Honda North America, one of the world’s largest automakers, sought to modernize its corporate communications website. The project aimed to create a responsive, mobile-first design system that would streamline content updates, improve user experience, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. As a global leader in mobility, Honda needed a digital platform that reflected its innovative spirit while addressing the diverse needs of its customers and stakeholders.
Revamping Digital Storytelling for ‘The Power of Dreams’
Honda North America
The Client Project
The Challenge
The existing website was cumbersome to manage, requiring IT tickets for even minor updates. This inefficiency hindered timely communication and responsiveness. Honda needed a solution that empowered its corporate communications team to publish content independently while maintaining brand consistency and inclusivity. The challenge was to design a scalable, user-friendly system that could adapt to future needs and align with Honda’s commitment to safety, mobility, and community.
The Solution
We adopted a mobile-first, iterative design approach, focusing on creating a flexible design system that could accommodate various content scenarios. Key skills and methodologies included:
- User-Centered Design: Conducted stakeholder interviews, usability testing, and focus groups to understand user needs.
- Design Systems: Built a modular design system with reusable components for consistency and scalability.
- Responsive Design: Introduced an additional breakpoint to enhance mobile usability.
- Content Strategy: Streamlined content workflows to empower non-technical teams.
- Collaboration: Worked closely with IT, corporate communications, and leadership to align on goals and deliverables.
The solution emphasized sustainability, inclusivity, and ease of use, ensuring the platform could evolve with Honda’s future needs.
The Outcome
The redesigned website launched on time and within budget, receiving widespread acclaim internally and externally. The new design system enabled the Corporate Communications team to publish content independently, reducing reliance on IT. The site’s responsive design improved accessibility, while the modular system ensured consistency across pages. Post-launch, Honda reported increased engagement and a more efficient content management process. The project also set a precedent for future digital initiatives, showcasing the value of design thinking and scalable systems.
My Role
As the lead UX strategist and designer, I wore multiple hats throughout the project:
- Design Leadership: Directed the design strategy and mentored team members.
- User Research: Conducted stakeholder interviews and usability testing.
- Content Strategy: Proposed four content pillars to anchor the digital brand story and developed the Honda Time Capsule to showcase a history of innovation.
- Content Management: Streamlined content workflows and ensured brand alignment with the development of a post-launch content publishing guide.
- Collaboration: Partnered with IT, corporate communications, and leadership to align on goals.
- Execution: Built and customized pages in the CMS, ensuring a seamless launch.
This project highlighted my ability to lead cross-functional teams, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful digital solutions. Visit https://www.honda.com/about to view 'The Power of Dreams' design system in action.
Client
Industry and Location
Automotive, Marine, Engines, Jets, Power Equipment, Robotics
Torrance, CA
Torrance, CA
Project Highlights
User-Centered Design
Design Systems
Responsive Design
Content Strategy
Collaboration
Design Systems
Responsive Design
Content Strategy
Collaboration
My Role
Design Leadership
User Research
Content Strategy
Content Management
Collaboration
Agile Methodology
User Research
Content Strategy
Content Management
Collaboration
Agile Methodology
SUMMARY
Experienced Researcher and Digital Strategy Lead with a proven track record in design thinking, user research, and data-driven design. Skilled in quantitative and qualitative research methods, market research, prototyping, customer engagement including surveys, focus groups, and remote/in-person testing. Expertise in product development, user experience design, and digital transformation with a strong technical aptitude in RStudio, Figma, responsive Web frameworks, Unreal Engine, and Unity. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, deliver scalable solutions, and communicate insights effectively to diverse stakeholders.
