While working as one of three designers in the SNSW website team, I was given the lead role on our GEL 3.0 design update. I was tasked with interpreting and applying a new design system across the platform. This project required aligning the visual language, components, and user experience (UX) of the website with the updated design guidelines, while maintaining the functionality and accessibility that Service NSW users rely on. With over 3000+ pages and around a quarter of a million users daily, it was really important to get this task right.
Overview:
The project involved a complete overhaul of the site’s look and feel, which meant not only visually updating the interface but also ensuring that it remained user-centric. One of the key challenges was maintaining a balance between adhering to the new design system and ensuring that the website all the features we have come to rely on.
I created a number of custom components that were specific to our product, extending the Service NSW GEL.
Additionally, with the help of an external audit team, I successfully interpreted accessibility standards to guarantee the site met WCAG 2.1 guidelines, ensuring the experience was inclusive for all users.
Old homepage design on the left, with the updated homepage design on the right
Highlights:
Interpretation of the Design System:
The new design system introduced a modern, clean, and more efficient visual language, with an emphasis on simplicity and usability. I led the design team in dissecting the guidelines to understand how each element—from typography to components and color palettes—should be applied across the website’s various pages and services.
The new design system introduced a modern, clean, and more efficient visual language, with an emphasis on simplicity and usability. I led the design team in dissecting the guidelines to understand how each element—from typography to components and color palettes—should be applied across the website’s various pages and services.
UX/UI Design:
I worked closely with our front-end dev team to ensure that the new interface not only looked aesthetically pleasing but also enhanced user interaction.
I worked closely with our front-end dev team to ensure that the new interface not only looked aesthetically pleasing but also enhanced user interaction.
Collaboration:
As the lead designer on this project, I coordinated with various stakeholders, including developers, content creators, and project managers, to ensure that the new design was implemented incrementally over several themed sprints across the platform. This involved frequent feedback loops and revisions to fine-tune the visual design and functionality.
As the lead designer on this project, I coordinated with various stakeholders, including developers, content creators, and project managers, to ensure that the new design was implemented incrementally over several themed sprints across the platform. This involved frequent feedback loops and revisions to fine-tune the visual design and functionality.
Prototyping and Testing:
I created high-fidelity prototypes using Figma which were shared with both internal teams and key stakeholders for feedback. These prototypes were also used in key stakeholder sessions, where we gathered insights on how the new design impacted user flow and overall experience.
I created high-fidelity prototypes using Figma which were shared with both internal teams and key stakeholders for feedback. These prototypes were also used in key stakeholder sessions, where we gathered insights on how the new design impacted user flow and overall experience.
Accessibility:
Ensuring accessibility was a critical part of the redesign process. I worked closely with accessibility experts to ensure the website met WCAG 2.1 standards, adjusting colour contrast, ensuring keyboard navigation, and making the site screen reader-friendly.
Ensuring accessibility was a critical part of the redesign process. I worked closely with accessibility experts to ensure the website met WCAG 2.1 standards, adjusting colour contrast, ensuring keyboard navigation, and making the site screen reader-friendly.
Mobile layout with updated design system elements
Detailed button update replacement guide for devs
The redesigned Service NSW website has been incrementally launched with fresh, modern interfaces that align with the new design system. User satisfaction has increased, with positive feedback regarding the streamlined navigation and improved visual clarity. The redesign has also resulted in better performance metrics, such as improved accessibility compliance.
This project highlights my ability to lead complex design initiatives, balance creativity with functionality, and collaborate effectively across teams to deliver a cohesive user experience.
You can view this project live by exploring service.nsw.gov.au/
Design system updates on all page templates in desktop and mobile view
