A WordPress site designed for accessibility, Section 508 compliance, and plain-language communication. The project established a reusable information architecture and a centralized Resource Directory Hub that automatically organizes and surfaces materials across pages, reducing maintenance time and improving discoverability.
Outcome
The new Mpox site improved findability, reduced maintenance overhead, and created a repeatable model for public-health communications—enabling the state to publish clear, compliant, and audience-centered web content quickly during emerging health events.
Project Overview
The site was developed in collaboration with the PACT design and plain-language teams to extend lessons learned from the COVID-19 response. The resulting structure enables the Virginia Department of Health to rapidly reproduce consistent, audience-focused websites for future contagious-disease topics.
Key website features:
Meaningful website architecture
Reusable website architecture – A flexible, audience-based framework built around three primary groups:
- General Public (Signs & Symptoms, Prevention, Risk & Testing, Vaccination, Treatment, Data)
- Healthcare Providers
- Partner Organizations
Icons to navigate content
A coordinated icon set designed with the PACT graphic designer to help all users—including those with lower literacy or limited English proficiency—quickly recognize and navigate key sections.
Meaningful headings
Headings were written as questions to make content scannable and intuitive, following Usability.gov guidelines. The homepage mirrors these questions, allowing visitors to jump directly to the information they need.
Skimmable headings on content pages
Resource Directory Hub
An important part of the website is giving key audiences the ability to find curated resources.
Hub for all resources
Webpage Gallery
