foundation source logo

Foundation Source’s flagship software product, FSOL, helps clients form and manage their private foundations

foundation source dashboard screen on a laptop mockup

Foundation Source Overview

Since FSOL had not been redesigned in 11 years, it was time to take a hard look at exactly how the application was and was not being used. After carefully analyzing the usage data, UX Team began shadowing different private foundation users onsite at their offices. Once all user shadowing sessions were complete, UX Team compiled all the results and presented our findings and recommendations to our client.

After designing a new site map structure and iterating through several wireframes, UX Team created a responsive mobile-friendly prototype of the entire application. This prototype was then used to not only gather insights into its usability with end-users but as a guide for the development team to build the application.

foundation source dashboard screen on a tablet mockup

Evidence Gathering

Purpose

  • Manage requests for donations
  • Search the IRS database of registered charities
  • Create and issue grants
  • Facilitate tax preparations
  • Monitor distributions
  • Manage expenses
  • Track donation results

Activities

  • Team Work Sessions
  • User Shadowing
  • Wireframing
  • Visual Design Mockups
  • Prototyping
  • Ember.js Front-end Development

Design Ideation

Information Architecture

After iterating through several wireframes Ux Team created a new map site and a responsive mobile friendly prototype of the entire application.

sitemap foundation source

Development

We converted the mockups into a code based HTML-CSS web-app and then to ember.

xd to html & css to ember icons

Conclusion

Foundation Source’s commitment to enhancing user experience led to a comprehensive redesign of their software product, FSOL. Through meticulous analysis of usage data and onsite shadowing of private foundation users, UX Team gathered invaluable insights to inform the redesign process.

The result—a responsive, mobile-friendly prototype—serves as a testament to their dedication to meeting the evolving needs of clients, streamlining foundation management tasks from donation requests to tax preparations with efficiency and ease.

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