A WordPress site concentrated on Section 508 compliance, accessibility, and plain language. As part of the redesign, the Lexend variable font was adopted to reduce visual strain and support readability.
Key website features:
Meaningful website architecture
Previously, tick-borne disease content was nestled under a “Bugs & Human Health” tab on a broader Environmental Epidemiology subsite, making it hard for users to find. The redesign elevated this content into a dedicated subsite—resulting in better discoverability and a cleaner, shorter URL for campaigns and navigation.
Audience-Centered Design
To focus messaging and readability, content was revised to follow Plain Language best practices and Universal Design Principles. Key updates included:
- Conciseness and improved flow
- Simplified, meaningful headings
- Removal of unnecessary complexity to appeal to general audiences
Icons & Visual Navigation
Because many users rely on visual cues, I created a custom set of icons derived from the tick motif to guide navigation across pages — reinforcing content categories via familiar symbols.
Additionally, contextual photography and visuals were placed strategically to support information without overwhelming the user.
Prevention
Identification
Removal
Illnesses
Emphasis on Key Content
Page Summary & Quick Links
Each page begins with a brief summary and anchor links to the most sought-after sections, helping readers jump straight to the info they need.
Accordion for long content
For pages with extended text, noncritical sections were tucked into expandable accordions, so users can focus on priority content first.
Outcome
The result is a more accessible, navigable, and user-focused site for tick-borne disease information. The structure supports diverse reading levels, improves content findability, and aligns with digital accessibility and plain-language standards.
