Minimalistic design with accessibility at the core

Using the NHS website framework I previously established this product needed to have a minimalistic design and having accessible contrast colours was at the forefront of this UI project.

The problem

Non responsive, tired looking and keen to feature in the top 30 Silktide Index.

  • With most users accessing the site via mobile, it must have frustrated the user no end to navigate, find things or even read without having zoom.
  • The client wanted the design based on the framework set for the Bedfordshire NHS Hospitals website, thus ensuring it would be mobile friendly.
  • Although the client wanted to keep their 6 colour palette they also wanted the website to feel clean and minimalistic.
  • Contrast and colour accessibly also needed to be addressed in the new site, using their palette and the NHS branding.
  • The website anticipated the changes will feature them in the top 30 Silktide* Index.

*Silktide are leading providers of website testing and governance software. Automating testing for accessibility for NHS Trusts amongst many other industries.

The Design Process

The client only needed their home page addressing as they were seeking to keep proceeding pages simple wordpress pages. So only the home page has been designed.

  • In place of stock imagery icons have been introduced as a hero image was not feeling practical. So, the user is presented with 8 tiles which were the most popular pages and questions asked, in an attempt to resolve a query in a couple of clicks/taps.
  • I opted to use white tiles with drop shadows on a subtle grey background which really complemented the bright colour palette.
  • The colour palette had some accessibility issues so to keep their colours they were used mostly as accent colours. The colours taken from the NHS palette were already accessibly passed (AA minimum).
  • From an accessibility position all contrast and colours passed the minim AA standard and some AAA (which was not a requirement but a bonus)

The results

2 for 2! Second NHS Trust website to feature in the Silktide top 30.

  • Peaking at number 3, the website still remains in the top 10.
  • Fully accessible from a contrast and colour perspective
  • Although based on a previous design, a very distinctive look has been provided.