Live Website

Accessibility Design, Inclusive Design, Website Redesign

CLIENT

ABOUT THE CLIENT

I'm Determined is a project through the Virginia Department of Education. It provides tools, models, and instruction for youth with disabilities to practice skills related to self-determined behavior. This helps the youth to take more control in their lives.

Our vision for this project focuses on simplicity and efficiency. We will emphasize clearly communicating the client's value, establishing its brand, and placing I'm Determined as a valuable and responsive resource for the communities you serve.

The new site provides:

A simple narrative of IMD's work,
An easily navigated body of resources, and
A place to link out to upcoming events and associated content.

PROJECT

I'M DETERMINED

DISTINGUISHING

FACTORS

Accessibility design: The target audiences more commonly use assistive technology to access the internet, so we had to design more precisely for that.
Inclusive design: Our target audiences included youth with disabilities, and we wanted to ensure that their voices and opinions were uplifted throughout the process. We presented to the youth directly, asked for logo input from them, and involved them as much as possible.

We utilized the Atkinson Hyperlegible font for the website, which was created for improving readability by the Braille Institute.

Creating valuable and unique tools for youth, educators, and families.

The I'm Determined team created valuable tools for the youth, that need to be more personalized, and easier to find. 60% of the surveyed audiences came to the website to find resources.

“[When I visit,] I might be struggling with something so I'm looking for info on whatever issue I'm facing - preparing for HS, transitioning schools, etc.”
Family Member

Some site visitors are feeling overwhelmed.

Families may be feeling overwhelmed when they're visiting the website, so we need to ensure that there are clear pathways through the content and clear ways to access important resources.

“I look for resources and information on how to support and encourage families with newly identified children to participate/learn about IMD.”
Educator

Youth want to learn about past or present youth leaders

Youth said they would like to see what people have accomplished and perhaps provide a way to reach out to them.

One of our key goals is to be an inclusive website and ensure that the audiences know there’s a place for them on the website.

How can we make the site map terminology more inclusive?

Another example of how we’re thinking about accessibility is in the language and terminology we’re using on the website. How can we make the site map terminology more inclusive? The Site Map is what the main links at the top of the page will read.

Parents → Families

KEY DESIGN ELEMENTS

Atkinson Hyperlegible is a typeface created in partnership with Braille Institute. It has been developed specifically to increase legibility for readers with low vision, and to improve comprehension. It departs from tradition to incorporate unambiguous, distinctive elements - and at times, unexpected forms - always with the goal of increasing character recognition, and ultimately improve reading.

Atkinson Hyperlegible

Giving the Youth their own space on the site.

Blueprints for the site.

Very clear and organized resource detail page.

The pages work at all screen sizes, making they are responsive regardless of the type of device you are using.

Approachable, Welcoming, & Youth-Focused

We’re really excited about this piece as well. Essentially a place for you to meet a youth leader, with a photo and quote. We see this as making the site more approachable, welcoming, and youth-focused.

"We appreciate all the time and energy you put into IMD! Thank you for helping us make a difference in the life of young people and their families!

Client

Impact

I'm Determined is a unique place for youth and their educators and families to gain the tools and knowledge essential for progressing in their education, communication, careers, and more. The website we created is accessible, welcoming, and approachable, and helps to further cement a supportive community.

WHAT’S NEXT STARTS HERE.

Get in touch through LinkedIn.