Cheshire Fire Department
Website Usability Report
Strengthening Community Connections Through Usability
When a website plays a critical role in serving a local community, functionality and accessibility matter more than ever. For this project, I conducted a comprehensive usability analysis of the Cheshire Fire Department’s website to uncover areas of friction and propose thoughtful, research-based improvements. The goal was to make the site easier to navigate, more visually appealing, and ultimately more helpful for the people who rely on it.
Research Methods
To assess the CFD website’s current performance and explore opportunities for redesign, I used a mix of usability research techniques, including:
Competitive Analysis
Persona Development & Scenario Mapping
User Surveys & Interviews (simulated)
Card Sorting Study
Heuristic Evaluation
Usability Testing
These methods helped uncover how different audiences interact with the site and where it falls short in meeting their needs.
Key Issues Identified
Through this research, several consistent pain points were revealed:
Cluttered Navigation – The menu structure is overly complex, making it hard for users to find key information quickly.
Outdated Design – The site lacks visual hierarchy and modern design elements, impacting readability and engagement.
Hidden Calls to Action – Opportunities to join as a volunteer are not immediately visible or compelling.
Buried Contact Info – Contact information is not easy to locate, causing unnecessary frustration.
Usability Recommendations
Based on the research findings, I proposed a series of actionable improvements to increase the site’s usability and effectiveness:
Streamline Navigation to reduce cognitive load and help users find what they need faster
Introduce a Modern Design System with clear hierarchy, improved visuals, and better mobile responsiveness
Prominently Feature Calls-to-Action for volunteer recruitment and emergency information
Relocate and Highlight Contact Details so visitors can get help or support without hunting through dropdowns
Revamp News & Updates Section for better organization and access to important alerts
Explore More Research Projects
Want to see how I apply research to uncover trends, optimize experiences, and inform strategy?
Let’s Connect
Have questions about this project or want to connect about website usability best practices?