KCADC’s, based in Kansa City, website had become difficult to navigate, with an overwhelming number of pages and no clear way for users to understand or explore available content. This fragmentation made it challenging for audiences to engage meaningfully with the organization’s offerings.

I was responsible for shaping the visual and interactive design system, ensuring it created a more engaging, personalized experience for users. I created the design of new components, a color palette, the idea to add unique illustrations as overlays for each page to match the theme of that page, and a neighborhood quiz to match each website visitor with a Kansas City neighborhood that matches their style.

To address the complexity of the site, I designed a flexible component system that could adapt to a wide range of content needs while maintaining visual consistency. Rather than relying on static page designs, I collaborated closely with developers to implement these components directly within a developer building tool—enabling KCADC’s team to dynamically build and update pages without compromising the design system. I also developed a refreshed color palette and introduced a layer of expressive illustrations tailored to each page’s theme. These overlays were designed to create a stronger emotional connection with users, reinforcing a sense of place and belonging. This approach extended into the concept and design of an interactive “neighborhood quiz,” which helped guide visitors toward Kansas City neighborhoods aligned with their preferences—transforming exploration into a more personalized and intuitive experience.

KCADC successfully launched the redesigned site, with a system that empowered their team to independently manage and evolve content which they love. The new design created a more engaging and navigable experience for users, supporting the organization’s goal of connecting audiences more effectively to Kansas City’s communities.