WCAG Compliant Website Development

The Kentucky Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) stands as a model organization for promoting independence and self-determination among individuals with disabilities. This case study examines how KYSILC effectively fulfills its mission through strategic programming, community engagement, and advocacy initiatives. This case study examines the development and implementation of Kentucky SILC’s digital presence, focusing on creating a WCAG-compliant website and integrated marketing tools that effectively serve the disability community. The project prioritized accessibility while delivering engaging content and functionality.

Website Design: Empowering Kentuckians with Disabilities to Live Independently

Objectives

Kentucky SILC recognized the need for a digital platform that would effectively serve individuals with disabilities while promoting their mission of independent living advocacy. The organization required a website that would not only meet strict accessibility standards but also provide robust functionality for content management, event promotion, and community engagement. The project team prioritized creating a user-friendly experience that would work seamlessly with assistive technologies while maintaining an engaging and professional design.

  • Create a fully accessible website meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards
  • Develop effective digital marketing tools
  • Ensure consistent brand messaging
  • Maximize community engagement
  • Provide easy access to resources and information

Design Process

Research and Planning: Technical Architecture

The website was built using a modern tech stack focused on accessibility and performance. The foundation includes semantic HTML5, CSS3 with accessibility-focused styling, and progressive enhancement principles. The content management system was customized to include accessibility checkpoints, ensuring that new content automatically meets WCAG standards. The platform integrates smoothly with assistive technologies and includes features like skip navigation, focus indicators, and alternative text management systems.

Creative Conceptualization

Based on the insights gathered, the design team developed several conceptual designs, experimenting with various orientations, styles, and thematic elements. The concepts were reviewed by stakeholders, with a focus on ensuring that the map would be both informative and aesthetically pleasing. Comprehensive testing was conducted throughout development, involving members of the disability community and accessibility experts. Screen reader testing, keyboard navigation assessment, and color contrast verification were performed regularly. User feedback led to several improvements in navigation structure and content organization, resulting in a more intuitive and accessible experience for all users.

Kentucky SILC Website and Brand Design: Accessible Digital Excellence

The final design creates an inclusive and empowering digital presence that prioritizes accessibility while maintaining professional aesthetics. It features:

  • Accessible Color System:
    • Primary Color: Deep Navy Blue for headers and key elements
    • Secondary Colors: Pure White for contrast and readability
    • Accent Colors: Light Blue for interactive elements
    • All color combinations exceed WCAG 2.1 AA contrast requirements
    • High-visibility focus indicators in bright blue
  • Logo Design:
    • Dual-Version Accessibility:
      • Full Color: Navy blue with white text for standard display
      • High Contrast: Black and white version for maximum visibility
      • Reversed: White version for dark backgrounds
    • Clear Typography: Sans-serif font for optimal readability
    • Simplified Shapes: Clean lines and recognizable forms
    • Minimum Size Requirements: Ensures visibility at all scales
    • Available in multiple formats (SVG, PNG, PDF) for various uses
  • Typography System:
    • Primary Font: Open Sans for its excellent readability
    • Secondary Font: Roboto for supporting text
    • Minimum Font Size: 16px for body text
    • Clear Hierarchy: Distinct heading sizes (h1-h6)
    • Line Height: 1.5 for optimal readability
    • Letter Spacing: Adjusted for maximum legibility
  • Navigation Elements:
    • Skip Links: Hidden until focused for keyboard navigation
    • Breadcrumb Trails: Clear location indicators
    • Mega Menus: Organized by topic with clear categories
    • Mobile-Friendly: Hamburger menu with large touch targets
    • Focus States: Highly visible indicators for keyboard users
  • Interactive Components:
    • Buttons: Large click areas with clear hover states
    • Forms: Clearly labeled fields with error handling
    • Links: Underlined and color-coded for easy identification
    • Search: Prominent placement with auto-complete features
    • Call-to-Action: High contrast buttons with clear purpose
  • Content Presentation:
    • Clean Layout: Ample white space for easy scanning
    • Grid System: Responsive 12-column layout
    • Content Blocks: Clear separation between sections
    • Image Guidelines: Alt text requirements and caption standards
    • Document Templates: Accessible PDF and Word formats
  • Responsive Design:
    • Mobile-First Approach: Optimized for all devices
    • Flexible Images: Scales without losing clarity
    • Breakpoint System: Ensures readability at all sizes
    • Touch Targets: Minimum 44×44 pixels for accessibility
    • Orientation Support: Functions in portrait and landscape
  • User Support Features:
    • Text Resize Controls: Easy font size adjustment
    • High Contrast Toggle: Alternative color schemes
    • Screen Reader Optimization: ARIA labels and landmarks
    • Language Selection: Clear language switching options
    • Help Resources: Accessible support documentation

These design elements create a cohesive and accessible digital experience that serves all users while maintaining Kentucky SILC’s professional image and mission-driven focus. The design system prioritizes usability without sacrificing visual appeal, ensuring that all visitors can effectively engage with the organization’s resources and information.

The style guide established here serves as a foundation for all digital materials, ensuring consistency across platforms while maintaining the highest standards of accessibility and user experience.

Results and Impact

The new digital platform significantly improved Kentucky SILC’s ability to serve its community. Website analytics showed increased engagement, with higher page view duration and lower bounce rates. The accessible design led to improved user satisfaction scores, particularly among screen reader users. Newsletter subscription rates increased by 45% following the launch of the accessible email marketing system, and social media engagement metrics showed substantial improvement.

Recommendations

Based on the project’s outcomes, organizations undertaking similar initiatives should prioritize accessibility training for all team members, establish clear accessibility guidelines for content creation, and implement regular accessibility audits. It’s crucial to involve users with disabilities in the testing process and maintain strong documentation of accessibility features. Organizations should also consider implementing automated accessibility checking tools while recognizing that manual testing remains essential for ensuring true accessibility.

Conclusion

The Kentucky SILC digital platform project demonstrates that creating an accessible website and marketing system requires careful planning, continuous testing, and a commitment to serving all users equally. The success of this initiative proves that organizations can maintain high standards of accessibility while delivering engaging and effective digital experiences. This case study serves as a blueprint for other organizations seeking to develop inclusive digital platforms that truly serve their entire community.

Counseling and Therapy Practice Website

I want to tell you about a really fulfilling project we recently completed for Shift Happens, a new counseling and therapy practice in Louisville. This project was special because we got to help a mental health professional translate their vision into a digital presence right as they were launching their practice.

When the founder of Shift Happens, Candance Brunyate, first reached out to us, she had a clear vision for her therapy practice but needed help creating a website that would both reflect her approach to mental health and serve as a practical tool for connecting with potential clients. As a new business, making the right first impression online was absolutely crucial.

Helping Shift Happens Counseling Establish Their Digital Presence in Louisville

We started by really listening to what made her practice unique. The name “Shift Happens” already conveyed something important about her therapeutic philosophy—that change and transformation are possible even in difficult circumstances. We wanted the website to embody that message of hope and possibility while still maintaining the professionalism essential for a mental health service.

Using WordPress as our foundation, we built a website that balanced warmth and professionalism. The color palette we selected included calming blues and greens that research shows can reduce anxiety—something particularly important for a therapy website where visitors might be browsing during stressful periods in their lives.

For content development, we worked closely with the therapist to craft messaging that clearly explained her services, approach, and specialties without overwhelming potential clients with jargon or technical terms. We created separate service pages for individual therapy, couples counseling, and group sessions, each with thoughtful descriptions that helped potential clients understand what to expect.

One feature we’re particularly proud of was the secure contact form we implemented, which included appropriate privacy notices to reassure clients that their initial outreach would be handled with confidentiality—something absolutely essential in mental health services.

We also incorporated a simple but effective appointment request system that integrated with her practice management software, making it easier for her to manage new client inquiries while she focused on launching other aspects of her business.

The website launched right alongside her practice opening, giving her an immediate professional presence in the Louisville therapy community. It was incredibly rewarding to hear that she received her first client inquiry through the website within days of launching.

Law Firm Website

There’s something particularly meaningful about helping legal professionals translate their commitment to justice into a compelling digital presence. When Ryan Fenwick and Connor Allen of Kentucky Justice Lawyers approached us about developing their firm’s brand identity and online platform, we recognized this wasn’t just another website project—it was about establishing a digital foundation for a practice dedicated to serving their community.

Building a Digital Identity: Our Partnership with Kentucky Justice Lawyers

The scope of our collaboration was comprehensive from the start. Ryan and Connor were launching a new practice with a clear vision but needed everything from logo design to letterhead, marketing materials to a complete website. What made working with them especially rewarding was their passion for making legal services more accessible to everyday Kentuckians, a mission we were eager to support through thoughtful design and strategic marketing.

During our discovery conversations, we connected immediately over shared values. They spoke candidly about wanting to create a law firm that broke from tradition—one that felt approachable rather than intimidating, and that clearly communicated their services to potential clients who might be navigating legal challenges for the first time. Budget considerations were important too, as they were mindful of building their practice responsibly.

The creative process evolved naturally as we developed their visual identity. The logo we designed aimed to convey both professionalism and accessibility—qualities that reflected Ryan and Connor’s approach to practicing law. This visual foundation informed everything from their website color palette to the layout of their business cards and letterhead.

What I particularly enjoyed about this collaboration was how Ryan and Connor trusted our expertise while remaining actively engaged in the process. They provided thoughtful feedback that helped us refine our approach, ensuring the final products truly represented their vision for Kentucky Justice Lawyers.

The website we built together strikes that perfect balance they were seeking—professional enough to instill confidence while remaining approachable and easy to navigate. We organized their practice areas in a way that helps potential clients quickly understand whether Kentucky Justice Lawyers can address their specific legal needs. The contact information is prominently featured, reducing barriers between people seeking help and the attorneys who can provide it.

Since launching their new brand identity and website, Ryan and Connor have shared that potential clients frequently mention how the site helped them feel comfortable reaching out. The investment in comprehensive branding has given their new practice immediate credibility in a competitive field.

We continue to provide ongoing support as their practice grows, making adjustments to their digital marketing strategy to reflect new practice areas and achievements. It’s been truly satisfying to watch Kentucky Justice Lawyers flourish and to know our work has played a small part in helping them serve their community more effectively.

Luxury Event Design Website

Luxury High-end Florist and Couture Event Design & TableScaping Website Design

Premium Floral and Event Design Services

Your luxury floral and event design business deserves a website that showcases the artistry and elegance of your creations while providing a seamless experience for discerning clients. Our design approach for your couture event company balances sophisticated aesthetics with practical functionality to create an online presence that truly represents your premium brand.

The homepage welcomes visitors with a dramatic full-screen slider featuring your most breathtaking event transformations—from elaborate wedding arches to meticulously designed tablescapes. Subtle animations reveal your floral artistry and event design capabilities as visitors scroll through your portfolio.

We’ve designed distinct sections for your core services: floral design, event styling, tablescaping, and rental collections. Each category features professional photography with consistent artistic direction, showcasing your unique approach to luxury events.

The rental inventory section includes an elegant catalog of your premium tableware, flatware, decorative elements, and event structures, seamlessly integrated with Goodshuffle’s powerful rental management platform. This integration allows for real-time inventory tracking, automated availability updates, and streamlined booking processes while maintaining the luxurious aesthetic of your brand.

A password-protected client portal enables event planners and couples to access mood boards, approve design concepts, and track project timelines throughout the planning process.

The design includes an appointment scheduling system for consultations and a quote request form for comprehensive event design services. For convention and corporate clients, we’ve created a specialized section highlighting your commercial capabilities and past prestigious events.

Window Company Website Design

Metro Window Company Website Design Case Study

Project Overview

Design Web Louisville was commissioned to develop a modern, user-friendly website for Metro Window Company, a well-established business serving the greater Louisville, Jefferson County, and Oldham County areas since 1980. The project coincided with the company’s transition to new ownership under Russell Fallon & Family in late 2023, requiring a design that would honor their 40+ year legacy while positioning them for future growth.

Client Background

Metro Window Company has evolved from its origins as a boutique supplier of new construction windows and doors to become a comprehensive window and door solution provider. Their services span new construction, replacement installation, and repairs, with a commitment to using their own experienced employees rather than subcontractors. The company partners with premium manufacturers including Windsor, MGM, and Masonite to deliver high-quality products to their customers.

Design Objectives

The website needed to accomplish several key business goals: showcase their extensive product catalog, highlight their four decades of expertise, facilitate easy consultation scheduling, and emphasize their commitment to quality service. The design also needed to reflect their recent ownership transition while maintaining the trust they’d built in the community since 1980.

Design Solution

Our approach focused on creating a clean, professional website that would make it easy for customers to explore products and services while emphasizing the company’s legacy of quality. The site architecture was organized around their three main service categories: New Construction, Installation and Replacement, and Service and Repairs.

Website Features

The homepage immediately establishes credibility with their “Louisville’s Best Kept Secret for Premium Windows and Doors for Over 40 Years” messaging. We integrated a prominent call-to-action for free consultations, featuring their phone number (502-222-7828) in an easily accessible location throughout the site.

The customer journey was carefully mapped to guide visitors through the decision-making process, from initial product exploration to scheduling a consultation with a design specialist. We incorporated a review showcase featuring verified customer testimonials to build trust and demonstrate their track record of excellence.

Technical Implementation

The website was built with a focus on lead generation and user experience. Key technical features include:

A streamlined consultation scheduling system Product catalog integration showcasing their manufacturer partnerships Mobile-responsive design for optimal viewing on all devices Contact forms integrated with their customer relationship management system Location-based service area mapping Photo galleries of completed projects Integration of customer reviews and testimonials

Content Strategy

The content strategy emphasizes Metro Window Company’s key differentiators: their long history in Louisville, their use of employee installers rather than subcontractors, their comprehensive service offerings, and their commitment to quality. We developed distinct sections for their three main service categories, each with detailed information about products and services.

Results and Impact

The new website has successfully positioned Metro Window Company for their next phase of growth under new ownership while maintaining their established market presence. The site effectively communicates their value proposition of being a full-service window and door company with decades of experience and a commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Key performance indicators show: Increased consultation requests through the online scheduling system Higher engagement with the product catalog Improved mobile user experience Enhanced visibility in local search results Stronger lead generation through multiple contact channels

Client Testimonial

Russell Fallon, the new owner, reported that the website has helped maintain continuity during the ownership transition while positioning the company for future growth. The emphasis on their legacy of quality and comprehensive service offerings has resonated with both existing and new customers.

Future Developments

The website platform was built with scalability in mind, allowing for future enhancements such as: Online payment integration for service calls Virtual consultation capabilities Expanded product visualization tools Integration with supplier inventory systems Enhanced project galleries and case studies

Project Credits

Design and Development: Design Web Louisville Year: 2023-2024 Industry: Window and Door Sales and Installation Location: Greater Louisville Area, Kentucky

Home Health Care Website Design

Trilogy Health Services is a home health care provider operating over 130 community locations across multiple states. When they came to us, they were locked into a costly and restrictive vendor contract and needed a partner to migrate their entire web presence to a new platform on an accelerated timeline.

Trilogy Health Services: Large-Scale Healthcare Website Migration

The scope was massive. The corporate site alone included a faceted community search tool, interactive mapping, service pages, a careers section, lead capture forms, COVID-19 resources, compliance pages, and a blog that aggregated content across the full network. Beyond that, each of the 130+ community locations had its own microsite with 8 or more custom pages containing unique uploaded files, location-specific floor plans, photo galleries, virtual tour embeds, calendar blocks, bill payment integrations, contact forms, review pages, and custom tags. The project also included 131 lifestyle pages, FAQ and resource pages, newsletter integrations, and an archive of blog posts. All content required PHI protections for resident information and WCAG compliance throughout.

We started by exporting the entire existing site and converting the content into structured, portable spreadsheets so the client’s copywriting team could review and update location details in parallel with development. From there, we built a modular template system using reusable and custom blocks that could be applied consistently across all 130+ locations while still allowing for the unique content each community required. Automated scripts handled the bulk of the migration, but a significant portion of the work required manual attention to ensure nothing was lost, misassigned, or broken across what amounted to well over 1,000 individual pages.

The project followed a phased approach with client review and approval gates at each stage, starting with content export, then design audit and template development, then location-by-location content import with individual page review, and finally QA testing and launch. The project was estimated at 1,120 hours across two full-time developers, a QA analyst, and project management. We delivered on an accelerated timeline of roughly three months with virtually no downtime during the transition.

Following launch, we provided 90 days of post-launch support that included building a custom community addition tool, allowing Trilogy’s team to spin up new location microsites in bulk using the template system we created. This gave them the independence to scale their web presence as they opened new communities without needing a developer for each one.

Once the technical foundation was solid and the client’s team was comfortable managing it, we coordinated a smooth transition to their agency of record for ongoing content and design work. The live Trilogy site continues to grow and change under that team. The work described and shown here reflects the scope and quality of our original build.

Law Firm Website Design

Case Study: Transforming the Online Presence of Louisville Injury Lawyer

Background: Louisville Injury Lawyer, a well-established law firm in Louisville, Kentucky, specializing in personal injury cases, found itself struggling with an outdated and inefficient digital presence. The firm’s website was not reflective of their professional expertise and was hindering potential client engagement. Despite their strong reputation in the community, the firm was losing ground to competitors with more sophisticated online platforms.

Objective: The primary goal was to overhaul Louisville Injury Lawyer’s website to enhance user experience, improve search engine rankings, and increase client engagement through online channels. The firm aimed to ensure that their digital presence accurately represented their expertise and facilitated easy communication for prospective clients.

Challenges: The firm faced several challenges, including an antiquated website design, poor user navigation, lack of mobile responsiveness, and non-optimized content for search engines. Additionally, the website was not ADA compliant, making it inaccessible to individuals with disabilities.

Solution: A comprehensive website redesign strategy was implemented, addressing the various challenges and focusing on creating a more engaging and user-friendly experience. The project involved several critical phases:

  1. Discovery and Strategy: An in-depth analysis was conducted to understand the firm’s unique selling propositions, target audience, and competitive landscape. A clear strategy was devised to enhance the website’s performance and user engagement.
  2. Design and Development: The website underwent a complete transformation, adopting a modern, clean design that aligned with the firm’s branding. User navigation was simplified, and a responsive design was implemented to ensure optimal performance across all devices.
  3. Content Strategy and SEO: New, high-quality content was developed for each practice area, ensuring it was informative and optimized for search engines. The content strategy aimed to establish the firm’s expertise and improve organic search visibility.
  4. ADA Compliance: The website was updated to ensure full compliance with ADA standards, making it accessible to a broader audience.
  5. Training and Support: Post-launch, the firm’s staff received training on managing and updating the website. Ongoing support was provided to address any technical issues and ensure the website’s continued performance.

Results: The revamped website resulted in a significant increase in online visibility, higher search engine rankings, and a substantial uptick in client inquiries. Louisville Injury Lawyer successfully enhanced its online reputation and presence, ensuring the website accurately reflected the firm’s expertise and commitment to their clients.

Conclusion: The transformation of Louisville Injury Lawyer’s digital presence marked a significant step forward for the firm, enabling them to compete more effectively in the digital landscape and connect with clients in need of their services. This case study highlights the importance of a well-designed, user-friendly website in the competitive legal sector, showcasing the positive outcomes that can result from a strategic website redesign.

Shopify Food Sales Website Design

Sinclair Smoked Salmon needed a custom Shopify website to sell smoked salmon online. We created an modern website design using custom illustrations from local artist Matt McDole, and a platform that is easy to manage and use for the client.

Case Study: Building a Successful eCommerce Presence for a Smoked Salmon Business


Introduction

In the bustling city of Louisville, Kentucky, a home-based smoked salmon business transformed into a prominent local establishment, all thanks to a well-designed website. This case study delves into the journey of this business, highlighting the importance of a strong online presence, especially in the food industry.


The Challenge

Starting a food business from home comes with its unique set of challenges. The primary concern was how to reach a wider audience and convince them to purchase a food product without tasting it first. The client needed a platform that was user-friendly, customizable, and could handle online orders and pre-orders seamlessly.


The Solution

  1. Choosing the Right Platform: Shopify was selected as the platform for the website. Known for its ease of use, customization options, and a seamless checkout process, Shopify is considered ideal for restaurants and food businesses.
  2. Incorporating Local Art: To give the website a unique touch and resonate with the local audience, artwork by a renowned Louisville artist, was integrated into the design.
  3. Prioritizing Packaging and Design: Recognizing the critical role of packaging in the food industry, a professional designer was hired. This ensured that the packaging not only preserved the quality of the smoked salmon but also appealed to potential customers.
  4. Professional Photography: To further enhance the website’s appeal, professional food photographers were recommended. Their expertise in styling and lighting food made the smoked salmon look irresistible.

Results

The website became more than just a sales platform; it was a tool to connect with customers and share the brand’s story. Even if the majority of sales didn’t come directly from the website, it played a pivotal role in brand awareness and customer engagement.

The client’s business saw significant growth, moving from a home-based setup to a prominent location in Louisville. The website’s design, combined with the quality of the smoked salmon, convinced customers to make a purchase without tasting the product first.


Conclusion

Starting a food business online might seem daunting, especially for those whose expertise lies in cooking rather than coding. However, with platforms like Shopify, businesses can establish a strong online presence without any technical experience. This case study underscores the importance of a well-designed website in the food industry, emphasizing branding, packaging, and professional photography.

For those looking to embark on a similar journey, remember: you don’t have to do it alone. With the right tools and guidance, you can build a successful online food business that resonates with your target audience.

Window Company Logo Design

Project Overview

Design Web Louisville was tasked with creating a distinctive visual identity for Metro Window Company, a well-established window and door provider serving the greater Louisville area since 1980. The logo design needed to reflect both the company’s premium product offerings and its deep roots in the Louisville community, while appealing to both residential and commercial clients.

Design Challenge

The primary challenge was to create a visual identity that would honor Metro Window Company’s 40+ year legacy while positioning them for their next chapter under new ownership. The design needed to convey professionalism, craftsmanship, and their connection to Louisville’s architectural heritage, while remaining timeless and versatile across various applications.

Design Solution

The centerpiece of the brand identity is an elegant logo that combines architectural elements with local symbolism. The design features a fleur-de-lis, a symbol deeply connected to Louisville’s heritage, framed within a window featuring an arched top frame. This combination creates a sophisticated mark that speaks to both the company’s product focus and its Louisville roots.

Design Elements

The logo’s architecture was carefully considered to represent different aspects of the business:

The arched window frame represents the company’s expertise in premium window installations and their attention to architectural detail. The arch specifically suggests classic design and timeless quality, reflecting their high-end product offerings.

The fleur-de-lis, centered within the window frame, creates an immediate connection to Louisville’s cultural identity while also suggesting refinement and excellence. This symbol resonates strongly with local customers while adding a touch of sophistication to the overall design.

Color Palette

The color scheme was selected to convey premium quality and timeless elegance:

Gold: Represents premium quality and excellence in service Bronze: Suggests craftsmanship and durability White: Conveys clarity and professionalism Black: Adds sophistication and authority

This combination of warm metallics with classic neutrals creates a versatile palette that works effectively across all marketing materials, signage, and digital applications.

Typography

Tan Parfait was chosen as the primary font for its blend of classic elegance and modern readability. The font’s characteristics complement the architectural elements of the logo while maintaining excellent legibility across various sizes and applications. Its subtle sophistication aligns perfectly with Metro Window Company’s position as a premium service provider.

Applications

The logo was designed to maintain its impact across multiple applications:

Vehicle graphics and wraps Business stationery and cards Website and digital media Building signage Installation yard signs Product catalogs Trade show displays Employee uniforms

Implementation Strategy

The new logo was rolled out as part of the ownership transition, helping to signal the company’s evolution while maintaining its established market presence. The implementation included comprehensive brand guidelines to ensure consistent usage across all touchpoints.

Results

The new logo has successfully: Strengthened Metro Window Company’s market position as a premium provider Created a memorable visual connection to Louisville’s architectural heritage Provided a professional foundation for the company’s marketing efforts Helped smooth the transition to new ownership while honoring the company’s legacy

Client Feedback

The new ownership team, led by Russell Fallon & Family, reported that the logo effectively communicates their commitment to quality while maintaining the company’s established reputation. The design has resonated with both long-time customers and new clients, supporting their business growth objectives.

Design Impact

The logo has become a recognized symbol of quality window and door services in the Louisville area, effectively differentiating Metro Window Company in a competitive market. Its timeless design ensures longevity while its careful attention to local elements helps maintain the company’s strong community connections.

Credits

Design: Design Web Louisville Year: 2023-2024 Industry: Window and Door Sales and Installation Location: Greater Louisville Area, Kentucky