Redesigning a Pharmaceutical Website for WCAG 2.2 AA Excellence

A groundbreaking pharmaceutical website redesign that achieved the highest accessibility standards in our agency's history through comprehensive user research and evidence-based design.

Role Lead UX Strategist
Timeline 12 Months
Team Cross-functional
Key Outcome 100% Discoverability

Simplifying Complex Navigation & Hidden Pages

Before jumping into design, I needed to solve a critical issue: the structure of the website had hidden pages that users could only access from specific CTAs. Analytics showed people were missing critical information, creating a major accessibility and usability barrier.

Unearthing Critical Pain Points via User Telemetry

Methodology

Conducted a 45-participant card sorting study with diverse target audience groups to identify natural groupings for the new navigation structure.

Key Finding

Hidden pages accessible only through specific CTAs were causing users to miss critical information, as evidenced by low page visit analytics.

System Constraint

The new structure needed to meet both user expectations and strict business goals, requiring close collaboration with SEO and content strategists.

Evidence-Based Interface Diagnostics

Accessible homepage wireframe

Accessible Homepage Layout

Desktop wireframe featuring mission-focused content layout with accessible navigation, clear visual hierarchy, and prominent CTAs.

Ethics and Compliance wireframe

Ethics & Compliance

Complex compliance information organized with expandable sections and clear information architecture.

Wireframe of previously hidden page

Previously Hidden Page

Example of a previously hidden Postdoctoral Training Program page, now accessible through improved navigation structure.

Culture and inclusion page wireframe

Culture of Inclusion

Diversity strategy page featuring better workplace, better science, and better world initiatives with clear visual hierarchy.

Driving Agency-Wide Change

Team & Process Leadership

Directed a cross-functional team of designers, developers, and content strategists. Established the agency's first comprehensive accessibility guidelines and trained 20+ team members on WCAG 2.2 compliance, transforming our internal culture.

Stakeholder Alignment

Led workshops to align the client's business goals with WCAG 2.2 requirements. Successfully negotiated compromises that maintained strict accessibility standards without derailing the project timeline, using data to back every design decision.

Proven Performance & Performance Uplifts

100% Page Discoverability
WCAG 2.2 Full AA Compliance
Agency Accessibility Leader