Developing Cowichan Brain Injury Society Website
Project information
- Category: WebSite Development
- Project's company:Cowichan Brain Injury Society
- Project URL: https://staging.cowichanbrain.org/home/
Our project involved designing and developing a new WordPress website for the Cowichan Brain Injury Society, a community-focused non-profit dedicated to supporting individuals and families living with the effects of brain injury. The organization needed a modern, accessible, and easy-to-manage platform that would strengthen their online presence and provide clear information about their services and resources. We built the site with WordPress and Elementor, giving their team the flexibility to update and manage content on their own without technical barriers.
We incorporated several key features to meet their specific needs. The new site includes a clear overview of programs and services, opportunities for donations and community support, and a resources section to guide individuals and caregivers. The design also emphasizes trust and credibility by highlighting the Society’s mission, values, and impact on the community.
Beyond functionality, we focused on creating an inclusive and responsive design that ensures an optimal user experience across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. The use of clean layouts, approachable typography, and a welcoming color palette reinforces the organization’s supportive mission while making the site intuitive and easy to navigate for users of all ages and abilities.
My Role
As the Web Designer and Developer for the Cowichan Brain Injury Society website, I was responsible for creating a professional, accessible, and community-focused online presence that highlights the organization’s mission and services.
What I Did
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Designed the User Experience:
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Developed the Website:
Implemented Key Features:
Collaborated and Iterated:
I created wireframes and layouts in Figma to ensure that individuals, caregivers, and donors could easily navigate the site, access resources, and learn about programs. My focus was on clarity, accessibility, and a welcoming design that reflects the supportive nature of the organization.
I built the site in WordPress using Elementor, customizing templates and modules to match the branding and content needs. I applied responsive design practices so the site works seamlessly across desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
I structured dedicated sections for services and programs, added donation options to encourage community support, and developed a resources area to provide clear guidance for individuals and families.
I worked closely with the organization to incorporate feedback, refine the design, and ensure the final website represented their values. After launch, I provided additional support to optimize the site and maintain content updates.
Persona
Sarah McIntosh, 38, lives in Duncan, BC. She recently suffered a concussion from a fall and is now dealing with memory lapses, fatigue, and trouble concentrating. As she works to recover, she often feels overwhelmed and unsure where to find help. She wants to connect with others who share similar experiences and discover programs that support her independence and confidence. The Cowichan Brain Injury Society website helps her by providing clear information about available services, local support groups, and personal stories that remind her she is not alone in her journey.
Prototyping and designing
In the prototyping and design phase, I created several layout and color variations to find the best visual direction for the Cowichan Brain Injury Society website. Since the website supports individuals who have experienced brain injuries, accessibility and comfort were the main priorities. Many people with brain injuries can be sensitive to bright colors, high contrast, and visually busy layouts. I tested a few different color combinations and design approaches to see which would provide the most relaxing and user-friendly experience.
The first two prototypes used darker tones and bold contrasts to draw attention to different sections. However, after reviewing the options and considering accessibility needs, the client preferred a lighter, softer color palette. The final design, shown on the right, was chosen because it creates a calm and welcoming atmosphere that helps users focus and read information more easily. The gentle tones, clear structure, and use of white space make the website feel open and comfortable while keeping important sections such as Programs, Resources, and Get Involved easy to find.
Throughout this process, I focused on balancing clarity, aesthetics, and usability to ensure that the final design supports the organization’s caring and inclusive mission. You can view both the finished website and the prototype designs through the link below.
