Swimmer's Guide
Born in the 90s, Swimmers Guide became the bible for pool-seekers. With over 27,000 listings across 13,000 cities, it was the most comprehensive swimming resource worldwide, but the website felt dated, cluttered with legacy features, and had no mobile presence despite 68% of users accessing it on their phones. I led a complete redesign to transform this beloved resource into a modern, mobile-first platform. UX/UI Design Apr 2024
Product Design, branding, user research
Jan 8, 2025
Project Overview
Project Type: Pool Discovery Platform Redesign My Role: Lead Product Designer Project Timeline: 3 months Project Stack: Figma, FigJam, Trello, Jira
A Note from the Designer
This project taught me the power of legacy. Bill Haverland spent decades meticulously curating every pool listing with the precision of an accountant. My job wasn't to replace that dedication—it was to give it a vessel worthy of the content.
The redesign included a complete rebrand I initiated without being asked, because I believed the new direction deserved a fresh identity.
Problem
Swimmers lacked a centralized, user-friendly platform for their diverse needs. The existing site forced users through cluttered interfaces, offered no mobile experience, and provided no way for the growing swimming community to connect or discover events.
Goals
User Goals
Find pools matching specific needs (lane availability, temperature, hours) quickly
Access comprehensive pool information on any device
Discover swimming events and connect with local communities
Toggle between map and list views based on preference
Business Goals
Modernize the platform to attract younger swimmers
Build a scalable system future stewards can easily manage
Increase engagement through social features
Create foundation for community-driven growth
