Summit FanHub

Overview

I designed a desktop website prototype for Willow Haven Bed & Breakfast, a boutique stay in Asheville, North Carolina. The goal was to create a clear, welcoming, and accessible digital experience that reflects the warmth of the brand while making it easy for users to explore rooms and book confidently.

The Problem

Existing sports platforms can feel impersonal, cluttered, or overwhelming. Fans often struggle to:

  • Meaningfully engage with other fans

  • Find centralized content and updates

  • Participate in discussions without negative or unmoderated interactions

This creates a disconnected experience and limits community-building opportunities.

  • Role: UX Designer

  • Tools: Figma

  • Timeline: May 2025 - June 2025

  • Focus: Community engagement, accessibility, and intuitive interaction

The Users

This design focuses on:

  • Highly engaged fans looking to connect and participate

  • New fans who need guidance and easy onboarding

  • Users seeking safe, moderated spaces for interaction

These users value accessibility, simplicity, and a strong sense of community.

Design Approach

1. Community-First Experience

The platform was designed to feel like a space “by fans, for fans”:

  • Fan Spotlight feature highlights active community members

  • Forums, polls, and media sharing encourage participation

  • Live chat allows real-time engagement during games

3. Clear Navigation & Structure

The site uses a structured mobile-first layout:

  • Persistent navigation menu for easy access

  • Clearly grouped sections (Community, Match Center, Media Hub)

  • Simple, scannable layouts for quick interaction

2. Guided Onboarding

To support new users:

  • A New Fan Guide introduces key features and next steps

  • Optional login allows users to explore before committing

  • Volleyball 101 section helps users learn the sport

This reduces friction and encourages early engagement.

4. Safety & Moderation

To address common issues in fan platforms:

  • Users must log in to post or interact deeply

  • Content is tied to user accounts for accountability

  • Reporting tools allow users to flag inappropriate behavior

This creates a safer and more respectful environment.

Outcome

The final prototype creates an engaging and accessible fan experience that:

  • Encourages active participation and community-building

  • Supports both new and experienced fans

  • Provides multiple ways to interact with content and each other

Reflection

This project strengthened my ability to design for community-driven experiences. I learned how thoughtful UX decisions—like guided onboarding and moderation tools—can significantly improve user engagement and create a more inclusive digital space.