01 Project Overview
People With Disabilities Western Australia (PWDWA) is a non-profit organisation committed to advocating for individuals across the state living with physical, intellectual, neurological, psychosocial, or sensory disabilities.
The organisation serves as a voice for its members, addressing issues related to housing, employment, transport, and other essential needs. Their mission extends beyond individual advocacy to systemic change, aiming to create a more inclusive society.
When PWDWA reached out to Clue, they sought a complete website overhaul. The goal was to modernise their online presence to improve user experience, streamline navigation, and ensure accessibility standards were met. Clue took on this challenge with a commitment to transforming the organisation’s digital landscape while keeping the focus on accessibility, usability, and user-centric design.
Client
People with Disabilities WA
Industry
Non Profit
Expertise
- Web & Experiences
Year of Completion
2024
Website
pwdwa.org
02 The Challenge
Outdated and Inaccessible
PWDWA’s previous website no longer met the organisation’s needs, lacking accessibility, ease of use, and alignment with its brand. As an organisation focused on supporting people with disabilities, accessibility wasn’t just important – it was essential. However, the old site had limitations that made it challenging for users to navigate and access key information. Issues such as difficult-to-read visuals, complex navigation, and the absence of assistive technologies created barriers for many visitors. Additionally, PWDWA did not have direct access to update its content, making it difficult to keep information current and relevant.
Seeking a solution, PWDWA partnered with Clue to develop a website that prioritised accessibility, usability, and engagement. The goal was to create a platform that accommodated diverse needs, ensured information was easy to find, and reflected the organisation’s values. The new design needed to strike a balance between functionality and visual appeal, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and connected online experience for the community.
03 Our Approach
Accessibility First, User-Centric Always
Clue embarked on a comprehensive project with PWDWA that began with deep stakeholder consultations. Working closely with the board, members, and users, Clue’s team gathered insights into the needs and expectations for the new website. These consultations guided the development process, ensuring the final product was genuinely user-centric.
Information Architecture and User Experience (UX) Design
A primary focus was restructuring the information architecture to simplify navigation and enhance user experience. Clue introduced four core content pillars: “How We Help,” “What We Do,” “Who We Are,” and “What’s Happening.” This new structure was designed to make information easier to locate and understand, reducing the number of clicks needed to access critical resources.
Meeting WCAG 2.0 Standards for Accessibility
Accessibility was the top priority, driving every design and development decision. Clue ensured that the website adhered to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, implementing essential features such as “skip to content” links, easy-to-read fonts, and appropriately sized buttons to accommodate users with visual or motor impairments. Emergency contact information was prominently displayed at the top of the homepage for immediate access, and content was presented in a clear, digestible format that catered to all audiences.
Emotional imagery was used strategically across the site to convey the organisation’s mission and foster a connection with users. These visuals aimed to create an inviting and engaging environment that reflected PWDWA’s values and advocacy efforts.
Integration with Cleveroad CRM and WordPress Platform
The new website was built on WordPress, a flexible platform that would allow PWDWA to manage and update content independently. Clue also integrated the site’s forms with Cleveroad, the organisation’s new customer relationship management (CRM) system, to streamline inquiries and improve user interactions. This integration provided PWDWA with a comprehensive solution for managing member data and communication while maintaining high accessibility standards.
04 The Outcome
A Welcoming, Accessible Digital Space
The redesigned website was met with enthusiastic approval from PWDWA’s stakeholders, including members with disabilities who participated in usability testing. Their feedback highlighted significant improvements in the website’s ease of use and accessibility, validating Clue’s approach to prioritising user needs. The new design replaced the previous harsh, confusing interface with a welcoming, intuitive, and emotionally resonant experience that fostered greater engagement.
Since the launch, the organisation has seen a dramatic improvement in website metrics, with positive user feedback underscoring the success of the overhaul. The transformation has not only provided PWDWA with an accessible digital platform but has also reinforced trust in the organisation, addressing past frustrations with inaccessible services. The new website now serves as a vital tool in PWDWA’s advocacy efforts, helping to bridge the gap between the organisation and the community it supports.
By leveraging Clue’s expertise in accessibility-focused design, PWDWA now has a website that not only reflects its mission but also actively supports it, creating a more inclusive digital space for all.
