Case Study
CCRW- Toolkit
CCRW exists to promote and support meaningful and equitable employment of persons with disabilities.
Background
The Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) approached our agency with a clear mission: effectively disseminating comprehensive information about accessibility accommodations. CCRW had a vast library of resources that needed to be intuitively organized and easily accessible, particularly for an audience of people with disabilities. After extensive research and audience analysis, it was advised that a web application be developed. The unique brand concept centered around a subway station theme, which our design team skillfully wove into the user journey.
The Challenge
The CCRW needed a solution that would allow its diverse users, including those with disabilities, to find and use a wide array of documents and processes without hassle. The existing system was cumbersome and lacked the intuitive navigation necessary for quick and easy information retrieval.
Objectives
The objectives of the project were as follows:
Enhance Findability
Ensure that users can locate desired information quickly and efficiently.
Improve Accessibility
Achieve full compliance with WCAG 2.1 guidelines to accommodate users with diverse needs.
Encourage Engagement
Create an engaging user journey that encourages deeper exploration of resources.
Facilitate Learning and Support
Offer a platform for CCRW’s target audience to learn about and implement workplace accessibility accommodations easily.
Our Innovative Approach
“Subway Station” Mega Menu
We transformed the concept of navigation into an interactive journey. Just as one navigates the lines on a subway map to reach their destination, users can travel the menu to arrive at the information they need, making the UX both intuitive and engaging.
Mobile-First Design
With a growing trend towards mobile usage, the web app was designed with a mobile-first approach. This ensured that all users, regardless of the device, could access information with the same ease and functionality.
Accessibility-First Approach
Accessibility features were not an afterthought but a core part of the design process. The UX was tailored to accommodate users with varying needs, with considerations like screen readers, keyboard navigation, and color contrast adhering to WCAG 2.1 guidelines.
Intuitive Navigation System
Each ‘station’ within the toolkit is a well-defined topic area, offering a straightforward navigation experience. The design allows users to effortlessly trace their path through detailed content, pivot to interconnected subjects, or step back to the broader categories without losing their way.
Results
The web app was successfully launched. The client reported excellent feedback, with users praising the easy navigation and the thoughtful design.
01
The web app saw increased engagement metrics, including time on page, and reduced bounce rates.
02
Accessibility accommodation requests became more streamlined, indicating users were finding the information they needed.
03
The CCRW received positive acclaim for its commitment to inclusivity and user-centered design.
Impact
This project underscored the profound influence of thoughtful UX/UI design on user interaction with digital platforms. By intertwining a creative branding concept with the functional needs of an accessibility-focused toolkit, the project met the brief’s requirements and set a new standard for accessible web app design.
