Support Solutions
For individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families, accessing support and resources can be daunting. Fortunately, companies like Support Solutions are here to step in to offer accessible and reliable assistance to those who need it most. Serving a diverse range of users, including families, prospective employees, and current staff, presents the need for an intuitive platform tailored to their specific needs. How do you create a user-friendly website that eliminates any guesswork and minimizes stress for all involved? Additionally, for organizations less focused on their digital presence, how do you develop a website that is easily manageable by staff and built to last?
Client
Support Solutions MS
Duration
February - March 2024
Role
Lead UX/UI Designer
Industry
Healthcare
Kicking It Off
Support Solutions, a trusted ally for individuals with disabilities in the mid-south, recognized the importance of enhancing their online presence. They reached out to my team seeking a revamp of their outdated website, with a focus on tidying up the information flow, highlighting career opportunities, and giving the site a fresh look while staying true to their brand.
In collaboration with their dedicated team, we dove right in to understand their vision for the site. To nail down the project's scope, we started off by chatting with key folks at Support Solutions, who became our main points of contact. Since they weren't seasoned in creating engaging user experiences, we took on the role of guiding them through the process, helping them figure out what mattered most and what could be streamlined.
Thinking It Through
To kick off our collaboration effectively, we jumped straight into a series of meetings and workshops aimed at understanding the project's key details and scope. We began by conducting a thorough review of their existing website, page by page, to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Additionally, we examined proposed sitemaps, content architecture, and content outlines to ensure alignment with their goals.
One critical aspect of our process was determining the best content management system (CMS) for the client, considering their limited expertise and the importance of user-friendly management. After discussions with the project's lead developer, we concluded that Webflow would be the ideal platform. Before diving into Webflow, I presented the client with three distinct style directions, each offering a fresh perspective on their brand. Collaborating closely with them, we identified the direction that resonated most and moved forward accordingly.
Crafting An Experience That Delights
As we transitioned into the design phase, my first step was crafting page layouts using a customized design system built with Webflow components. This system wasn't just about the present; it was designed to be a toolkit for the future, allowing them to expand the site seamlessly. Once the full design system and key page templates were in place, I documented everything for our developer, providing a clear roadmap for building the site's foundation.
Once the groundwork was laid, it was back to me to bring the pages to life, styling each one and integrating the content provided by the client based on our outlined structure. Throughout this process, regular check-ins with the client were crucial. These check-ins helped us ensure we were on track, gathering feedback at key milestones to ensure the project was aligning with their vision. As we neared the end of the design phase, we had a site we were all excited about, with just a few areas left for the client to add their finishing touches independently.
Moving into final days of the project, we recognized the importance of empowering the client with the knowledge to manage their site effectively. So, I prepared comprehensive documentation on using Webflow, including screen-recorded tutorials and written instructions covering key actions. Additionally, I curated a bank of resources to help their team troubleshoot any potential issues. To ensure the client felt confident in managing their site, I conducted two in-depth training sessions via Zoom. These sessions walked their team through the CMS, guiding them step-by-step and addressing any questions or concerns along the way. Ultimately, the client departed not only with a website they adored but also with the assurance and expertise needed to uphold its excellence.