ASSETS Conference Redesign

ASSETS Conference Redesign

ASSETS Conference Redesign

Hero image showing the ASSETS 2024 conference website displayed on an iPad and iPhone screen
Hero image showing the ASSETS 2024 conference website displayed on an iPad and iPhone screen
Hero image showing the ASSETS 2024 conference website displayed on an iPad and iPhone screen

Duration

Oct 2023 - Nov 2024

Stakeholders

ACM SIGACCESS
David Flatla
Faustina Hwang

Team

Suraj Goraya, Developer
Jaipreet Singh, Developer

My Role

I lead the research and user experience design for the ASSETS conference website. I collaborated with Suraj and Jaipreet on brand identity and development handoff. I created mobile, tablet, and desktop interfaces and design components based on research findings that supported our goals of accessibility, discoverability, and navigability, while preserving ASSETS core essence of accessibility, technology, and play.

Skills

UI/UX Design
UX Research
Brand Identity
Accessible Design
Modular Design

Tools

Figma
Google Suite
Github

Duration

Oct 2023 - Nov 2024

Stakeholders

ACM SIGACCESS
David Flatla
Faustina Hwang

Team

Suraj Goraya, Developer
Jaipreet Singh, Developer

My Role

I lead the research and user experience design for the ASSETS conference website. I collaborated with Suraj and Jaipreet on brand identity and development handoff. I created mobile, tablet, and desktop interfaces and design components based on research findings that supported our goals of accessibility, discoverability, and navigability, while preserving ASSETS core essence of accessibility, technology, and play.

Skills

UI/UX Design
UX Research
Brand Identity
Accessible Design
Modular Design

Tools

Figma
Google Suite
Github

Duration

Oct 2023 - Nov 2024

Stakeholders

ACM SIGACCESS
David Flatla
Faustina Hwang

Team

Suraj Goraya
Jaipreet Singh

My Role

I lead the research and user experience design for the ASSETS conference website. I collaborated with Suraj and Jaipreet on brand identity and development handoff. I created mobile, tablet, and desktop interfaces and design components based on research findings that supported our goals of accessibility, discoverability, and navigability, while preserving ASSETS core essence of accessibility, technology, and play.

Skills

UI/UX Design
UX Research
Brand Identity
Accessible Design
Modular Design

Tools

Figma
Google Suite
Github

Overview

Overview

Overview

About Assets

DESCRIPTION

ACM SIGACCESS is an interdisciplinary group of professionals who develop technologies for people with disabilities. The annual ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility allows authors to make contributions which are peer-reviewed and archived in the ACM Digital Library. If selected, authors can travel to the conference to present their work and engage with the community to share insights, foster collaboration, and advance accessibility research.

About Assets

DESCRIPTION

ACM SIGACCESS is an interdisciplinary group of professionals who develop technologies for people with disabilities. The annual ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility allows authors to make contributions which are peer-reviewed and archived in the ACM Digital Library. If selected, authors can travel to the conference to present their work and engage with the community to share insights, foster collaboration, and advance accessibility research.

Design Goals

DESCRIPTION

The ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility brings together academics, industry researchers, policymakers, end users, students, and vendors interested in accessibility to collaborate and engage with a community of like-minded individuals. Our design vision aligns with the mission of ASSETS, aiming to create a digital space where these diverse stakeholders can easily navigate and access relevant information while showcasing the conference venue.

Design Goals

DESCRIPTION

The ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility brings together academics, industry researchers, policymakers, end users, students, and vendors interested in accessibility to collaborate and engage with a community of like-minded individuals. Our design vision aligns with the mission of ASSETS, aiming to create a digital space where these diverse stakeholders can easily navigate and access relevant information while showcasing the conference venue.

Solution

Make a conference website which prioritizes accessibility, discoverability and navigation while reflecting the local charm of the venue.

Make a conference website which prioritizes accessibility, discoverability and navigation while reflecting the local charm of the venue.

Make a conference website which prioritizes accessibility, discoverability and navigation while reflecting the local charm of the venue.

Context

Context

Context

Problem

DESCRIPTION

The ASSETS conference is organized by 18 sub-committees which need to come together to create a cohesive conference experience, but there are significant web communication challenges. Coordinating across this large, distributed team creates bottlenecks in publishing timely updates, with each stakeholder requiring separate coordination and content verification processes. These inefficiencies directly impact attendees' decision-making regarding travel, accommodations, and participation, while compromising the website's accessibility standards and overall effectiveness in serving its audience before, during, and after the conference.

Problem

DESCRIPTION

The ASSETS conference is organized by 18 sub-committees which need to come together to create a cohesive conference experience, but there are significant web communication challenges. Coordinating across this large, distributed team creates bottlenecks in publishing timely updates, with each stakeholder requiring separate coordination and content verification processes. These inefficiencies directly impact attendees' decision-making regarding travel, accommodations, and participation, while compromising the website's accessibility standards and overall effectiveness in serving its audience before, during, and after the conference.

Opportunity

DESCRIPTION

By developing an accessibility-first framework and establishing core ui elements early in the process, we can create a flexible system that accommodates gradual content updates while maintaining transparency for attendees. This approach would not only improve the user experience by providing reliable, timely information, but also serve as a model for accessible design that aligns with the ASSETS conference mission.

Opportunity

DESCRIPTION

By developing an accessibility-first framework and establishing core ui elements early in the process, we can create a flexible system that accommodates gradual content updates while maintaining transparency for attendees. This approach would not only improve the user experience by providing reliable, timely information, but also serve as a model for accessible design that aligns with the ASSETS conference mission.

Challenge

How might we create a web platform that coordinates the collaborative efforts of 18 sub-committees while delivering timely, accessible information to ASSETS conference attendees?

Challenge

How might we create a web platform that coordinates the collaborative efforts of 18 sub-committees while delivering timely, accessible information to ASSETS conference attendees?

Challenge

How might we create a web platform that coordinates the collaborative efforts of 18 sub-committees while delivering timely, accessible information to ASSETS conference attendees?

Research

Research

Research

Competitive Analysis

DESCRIPTION

We examined previous ASSETS conference websites to maintain continuity with attendees' existing mental models while identifying improvement opportunities. Analysis of premier conferences like CHI revealed UI decisions we could adopt. CHI's website stood out by establishing a distinct brand identity beyond venue imagery and emphasizing simplicity.

Competitive Analysis

DESCRIPTION

We examined previous ASSETS conference websites to maintain continuity with attendees' existing mental models while identifying improvement opportunities. Analysis of premier conferences like CHI revealed UI decisions we could adopt. CHI's website stood out by establishing a distinct brand identity beyond venue imagery and emphasizing simplicity.

Previous ASSETS Conference Website Designs

Previous ASSETS Conference Website Designs

CHI Conference Website Design

CHI Conference Website Design

These observations highlighted opportunities to enhance our website through consistent branding elements and providing simple yet bold messaging to direct users. The comparative analysis reinforced our commitment to balancing familiarity for returning attendees with improved functionality and accessibility standards.

These observations highlighted opportunities to enhance our website through consistent branding elements and providing simple yet bold messaging to direct users. The comparative analysis reinforced our commitment to balancing familiarity for returning attendees with improved functionality and accessibility standards.

Interviews

DESCRIPTION

We conducted five informal interviews with diverse conference attendees representing different interests and participation goals. Our focus was on identifying pain points, general needs, and specific accessibility requirements across our varied participant groups. These conversations revealed common challenges with prior conference websites while highlighting unique considerations for different user types.

Interviews

DESCRIPTION

We conducted five informal interviews with diverse conference attendees representing different interests and participation goals. Our focus was on identifying pain points, general needs, and specific accessibility requirements across our varied participant groups. These conversations revealed common challenges with prior conference websites while highlighting unique considerations for different user types.

Goal

DESCRIPTION

Understand users' core needs and expectations for a conference website, identify key frustration points in their current experience, and discover opportunities to enhance accessibility and information delivery for all attendees.

Goal

DESCRIPTION

Understand users' core needs and expectations for a conference website, identify key frustration points in their current experience, and discover opportunities to enhance accessibility and information delivery for all attendees.

Competitive Analysis

DESCRIPTION

We examined previous ASSETS conference websites to maintain continuity with attendees' existing mental models while identifying improvement opportunities. Analysis of premier conferences like CHI revealed UI decisions we could adopt. CHI's website stood out by establishing a distinct brand identity beyond venue imagery and emphasizing simplicity.

Competitive Analysis

DESCRIPTION

We examined previous ASSETS conference websites to maintain continuity with attendees' existing mental models while identifying improvement opportunities. Analysis of premier conferences like CHI revealed UI decisions we could adopt. CHI's website stood out by establishing a distinct brand identity beyond venue imagery and emphasizing simplicity.

Personas

DESCRIPTION

Our personas were developed from anonymous interview insights to represent the backgrounds, goals, needs, and frustrations of key ASSETS conference website users. These archetypal users guide our design decisions by ensuring we address the diverse requirements of our audience, from first-time attendees to experienced researchers with specific accessibility needs.

Personas

DESCRIPTION

Our personas were developed from anonymous interview insights to represent the backgrounds, goals, needs, and frustrations of key ASSETS conference website users. These archetypal users guide our design decisions by ensuring we address the diverse requirements of our audience, from first-time attendees to experienced researchers with specific accessibility needs.

Interviews

DESCRIPTION

We conducted five informal interviews with diverse conference attendees representing different interests and participation goals. Our focus was on identifying pain points, general needs, and specific accessibility requirements across our varied participant groups. These conversations revealed common challenges with prior conference websites while highlighting unique considerations for different user types.

Interviews

DESCRIPTION

We conducted five informal interviews with diverse conference attendees representing different interests and participation goals. Our focus was on identifying pain points, general needs, and specific accessibility requirements across our varied participant groups. These conversations revealed common challenges with prior conference websites while highlighting unique considerations for different user types.

Three personas stacked on top of each other highlight the various characteristics users visiting the ASSETS website have.
Three personas stacked on top of each other highlight the various characteristics users visiting the ASSETS website have.
Three personas stacked on top of each other highlight the various characteristics users visiting the ASSETS website have.

Personas

Personas

These observations highlighted opportunities to enhance our website through consistent branding elements and providing simple yet bold messaging to direct users. The comparative analysis reinforced our commitment to balancing familiarity for returning attendees with improved functionality and accessibility standards.

These observations highlighted opportunities to enhance our website through consistent branding elements and providing simple yet bold messaging to direct users. The comparative analysis reinforced our commitment to balancing familiarity for returning attendees with improved functionality and accessibility standards.

Goal

DESCRIPTION

Understand users' core needs and expectations for a conference website, identify key frustration points in their current experience, and discover opportunities to enhance accessibility and information delivery for all attendees.

Goal

DESCRIPTION

Understand users' core needs and expectations for a conference website, identify key frustration points in their current experience, and discover opportunities to enhance accessibility and information delivery for all attendees.

Personas

DESCRIPTION

Our personas were developed from anonymous interview insights to represent the backgrounds, goals, needs, and frustrations of key ASSETS conference website users. These archetypal users guide our design decisions by ensuring we address the diverse requirements of our audience, from first-time attendees to experienced researchers with specific accessibility needs.

Personas

DESCRIPTION

Our personas were developed from anonymous interview insights to represent the backgrounds, goals, needs, and frustrations of key ASSETS conference website users. These archetypal users guide our design decisions by ensuring we address the diverse requirements of our audience, from first-time attendees to experienced researchers with specific accessibility needs.

Contextual Inquiry

DESCRIPTION

To effectively highlight the venue location, we conducted comprehensive research into Saint John's rich history and cultural significance. This contextual inquiry allowed us to identify meaningful points of interest to feature on our website, creating a more engaging and informative experience for attendees planning their visit while maintaining focus on accessibility and practical information needs.

Contextual Inquiry

DESCRIPTION

To effectively highlight the venue location, we conducted comprehensive research into Saint John's rich history and cultural significance. This contextual inquiry allowed us to identify meaningful points of interest to feature on our website, creating a more engaging and informative experience for attendees planning their visit while maintaining focus on accessibility and practical information needs.

Contextual Inquiry

DESCRIPTION

To effectively highlight the venue location, we conducted comprehensive research into Saint John's rich history and cultural significance. This contextual inquiry allowed us to identify meaningful points of interest to feature on our website, creating a more engaging and informative experience for attendees planning their visit while maintaining focus on accessibility and practical information needs.

Contextual Inquiry

DESCRIPTION

To effectively highlight the venue location, we conducted comprehensive research into Saint John's rich history and cultural significance. This contextual inquiry allowed us to identify meaningful points of interest to feature on our website, creating a more engaging and informative experience for attendees planning their visit while maintaining focus on accessibility and practical information needs.

Saint John’s iconic downtown architecture and colorful residential streets—often painted in bright hues, such as those seen on Jellybean Row—offered strong visual inspiration. The city’s distinctive homes, scenic oceanside views, and landmarks like the harbor and Signal Hill also influenced our design choices. We reflected these elements on the website by using a structured layout and incorporating the vibrant colors found throughout the city.

Saint John’s iconic downtown architecture and colorful residential streets—often painted in bright hues, such as those seen on Jellybean Row—offered strong visual inspiration. The city’s distinctive homes, scenic oceanside views, and landmarks like the harbor and Signal Hill also influenced our design choices. We reflected these elements on the website by using a structured layout and incorporating the vibrant colors found throughout the city.

Saint John’s iconic downtown architecture and colorful residential streets—often painted in bright hues, such as those seen on Jellybean Row—offered strong visual inspiration. The city’s distinctive homes, scenic oceanside views, and landmarks like the harbor and Signal Hill also influenced our design choices. We reflected these elements on the website by using a structured layout and incorporating the vibrant colors found throughout the city.

Saint John’s iconic downtown architecture and colorful residential streets—often painted in bright hues, such as those seen on Jellybean Row—offered strong visual inspiration. The city’s distinctive homes, scenic oceanside views, and landmarks like the harbor and Signal Hill also influenced our design choices. We reflected these elements on the website by using a structured layout and incorporating the vibrant colors found throughout the city.

ASSETS website home page with a picture of St. John's Newfoundland in the background
ASSETS website home page with a picture of St. John's Newfoundland in the background
ASSETS website home page with a picture of St. John's Newfoundland in the background

Home Page UI Design

Home Page UI Design

Colour pallet with the different colours used to design the ASSETS website. (Top left: Harbor Frost, Middle left: Basilica Brick, Bottom left: Cabot Spice, Top right: Dock Tar, Middle right: Avalon Blue))
Colour pallet with the different colours used to design the ASSETS website. (Top left: Harbor Frost, Middle left: Basilica Brick, Bottom left: Cabot Spice, Top right: Dock Tar, Middle right: Avalon Blue))
Colour pallet with the different colours used to design the ASSETS website. (Top left: Harbor Frost, Middle left: Basilica Brick, Bottom left: Cabot Spice, Top right: Dock Tar, Middle right: Avalon Blue))

Color Palette Overview

Color Palette Overview

Notification UI Design

Notification UI Design

Notification UI Design

Design Principles

Design Principles

Design Principles

Responsive Layout

DESCRIPTION

Providing compatibility and a cohesive experience across various devices was a top priority. To accelerate development, we used simple breakpoints and maintained a consistent page structure with a well-defined grid layout.

Responsive Layout

DESCRIPTION

Providing compatibility and a cohesive experience across various devices was a top priority. To accelerate development, we used simple breakpoints and maintained a consistent page structure with a well-defined grid layout.

Responsive Layout

DESCRIPTION

Providing compatibility and a cohesive experience across various devices was a top priority. To accelerate development, we used simple breakpoints and maintained a consistent page structure with a well-defined grid layout.

Responsive Layout

DESCRIPTION

Providing compatibility and a cohesive experience across various devices was a top priority. To accelerate development, we used simple breakpoints and maintained a consistent page structure with a well-defined grid layout.

Webpage with three different widths highlighting the three different breakpoints set for this project (1280px+, 768px-1278px, 767px-)
Webpage with three different widths highlighting the three different breakpoints set for this project (1280px+, 768px-1278px, 767px-)
Webpage with three different widths highlighting the three different breakpoints set for this project (1280px+, 768px-1278px, 767px-)

Responsive Layout

Responsive Layout

Image highlighting the main characteristics of the ASSETS website and showcasing the different sections
Image highlighting the main characteristics of the ASSETS website and showcasing the different sections
Image highlighting the main characteristics of the ASSETS website and showcasing the different sections

Layout Regions

Layout Regions

Typography

DESCRIPTION

Instead of using multiple fonts, we focused on a single typeface and leveraged typographic hierarchy to emphasize key elements. This approach ensured clarity while naturally drawing attention to important content.

Typography

DESCRIPTION

Instead of using multiple fonts, we focused on a single typeface and leveraged typographic hierarchy to emphasize key elements. This approach ensured clarity while naturally drawing attention to important content.

Image showing the break-point for the various screen sizes and the different font used at each break-point.
Image showing the break-point for the various screen sizes and the different font used at each break-point.
Image showing the break-point for the various screen sizes and the different font used at each break-point.

Hierarchy of Text

Hierarchy of Text

Image showing the break-point for the various screen sizes and the different font used at each break-point.
Image showing the break-point for the various screen sizes and the different font used at each break-point.
Image showing the break-point for the various screen sizes and the different font used at each break-point.

Font Style

Font Style

Typography

DESCRIPTION

Instead of using multiple fonts, we focused on a single typeface and leveraged typographic hierarchy to emphasize key elements. This approach ensured clarity while naturally drawing attention to important content.

Typography

DESCRIPTION

Instead of using multiple fonts, we focused on a single typeface and leveraged typographic hierarchy to emphasize key elements. This approach ensured clarity while naturally drawing attention to important content.

Accessibility

DESCRIPTION

To ensure accessibility, I personally reviewed the conference pages using both automated tools and manual screen reader testing. Design choices such as using semantic HTML, descriptive alt text, and logical heading structures enhanced screen reader compatibility. Keyboard accessibility was also prioritized to support smooth navigation for users relying on assistive technologies.

Accessibility

DESCRIPTION

To ensure accessibility, I personally reviewed the conference pages using both automated tools and manual screen reader testing. Design choices such as using semantic HTML, descriptive alt text, and logical heading structures enhanced screen reader compatibility. Keyboard accessibility was also prioritized to support smooth navigation for users relying on assistive technologies.

Accessibility

DESCRIPTION

To ensure accessibility, I personally reviewed the conference pages using both automated tools and manual screen reader testing. Design choices such as using semantic HTML, descriptive alt text, and logical heading structures enhanced screen reader compatibility. Keyboard accessibility was also prioritized to support smooth navigation for users relying on assistive technologies.

Accessibility

DESCRIPTION

To ensure accessibility, I personally reviewed the conference pages using both automated tools and manual screen reader testing. Design choices such as using semantic HTML, descriptive alt text, and logical heading structures enhanced screen reader compatibility. Keyboard accessibility was also prioritized to support smooth navigation for users relying on assistive technologies.

Image of ASSETS Scholarships page with transparent boxes highlighting the various semantic HTML elements used for the ASSETS website design
Image of ASSETS Scholarships page with transparent boxes highlighting the various semantic HTML elements used for the ASSETS website design
Image of ASSETS Scholarships page with transparent boxes highlighting the various semantic HTML elements used for the ASSETS website design

Semantic HTML

Semantic HTML

Image highlighting the different sections the screen reader will focus on while navigating the webite.
Image highlighting the different sections the screen reader will focus on while navigating the webite.
Image highlighting the different sections the screen reader will focus on while navigating the webite.

Screen Reader View Annotations

Screen Reader View Annotations

Image showignt the contrast ratio of two different alert elements with orange and blue as background colours
Image showignt the contrast ratio of two different alert elements with orange and blue as background colours
Image showignt the contrast ratio of two different alert elements with orange and blue as background colours

Colour Contrast for Accessibility

Colour Contrast for Accessibility

Collaboration Effort

Collaboration Effort

Collaboration Effort

Making Sure We Stayed on Top of It

DESCRIPTION

Despite our best efforts to create a seamless workflow, receiving a task, working on it, completing it, and then moving on to the next, it quickly became clear that this linear process wasn’t always possible. At times, multiple high-priority tasks arrived simultaneously, all needing immediate attention.

Making Sure We Stayed on Top of It

DESCRIPTION

Despite our best efforts to create a seamless workflow, receiving a task, working on it, completing it, and then moving on to the next, it quickly became clear that this linear process wasn’t always possible. At times, multiple high-priority tasks arrived simultaneously, all needing immediate attention.

ASSETS website home page with a picture of St. John's Newfoundland in the background
ASSETS website home page with a picture of St. John's Newfoundland in the background
ASSETS website home page with a picture of St. John's Newfoundland in the background

Backlog of Tasks Example

Backlog of Tasks Example

Making Sure We Stayed on Top of It

DESCRIPTION

Despite our best efforts to create a seamless workflow—receiving a task, working on it, completing it, and then moving on to the next—it quickly became clear that this linear process wasn’t always possible. At times, multiple high-priority tasks arrived simultaneously, all needing immediate attention.

Making Sure We Stayed on Top of It

DESCRIPTION

Despite our best efforts to create a seamless workflow—receiving a task, working on it, completing it, and then moving on to the next—it quickly became clear that this linear process wasn’t always possible. At times, multiple high-priority tasks arrived simultaneously, all needing immediate attention.

Acting as the Middle Man

DESCRIPTION

Things became even more challenging as we were defining the design layout and building the website while working toward fixed content publication deadlines. To address this, we made a collective effort to communicate as early and clearly as possible. I took on the role of a middle man, bridging communication between the web team and other committee members. I helped communicate technical constraints and gathered finalized content to ensure only approved information was passed along to the developers. This helped reduce unnecessary back-and-forth and minimized the time spent on last-minute updates, since content was frequently changing.

Acting as the Middle Man

DESCRIPTION

Things became even more challenging as we were defining the design layout and building the website while working toward fixed content publication deadlines. To address this, we made a collective effort to communicate as early and clearly as possible. I took on the role of a middle man, bridging communication between the web team and other committee members. I helped communicate technical constraints and gathered finalized content to ensure only approved information was passed along to the developers. This helped reduce unnecessary back-and-forth and minimized the time spent on last-minute updates, since content was frequently changing.

Acting as the Middle Man

DESCRIPTION

Things became even more challenging as we were defining the design layout and building the website while working toward fixed content publication deadlines. To address this, we made a collective effort to communicate as early and clearly as possible. I took on the role of a middle man, bridging communication between the web team and other committee members. I helped communicate technical constraints and gathered finalized content to ensure only approved information was passed along to the developers. This helped reduce unnecessary back-and-forth and minimized the time spent on last-minute updates, since content was frequently changing.

Acting as the Middle Man

DESCRIPTION

Things became even more challenging as we were defining the design layout and building the website while working toward fixed content publication deadlines. To address this, we made a collective effort to communicate as early and clearly as possible. I took on the role of a middle man, bridging communication between the web team and other committee members. I helped communicate technical constraints and gathered finalized content to ensure only approved information was passed along to the developers. This helped reduce unnecessary back-and-forth and minimized the time spent on last-minute updates, since content was frequently changing.

The Outcome

DESCRIPTION

We are extremely proud of the website's resounding success. It became an essential conference navigation tool for over 500+ attendees who actively used it throughout their ASSETS experience. The platform effectively guided participants to upcoming sessions, helped them discover Saint John's local attractions, and provided critical accessibility information. Most importantly, first-time attendees reported feeling well-oriented and informed, while returning participants appreciated the familiar structure enhanced with improved navigation.

The Outcome

DESCRIPTION

We are extremely proud of the website's resounding success. It became an essential conference navigation tool for over 500+ attendees who actively used it throughout their ASSETS experience. The platform effectively guided participants to upcoming sessions, helped them discover Saint John's local attractions, and provided critical accessibility information. Most importantly, first-time attendees reported feeling well-oriented and informed, while returning participants appreciated the familiar structure enhanced with improved navigation.

Final Design

Final Design

Final Design

The Outcome

DESCRIPTION

We are extremely proud of the website's resounding success. It became an essential conference navigation tool for over 500+ attendees who actively used it throughout their ASSETS experience. The platform effectively guided participants to upcoming sessions, helped them discover Saint John's local attractions, and provided critical accessibility information. Most importantly, first-time attendees reported feeling well-oriented and informed, while returning participants appreciated the familiar structure enhanced with improved navigation.

The Outcome

DESCRIPTION

We are extremely proud of the website's resounding success. It became an essential conference navigation tool for over 500+ attendees who actively used it throughout their ASSETS experience. The platform effectively guided participants to upcoming sessions, helped them discover Saint John's local attractions, and provided critical accessibility information. Most importantly, first-time attendees reported feeling well-oriented and informed, while returning participants appreciated the familiar structure enhanced with improved navigation.

Three different screen sizes with ASSETS Scholarships page showing how the webpage will look on the different screens
Three different screen sizes with ASSETS Scholarships page showing how the webpage will look on the different screens
Three different screen sizes with ASSETS Scholarships page showing how the webpage will look on the different screens

Multi-Device Design Overview

Multi-Device Design Overview

Final design of Program and Keynote Speaker pages
Final design of Program and Keynote Speaker pages
Final design of Program and Keynote Speaker pages

Final Design Showcase

Final Design Showcase

Final design of ASSETS Sponsors and Program Committee page
Final design of ASSETS Sponsors and Program Committee page
Final design of ASSETS Sponsors and Program Committee page

Final Design Showcase

Final Design Showcase

ASSETS Logo in white with a picture of a lighthouse in the background
ASSETS Logo in white with a picture of a lighthouse in the background
ASSETS Logo in white with a picture of a lighthouse in the background

ASSETS 2024 Logo

ASSETS 2024 Logo

Reflection

Reflection

Reflection

Things I learned

Things I learned

Things I learned

Automated Accessibility Tools Tell Only Half the Story

DESCRIPTION

Relying solely on automated accessibility compliance tools provides an incomplete picture of a website's accessibility. By personally conducting screen reader navigation tests, I uncovered critical user experience gaps that automated tools failed to detect. This hands-on approach revealed how certain design elements, though technically compliant, could still confuse users. I now view accessibility as a holistic practice that combines automated checks, manual testing protocols, and, ideally, direct feedback from users with disabilities.

Figma Is My Cup of Tea

DESCRIPTION

This project significantly enhanced my Figma skills beyond the basics of design. I developed more efficient documentation workflows and handoff protocols that streamlined the design-to-development process.

Automated Accessibility Tools Tell Only Half the Story

DESCRIPTION

Relying solely on automated accessibility compliance tools provides an incomplete picture of a website's accessibility. By personally conducting screen reader navigation tests, I uncovered critical user experience gaps that automated tools failed to detect. This hands-on approach revealed how certain design elements, though technically compliant, could still confuse users. I now view accessibility as a holistic practice that combines automated checks, manual testing protocols, and, ideally, direct feedback from users with disabilities.

Figma Is My Cup of Tea

DESCRIPTION

This project significantly enhanced my Figma skills beyond the basics of design. I developed more efficient documentation workflows and handoff protocols that streamlined the design-to-development process.

Automated Accessibility Tools Tell Only Half the Story

DESCRIPTION

Relying solely on automated accessibility compliance tools provides an incomplete picture of a website's accessibility. By personally conducting screen reader navigation tests, I uncovered critical user experience gaps that automated tools failed to detect. This hands-on approach revealed how certain design elements—though technically compliant—could still confuse users. I now view accessibility as a holistic practice that combines automated checks, manual testing protocols, and, ideally, direct feedback from users with disabilities.

Automated Accessibility Tools Tell Only Half the Story

DESCRIPTION

Relying solely on automated accessibility compliance tools provides an incomplete picture of a website's accessibility. By personally conducting screen reader navigation tests, I uncovered critical user experience gaps that automated tools failed to detect. This hands-on approach revealed how certain design elements—though technically compliant—could still confuse users. I now view accessibility as a holistic practice that combines automated checks, manual testing protocols, and, ideally, direct feedback from users with disabilities.

Figma Is My Cup of Tea

DESCRIPTION

This project significantly enhanced my Figma skills beyond the basics of design. I developed more efficient documentation workflows and handoff protocols that streamlined the design-to-development process.

Figma Is My Cup of Tea

DESCRIPTION

This project significantly enhanced my Figma skills beyond the basics of design. I developed more efficient documentation workflows and handoff protocols that streamlined the design-to-development process.

Early Alignment Matters

DESCRIPTION

I discovered the importance of aligning design and development efforts early, especially when working with multiple stakeholders. By front-loading key design tasks and establishing communication channels with developers from the outset, I saw how early alignment helps ensure smoother collaboration and more successful outcomes across the team.

Early Alignment Matters

DESCRIPTION

I discovered the importance of aligning design and development efforts early, especially when working with multiple stakeholders. By front-loading key design tasks and establishing communication channels with developers from the outset, I saw how early alignment helps ensure smoother collaboration and more successful outcomes across the team.

Early Alignment Matters

DESCRIPTION

I discovered the importance of aligning design and development efforts early, especially when working with multiple stakeholders. By front-loading key design tasks and establishing communication channels with developers from the outset, I saw how early alignment helps ensure smoother collaboration and more successful outcomes across the team.

Early Alignment Matters

DESCRIPTION

I discovered the importance of aligning design and development efforts early, especially when working with multiple stakeholders. By front-loading key design tasks and establishing communication channels with developers from the outset, I saw how early alignment helps ensure smoother collaboration and more successful outcomes across the team.

Figma Is My Cup of Tea

DESCRIPTION

This project significantly enhanced my Figma skills beyond the basics of design. I developed more efficient documentation workflows and handoff protocols that streamlined the design-to-development process.

Figma Is My Cup of Tea

DESCRIPTION

This project significantly enhanced my Figma skills beyond the basics of design. I developed more efficient documentation workflows and handoff protocols that streamlined the design-to-development process.

If I had additional time, I would…

If I had additional time, I would…

If I had additional time, I would…

Conduct User Testing

DESCRIPTION

User testing was one of the key components missing from our project. While we were able to test the website with some stakeholders to evaluate its functionality, we lacked feedback from real users outside of the team. Including external users in the testing process would have provided more objective insights and helped identify usability issues we may have overlooked.

Conduct User Testing

DESCRIPTION

User testing was one of the key components missing from our project. While we were able to test the website with some stakeholders to evaluate its functionality, we lacked feedback from real users outside of the team. Including external users in the testing process would have provided more objective insights and helped identify usability issues we may have overlooked.

Explore More UI Trade-offs

DESCRIPTION

Establishing the design early on had both benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, having a design guideline early allowed us to move quickly without needing to make constant changes. On the other hand, this approach limited our opportunity to explore alternative design options. Taking more time to iterate on the UI could have helped us evaluate valuable trade-offs and gain deeper insights into the user experience.

Explore More UI Trade-offs

DESCRIPTION

Establishing the design early on had both benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, having a design guideline early allowed us to move quickly without needing to make constant changes. On the other hand, this approach limited our opportunity to explore alternative design options. Taking more time to iterate on the UI could have helped us evaluate valuable trade-offs and gain deeper insights into the user experience.

Conduct User Testing

DESCRIPTION

User testing was one of the key components missing from our project. While we were able to test the website with some stakeholders to evaluate its functionality, we lacked feedback from real users outside of the team. Including external users in the testing process would have provided more objective insights and helped identify usability issues we may have overlooked.

Conduct User Testing

DESCRIPTION

User testing was one of the key components missing from our project. While we were able to test the website with some stakeholders to evaluate its functionality, we lacked feedback from real users outside of the team. Including external users in the testing process would have provided more objective insights and helped identify usability issues we may have overlooked.

Explore More UI Trade-offs

DESCRIPTION

Establishing the design early on had both benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, having a design guideline early allowed us to move quickly without needing to make constant changes. On the other hand, this approach limited our opportunity to explore alternative design options. Taking more time to iterate on the UI could have helped us evaluate valuable trade-offs and gain deeper insights into the user experience.

Explore More UI Trade-offs

DESCRIPTION

Establishing the design early on had both benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, having a design guideline early allowed us to move quickly without needing to make constant changes. On the other hand, this approach limited our opportunity to explore alternative design options. Taking more time to iterate on the UI could have helped us evaluate valuable trade-offs and gain deeper insights into the user experience.

About Assets

DESCRIPTION

ACM SIGACCESS is an interdisciplinary group of professionals who develop technologies for people with disabilities. The annual ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility allows authors to make contributions which are peer-reviewed and archived in the ACM Digital Library. If selected, authors can travel to the conference to present their work and engage with the community to share insights, foster collaboration, and advance accessibility research.

About Assets

DESCRIPTION

ACM SIGACCESS is an interdisciplinary group of professionals who develop technologies for people with disabilities. The annual ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility allows authors to make contributions which are peer-reviewed and archived in the ACM Digital Library. If selected, authors can travel to the conference to present their work and engage with the community to share insights, foster collaboration, and advance accessibility research.

Design Goals

DESCRIPTION

The ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility brings together academics, industry researchers, policymakers, end users, students, and vendors interested in accessibility to collaborate and engage with a community of like-minded individuals. Our design vision aligns with the mission of ASSETS, aiming to create a digital space where these diverse stakeholders can easily navigate and access relevant information while showcasing the conference venue.

Design Goals

DESCRIPTION

The ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility brings together academics, industry researchers, policymakers, end users, students, and vendors interested in accessibility to collaborate and engage with a community of like-minded individuals. Our design vision aligns with the mission of ASSETS, aiming to create a digital space where these diverse stakeholders can easily navigate and access relevant information while showcasing the conference venue.

Problem

DESCRIPTION

The ASSETS conference is organized by 18 sub-committees which need to come together to create a cohesive conference experience, but there are significant web communication challenges. Coordinating across this large, distributed team creates bottlenecks in publishing timely updates, with each stakeholder requiring separate coordination and content verification processes. These inefficiencies directly impact attendees' decision-making regarding travel, accommodations, and participation, while compromising the website's accessibility standards and overall effectiveness in serving its audience before, during, and after the conference.

Problem

DESCRIPTION

The ASSETS conference is organized by 18 sub-committees which need to come together to create a cohesive conference experience, but there are significant web communication challenges. Coordinating across this large, distributed team creates bottlenecks in publishing timely updates, with each stakeholder requiring separate coordination and content verification processes. These inefficiencies directly impact attendees' decision-making regarding travel, accommodations, and participation, while compromising the website's accessibility standards and overall effectiveness in serving its audience before, during, and after the conference.

Opportunity

DESCRIPTION

By developing an accessibility-first framework and establishing core ui elements early in the process, we can create a flexible system that accommodates gradual content updates while maintaining transparency for attendees. This approach would not only improve the user experience by providing reliable, timely information, but also serve as a model for accessible design that aligns with the ASSETS conference mission.

Opportunity

DESCRIPTION

By developing an accessibility-first framework and establishing core ui elements early in the process, we can create a flexible system that accommodates gradual content updates while maintaining transparency for attendees. This approach would not only improve the user experience by providing reliable, timely information, but also serve as a model for accessible design that aligns with the ASSETS conference mission.