Portfolio Information

  • Created by: Ajda Gregorcic
  • Date: 2024
  • Skills: web design, redesign, UI/UX
  • Client: Detektivsko varnostna agencija

In the spring of 2024, we undertook an exciting project – a website redesign of a detective agency’s outdated website. The previous site, built on WordPress, had grown incompatible with modern web standards. Plugins no longer functioned, and the client sought a fresh, intuitive platform that would be easier to manage. We selected Joomla and paired with the Yootheme builder to bring the site into the future while ensuring adaptability for future needs.

Identity design: a new take on the detective theme

The agency had an established logo and brand colors, providing foundational design guidelines. However, the imagery was due for an upgrade. Instead of relying on cliché visuals of trench-coated detectives, we decided to go with a sleek and slightly futuristic/tech aesthetic to reflect the agency’s primary focus: corporate and business investigations. This shift aligned with the agency’s desire to avoid reinforcing stereotypical perceptions of their work.

Understanding users: a persona-driven navigation

The agency offeres a broad range of services catering to distinct personas. Through collaborative ideation sessions and in-depth research, I identified two primary audience segments:

  • individuals and
  • companies.

To address these differences, I created separate navigation paths for each group. This approach ensured that users could quickly find relevant services while being gently introduced to related offerings through strategically placed calls-to-action (CTAs).

Crafting the sitemap: data-driven decision making

To ensure a smooth transition from the old site, I began by extracting the existing sitemap. This gave me a comprehensive view of the current content structure. Analyzing Google Analytics data, I discovered that the site had a high volume of visitors and that maintaining existing links was crucial for SEO and user retention. Redirects were meticulously planned to preserve traffic, especially as the agency was running Google Ads during the redesign.

New information architecture: streamlining content

The revamped site architecture grouped content into three main categories:

  1. Detective work
    • Business services
    • Individual services
  2. Information security
  3. Corporate intelligence

Subcategories under detective work were further divided to address specific needs and easier navigation:

  • Services for businesses

    • Business investigations
      • Sick leaves
      • Travel expenses
      • Debtors
      • Non-compete clause
      • Security personnel supervision
      • International investigation
      • Out-of-court dispute resolution
      • Serving
    • Evidence collection
      • Breathalyzer
      • Finger prints
      • Polygraph (lies detector)
      • PSA test
      • Evidence collection
      • Drug test
    • Financial investigations
      • Financial investigations
      • Internal theft within the company
  • Services for individuals

    • Individual investigations
      • Partner infidelity
      • Counter observation
      • Searching for people and things
      • Child supervision
      • Anonymous writings
    • Legal issues
      • Detective and lawyer
      • Preparation of internal acts and regulations
    • Damage claims
      • Criminal acts
      • Causes of harmful acts

This logical structure made it easier for users to locate the exact service they needed, land on a specific page and still be able to access other services, if needed.

Challenges and solutions of the website redesign

1. Managing a large volume of pages
The original website housed a vast array of subpages and blog posts. To tackle this, we designed reusable modules for key elements like CTAs, footers, and navigation bars. These modules allowed us to update multiple pages simultaneously, ensuring consistency and efficiency, without having to change each of them separately.

2. Migrating 180+ blog posts
Transferring such a substantial content library was no small feat, but it was crucial for SEO. We identified and implemented a plugin to automate much of the migration process. This ensured that all posts were preserved and correctly formatted on the new platform.

The UX process in action

The redesign followed a user-centered approach:

  • Discovery: Analyzed user data, defined personas, and identified pain points.
  • Design: Prototyped navigation flows and page layouts. Focused on accessibility and ease of use.
  • Development: Created scalable modules for efficiency and tested responsiveness across devices.
  • Testing & Iteration: Conducted usability testing to refine the experience before launch.

The outcome: a successful website redesign

After months of collaboration and careful implementation, the new website was successfully launched. It now features a modern design, intuitive navigation, and a robust structure that supports the agency’s growing needs.

Detective agency website redesign

You can explore the redesigned website here: https://www.detektiv-dva.si.

This project exemplified the power of thoughtful design and strategic implementation to transform a business’s online presence.

Need a website redesign? Contact me!