The California Health Benefits Review Program supports legislative decision-making in California with rigorous independent analyses of the medical effectiveness, cost impact, and public health impact of bills related to health insurance benefits.
Challenge
- Outdated CMS: The existing proprietary content management system was difficult to navigate and maintain, hindering content updates by CHBRP staff.
- Poor User Experience: Users struggled to find analyses and resources due to a cluttered interface and disorganized information architecture.
- Lack of Accessibility: The website did not meet WCAG AA accessibility standards, limiting access for users with disabilities.
- Inconsistent Branding: The site lacked a cohesive visual identity that aligned with CHBRP's mission and California's official branding.
Solution
To address these challenges, Black Antelope undertook a comprehensive redesign and rebuild of the CHBRP website, focusing on usability, accessibility, and brand alignment.
We began by migrating the website to Drupal, an open-source, enterprise-grade content management system, providing CHBRP staff with a flexible and user-friendly platform for content updates. The new information architecture was meticulously crafted to improve navigation and content discoverability, ensuring that users could easily access analyses, publications, and legislative information.
A key aspect of the redesign was the development of a new visual identity. We created a CHBRP logo and incorporated California's official colors into the style guide. Additionally, we selected imagery that showcases the state's iconic landmarks and official flower, the California poppy, to resonate with the program's regional focus.
Accessibility was a top priority. We implemented keyboard navigation, conducted screen reader testing, and utilized tools like Siteimprove to ensure the site met WCAG AA standards, making it accessible to all users.
Results
- Enhanced Content Management: Transition to Drupal empowered CHBRP staff with intuitive tools for efficient content updates.
- Improved User Experience: Simplified navigation and organized content structure facilitated easier access to analyses and resources.
- Accessibility Compliance: Achieved WCAG AA standards, ensuring inclusivity for users with disabilities.
- Cohesive Branding: Established a consistent visual identity aligned with CHBRP's mission and California's branding.
