Transforming “Hello, Ontario” for Newcomers Living with HIV/AIDS: Our Web Design and Development Process

An inside look at our web design and development process for “Hello, Ontario” a website for newcomers living with HIV/AIDS.

As Canada’s most populous province, Ontario encapsulates the essence of diversity, with communities enriched by the myriad cultures, languages, and experiences of those who call it home.

In this vibrant tapestry of cultures, digital spaces emerge as lifelines, offering crucial support and information to newcomers navigating the complexities of settlement.

In this context, the “Hello, Ontario” website emerges not merely as a digital platform, but as a beacon of resilience and hope for new Canadians grappling with the challenges of HIV/AIDS as they seek integration and belonging.

Tasked with revitalizing this vital resource, See Girl Work eagerly embraced the challenge of redesigning and developing the platform in collaboration with our client, The African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO).

Understanding the Challenge

Ontario is home to over 31,000 individuals living with HIV, many of whom are newcomers navigating unfamiliar terrain. The “Hello, Ontario” website serves as a crucial bridge, offering essential information, tools, and directories for treatment, support, and care services. However, with evolving needs and demographics, the website required a fresh perspective to resonate with a younger population of new Ontarians.

Setting Our Goals

Our mission was clear: execute a UX-led redesign and development that not only enhanced the visual appeal of the website but also prioritized accessibility and inclusivity. We aimed to streamline navigation, improve user experience, and ensure compliance with AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) standards.

Crafting Our Web Design and Development Process

To kickstart the process, we embarked on an extensive environmental scan, studying disruptors in the health advocacy space to glean insights and best practices. Armed with research and client input, we set out to create a user-centric experience that would empower individuals to easily access the support they need.

The Transformation Journey

Content Audit, Navigation, and Information Architecture: We conducted a thorough content audit, refining the menu to guide users seamlessly to key pages.

Overhauling the information architecture allowed us to unify the site and develop a content strategy aligned with user journeys. Additionally, we revamped the Hello Ontario pocket guide PDF for enhanced usability.

Wireframes: Like blueprints of a house, wireframes provided a visual roadmap, ensuring alignment with our strategy and client expectations.

Transitioning swiftly to high-fidelity wireframes enabled us to visualize the user experience comprehensively.

Visual Design & Development: The visual design phase marked the moment of transformation, as wireframes evolved into sleek, modern interfaces.

Leveraging white space, premium photography, and intuitive layouts, we struck a balance between authority and approachability. Behind the scenes, robust development processes ensured seamless functionality and meticulous coding.

Client Collaboration

At the heart of our success was our partnership with ACCHO. Together, we worked towards a shared goal of empowering individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Ontario. By creating a modern, user-friendly website, we not only supported ACCHO’s audience but also advanced their business objectives.

Designing for Impact

At See Girl Work Marketing & Branding, we offer a range of digital services aimed at empowering mission-driven clients, particularly SMEs and non-profit organizations focused on social justice, diversity, or community empowerment, to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Our web design and development process is deeply rooted in understanding the objectives of our clients and the communities they serve, especially organizations like ACCHO that supports new Canadians living with HIV/AIDS.

We recognize that every pixel and line of code contributes to the larger narrative of inclusion and empowerment. Therefore, we take a thoughtful approach to design, ensuring that each element reflects the values and mission of our clients.

But our commitment to supporting organizations like ACCHO extends beyond just creating visually appealing websites. We strive to deliver best-in-class digital experiences that not only engage and inform but also foster a sense of belonging and support within the community.

By understanding the unique challenges and needs of new Canadians living with HIV/AIDS, we were able to tailor our designs to provide intuitive navigation, culturally sensitive content, and access to essential resources.

Through collaboration and partnership, we work hand in hand with organizations like ACCHO to amplify their impact and create digital platforms that truly make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

Conclusion

The redesigned “Hello, Ontario” website stands as a testament to the power of digital innovation in fostering inclusivity and accessibility.

Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to excellence, See Girl Work successfully revitalized this digital oasis for newcomers, ensuring that every individual can find the support they need on their journey in Ontario.

Read more about this transformative journey and our web design and development process in our case study.