to improvereadability
  • Highlight seasonality and closure dates in a topbanner or note Add 2–3 lifestyle shots directly on homepage.
  • Tie visuals to “Activities” page copy to communicateatmosphere Feature concise packages as cards with imagery andprice Link call-outs to full details via modals or dedicatedsections
  • Embed a small interactive map showing Prairie Ridge’srelative position to city and nature

Flora Bora 

  • Large, high-resolution photos inside the yurtsset a tranquil, intimate tone
  • Their “About” section immediately shares theethos: a deep nature connection, heightenedguest experience, and immersion in forestsurroundings
  • Each yurt description includes size, amenities
  • Top navigation offers clear links: Our Yurts, Reservations, Amenities, Location, etc., makingit easy to find what users need
  • Use of guest testimonials alongside brand-centriclanguage builds credibility
  • Visitors must dig into “Information” or externallistings to discover they’re only open May to October
  • The “Book Now” CTA is visible but lacks contextual pricing or availability hints – users can’t quickly assessrates before clicking
  • The long list format of yurt details without visualbreakpoints may overwhelm users; bullet points orcards could aid readability.
  • Lack of embedded map to show proximity to akes/parks makes it harder for users to immediatelyvisualize the location
  • Show operational months prominently at the topto set clear expectations. Include base rate or “from $X/night” nearCTAs to aid decision-making
  • Use card components with thumbnail, once-linedescription, and price to help users scan optionsquickly
  • Add a small interactive map or distance badges toimprove location clarity.
  • Between full-screen visuals, include headings orquotes to guide scrolling and break text density

Target Audience

Target Segment: The Relaxed Escapers

Names: Karen & Paul 

Age: 52 & 50

Location: Saskatoon, SK

Household Income: $120K/year

Education: Both attended university or technical college

Family Status: Married, kids in university or recently moved out

Paul works in agriculture and Karen is an HR manager. With the kids out of the house, they’ve begun prioritizing time together—especially short, stress-free getaways. They’re not interested in traditional camping anymore but still crave the peacefulness of nature, stargazing by the river, and cozy evenings by a fire. They value comfort and simplicity over luxury, and want something easy to plan.

Pain Points & Challenges:

  • Dislike the hassle of setting up tents or cooking outdoors

  • Find most “nice” places booked out or too far away

  • Want to avoid noisy or family-packed campgrounds

  • Are tired of scrolling through outdated cabin rental websites

  • Simple, clean navigation – They’re not tech-savvy and get overwhelmed by cluttered sites.

  • Large, clear images – Want to “feel” the experience through visuals before booking.

  • Clear pricing & availability – Prefer to see “from $X/night” at a glance.

  • Fast, mobile-friendly layout – Karen often researches trips on her iPad while relaxing at home.

  • Minimal steps to book – They want a 2–3 click path: Explore > View Stay > Book.

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Needs

  • Modern, comfortable accommodations that still feel close to nature

  • A quiet place to reconnect and recharge for the weekend

  • Easy booking and clear info without overwhelming choices

  • Bonus activities like fishing or star-watching to make the trip feel meaningful

Target Segment: The Young Adventure Family

Names: Jenna & Tyler

Age: 36 & 38

Location: Saskatoon, SK

Household Income: $105K/year

Education: Both have college degrees

Family Status: Married with two kids (ages 5 and 8)

Jenna is a teacher and Tyler works as a contractor. They love the idea of camping, but between packing, gear, and unpredictable weather, it’s never worth the hassle. They’re always looking for budget-friendly ways to get their kids off screens and into nature—without driving hours or spending thousands. When summer comes around, they’re constantly Googling “easy family getaways near Saskatoon.”

Pain Points & Challenges:

  • Don’t own camping gear and don’t want to invest in it

  • Many “affordable” places feel run-down or unsafe for kids

  • It’s hard to find places with real bathrooms, kitchenettes, or enough space

  • Most destinations are too far or require too much planning

  • Quick access to family-friendly options – They want to know right away if a place is kid-safe.

  • Mobile-first design – Jenna browses on her phone while managing the kids.

  • Itinerary ideas or what’s included – “What will we do once we’re there?” is key.

  • Photo galleries of families – They want to imagine their kids there.

  • Transparent pricing & minimal fine print – No surprises = trust.

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Needs

  • Family-friendly accommodations with built-in comfort (beds, bathrooms, fridges)

  • Short drive and easy access—can pack up and go on a Friday after work

  • Activities for the kids (trails, nature watching, safe open spaces)

  • Transparent pricing that fits within their staycation budget

Low Fidelity Designs

I started by mapping out wireframes for:

  • A homepage that leads with lifestyle imagery and invites exploration

  • A clear accommodations hub showcasing the variety of stays

  • A visually engaging activities page tied to nature and ease of planning

High Fidelity Designs

I brought the wireframes to life by:

  • Using immersive photography and full-bleed sections

  • Creating sections for unique offerings like fishing add-ons and trails

  • Simplifying the text and emphasizing “Book Now” CTAs

Before and After

Home Page Before
Home Page After
Activities Page Before
Activities Page After
Accommodations Page Before
Accommodations Page After

User Feedback

Due to budget and scope constraints, we implemented the redesigned site directly rather than developing a separate prototype. To validate key user flows, I shared the live site with three users and observed their ability to:

  • Navigate to the accommodations page
  • Discover available activities
  • Locate the booking option

While the sample size was small, the feedback helped confirm that the updated structure improved clarity and user experience.

Feedback highlights:

  • “It feels much easier to explore.”
  • “I’d actually want to stay here—it looks beautiful now.”
  • “The call-to-action is super clear.”

This informal testing phase helped ensure the final design aligned with user expectations—even without a full research budget.

Reflection

This was a real-world project with a real client—one that challenged me to balance user experience principles with budget and scope limitations. While we couldn’t implement every feature we envisioned, I focused on creating a design that honored Prairie Ridge Resort’s nature-first identity while improving clarity, navigation, and booking flow. The process helped me refine my ability to prioritize impact-driven decisions and work within real content and structural limitations.

Key takeaways:

  • Applied the full UX process from audit to prototype with a real client

  • Translated brand values into a clean, story-driven visual design

  • Thought critically about mobile responsiveness and user flows

  • Designed within budget and content constraints while delivering tangible improvements