Underwriters Laboratories: Building a Scalable Platform with Streamlined Information Architecture.

Platform Build, Information Architecture, Content Strategy, Design System

What is UL?

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a global safety science company, the largest and oldest independent testing laboratory in the United States. Underwriters Laboratories tests the latest products and technologies for safety before they are marketed around the world. It tests 22 billion different products annually, ranging from consumer electronics, alarms and security equipment, to lasers, medical devices, and robotics.

CHALLENGE

UL needed a structured approach for deploying a new digital platform and developing a clear, scalable information architecture.

RESULTS

  • Enhanced site usability and navigation clarity.

  • Improved scalability for future digital expansions.

My Role

UX/UI Lead – Led platform deployment, developed the information architecture, and created wireframe prototypes for user validation.

Team

Worked with UL internal teams, product owners, and Acquia Cloud Site Factory specialists.

Tools Used

Card sorting, Site Analytics, Axure, Sketch

Timeline

4-6 Months

The Approach

  • Conducted a site audit and reviewed analytics for user behavior insights.

  • Developed a sitemap and wireframe prototypes.

  • Performed user testing and card sorting exercises to refine navigation.

  • Designed final design system to be implemented as reusable components.

  • New digital platform to provide flexibility.

  • Clearly defined design system to establish consistency.

  • Defined site strategy to activate conversions.

  • New positioning in the space to build credibility.

Objectives

  • Interactive Flows

  • Content Strategy

  • Wireframes

  • Prototype

  • Design System

  • Visual Design

Deliverables

Old Site Design

T1_Homepage.png
T13.2_OfferingsHome.png
T14.2_OfferingsLanding.png
T2_AboutLanding.png

Interactive Flows

It had clickable states to each template & relevant components.

Content Strategy

  • Crawled all affiliated sites

  • Found user behavior patterns within analytics

  • Created and Tested through card sorting new sitemap

  • Captured all components across different entities

  • Consolidated, named and numbered all future components

  • Established and defined templates

Wireframes / Prototype

Design System

Visual Design

Reflection

The project successfully structured the platform, but balancing business needs with usability required ongoing iteration.