Project
Website Redesign for MindWell Centre
Roles
Web Designer, Web Developer, Ongoing Web Manager
Dates
May 2024 – Present
Introduction
MindWell Centre is a non‑profit organization supporting adults who have experienced brain injuries, along with their caregivers, across several regions. Their old website was outdated, lacked accessibility features, and did not effectively reflect the brand identity they were striving for.
Web Designer / Web Developer
From discovery to delivery, I handled:
- Web maintenance plan, training, and documentation
- Branding alignment: modernizing color schemes, typography, visual language
- UX design and wireframing
- Front-end and back-end development
- Accessibility enhancements (especially for aphasia-friendly design)
- SEO research and implementation (keyword mapping, metadata, content structure)
Accessibility and aphasia-friendliness
Many visitors to this site face cognitive or language challenges. To make the site more usable:
- I simplified navigation and reduced clutter
- Incorporated “easy read” language and visual cues
- Ensured higher contrast, clear fonts, and predictable layouts
- Included accessibility tools (text resizing, contrast toggles)
SEO & Traffic Growth
The previous site had minimal SEO optimization. I:
- Conducted targeted keyword research
- Integrated metadata, improved heading structure, and optimized alt text
- Streamlined internal linking and page speed
- Preserved valuable URLs and built redirects where needed
Brand Alignment & Modernization
The old site lacked a cohesive visual identity. I:
- Created a fresh, modern design aligned with MindWell’s values
- Developed reusable UI components and iconography
- Designed flexible page templates for consistent content delivery
Sustainable Maintenance
To ensure long-term usability:
- Built the site on a maintainable CMS
- Delivered a training guide and held a walk-through with staff
- Offered continued support and technical maintenance services
Results & Impact
- 4x growth in weekly web traffic (from 5K to 20K+)
- Fully responsive, accessible, and branded experience
- Improved engagement from users and positive feedback from stakeholders
- Increased visibility via SEO, without sacrificing usability
- Streamlined process for client updates and ongoing content creation
Final Thoughts
This project was a great opportunity to combine accessibility, strategy, and design to support a meaningful cause. The end result is a more inclusive, modern website that significantly expanded the organization’s reach and impact.