LeetCode • 2023 • Product Design
The homepage is where every user begins their journey, designed to guide them seamlessly into learning. However, behavior data revealed it fell short of this purpose. The main problem was its design didn’t align with users’ learning mindset, presenting scattered resources with minimal guidance.
With the aim of transforming the homepage from a basic entry point into a powerful learning hub, we restructured the layout, refined content presentation, and introduced motivational incentives to guide users, enhance resource distribution, and sustain engagement.
Launched in October 2023, the new homepage delivered immediate results, with significant improvements in user behavior and retention, demonstrating its meaningful impact on both the platform and its community.
.svg)
14%
Increase in
Content Conversion
25%
Decrease in
Bounce Rate
2%
Increase in
Weekly Retention
Behavioral data revealed inefficiencies but didn’t explain why users were disengaging. Initially, discussions focused on superficial fixes like rearranging content, but I realized the deeper issue was unaddressed: Why were users leaving?
Using the Jobs to Be Done (JTBD) framework, I refocused the team on user motivations. Users didn’t come to the homepage to browse—they wanted clear direction and an efficient start to learning.
This insight redefined the homepage’s purpose. Instead of optimizing for metrics, we centered the design around user learning mindsets, transforming the homepage into the driving force for learning and growth.
The homepage was cluttered, with scattered learning resources that made navigation frustrating. Users couldn’t easily find their next step. I transformed it it into a streamlined guide for action by restructuring the layout and focusing on clear, actionable pathways.
Previously, the homepage centered on community discussions, pushing learning resources to the margins and disconnecting from users’ goals. I reorganized and prioritized core learning modules, placing them front and center. This streamlined design gave users a clear path to start their learning journey.
After reorganizing the layout, we faced a new challenge: effectively showcasing the platform’s diverse learning resources. With both long-term goals and short-term tasks, users needed better organization. To address this, I developed A Hybrid Strategy.
Data shows that users who follow Study Plans achieve greater learning persistence, with higher retention rates. However, its potential was buried deep in the Problems page, limiting its accessibility.
I brought Study Plans to the homepage, offering real-time progress for active users and clear, actionable prompts for new ones. This change turned Study Plans into a central driver for learning.
Short-term tasks needed a more flexible approach. I introduced the Study Calendar, showcasing daily and weekly tasks at a glance. This tool helped users plan without disrupting their rhythm, providing flexibility that complemented the structured Study Plans. Together, they balanced long-term goals with adaptability.
The old homepage’s feed seemed full of content, yet users felt lost. High-value resources were buried, and content organization couldn’t keep up with growth. I saw the feed not as a display but as a bridge—a guide to connect users with what matters most.
As content expanded, finding relevant material became frustrating. I designed Topic Navigation, categorizing content into themes like "Data Structures" and "Career Development." A personalized “Recommended” channel tailored the experience further.
Fixed at the top of the feed, the navigation bar lets users switch topics effortlessly. Now, users can instantly focus on what interests them without feeling overwhelmed.
UGC solutions were scattered and poorly labeled, making it hard to link problems to their solutions. I grouped solutions by problem and prioritized content related to recent practice. This seamless integration aligned resources with learning paths, helping users find what they need faster and more intuitively.
The old feed was visually overwhelming, with inconsistent layouts that slowed browsing. I streamlined the design by removing distractions, optimizing layouts, and creating a cleaner, glanceable structure.
Streamlined Layout
Enhanced Social Elements
Reduced Loading Delays
I also developed components with design guidelines to standardize content display, ensuring consistency across all feed types. This approach not only creates a cohesive user experience across the page and platform but also supports seamless integration of future content growth.
The redesigned homepage guides users to tasks and resources, but motivation required more than direction. Initially, the team suggested competitive rankings. I challenged this, advocating for growth-focused metrics that celebrated personal progress. This shifted the message: “It’s never too late to start.”
Users needed encouragement, not hurdles. I introduced simple metrics like consecutive study days, problems solved this month, and daily challenge streaks, making progress easy to track. These metrics gave users a boost—confidence that they were improving, step by step, no matter their starting point.
Numbers alone weren’t enough. I added a heat map to visualize daily achievements, with colors reflecting consistency. This subtle design transformed motivation into action, keeping users focused on their growth and the value of their efforts.
This project taught me how design bridges data and empathy. By analyzing user behavior, I uncovered insights that turned abstract numbers into actionable, human-centered decisions.
I learned to see the homepage not as a standalone feature, but as the platform’s gateway. Adopting a holistic perspective unlocked its potential to connect users with resources and drive meaningful engagement.
The shift from competition to growth-focused strategies was a turning point. It reinforced that even the best ideas need team alignment—clear communication and shared vision transform ideas into impact.