Métis Nation British Columbia Website Redesign
Project Goals
Create a website that is intuitive and easy to use, while reflecting the history and culture of Métis living in British Columbia.
Prepare a design which allows users to easily access important information such as, application statuses or job postings. In addition, provide Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) staff with an easy to use CMS while incorporating back end flexibility.
Completion
Spring 2022
Métis Culture & Heritage
Prior to design, we worked directly with the client to gain knowledge on Métis culture, in order to correctly reflect this within the interface.
MNBC staff hosted a Métis culture Q&A where they shared information on history, tone, colours, symbols and even shared local artists work for inspiration. The client also provided information on potential challenges such as inclusivity within imagery and visuals that might reflect First Nations rather than Métis.
Interface Design
Taking our understanding from the project goals and culture and heritage knowledge, we began the design of the interface.
In order to achieve a successful outcome, the homepage needed to include flexibility, where the client can easily update information to promote user services. The homepage includes several areas within the interface where information can be easily located by users and easily updated by MNBC staff. Areas include a featured banner, with accessible content, quick links to popular pages such as Apply for Métis Citizenship, featured cards or tiles that can be customized to user needs, as well as, program and services quick links where user can easily locate information such as skills training or job postings.
In addition to the service focused design, the interface also included information on latest news and upcoming events with MNBC. This information was purposefully position below services to better meet user needs and motives.
Menu & Visual Tone
For the menu, we took a modern approach that provides scalability for the client sitemap. The menu is a mobile first approach and is consistent on all screen sizes. This, paired with modern fonts, rounded shapes and pale colours helped achieve the clients desired tone of friendly and approachable.
Accessibility & Usability
During this phase of the project we ensured ideal usability and accessibility. When using colours such as pale tones and high contrast greys, we carefully reviewed colour contrasts to meet accessibility standards os WCAG 2.0 Level AA (2022), ensuring graphic elements such as background colours passed, as well as text over coloured backgrounds. We also thoughtfully established a design system that is user friendly, clearly identifying clickable elements through accessible use of colour.
Beadwork Motif
Floral beadwork garments are a traditional form of Metis art. This form of art is typically seen on dark garments with vibrant use of colour. We took inspiration from this to represented Métis culture and heritage. The floral beadwork motif is seen throughout the design but notable on the homepage banner and website footer. It is true to the traditional approach, with the use of vibrant colours on a high contrast backgrounds. We intentionally designed this motif to appear subtle, avoiding clutter and overwhelming critical content with visuals. The beadwork graphics are also paired with subtle stitching seen on card or tiles.
Image of Métis Nation British Columbia website before redesign. The website was difficult to navigate, lacked a service focus, and did not meet accessibility standards.
Image of Métis Nation British Columbia website after redesign. The new interface addressed usability and accessibility, as well as reflected Métis culture using a modern approach.
Final Interface
During the design revision phase of the project, we received minor client feedback. This confirmed that our understanding of the client’s goals and user needs was accurate, and the successful outcome resulted from a collaborative approach and the upfront work we completed.
After the launch of the new MNBC website, we received exceptional client praise.
