As a Senior Design Lead for the City of Boston during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw firsthand the urgent need for clear, accessible public health information. Residents depended on timely updates, community resources, and critical health advisories, yet the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) website, a key hub for such information, was built on outdated technology that hindered usability and accessibility.
The existing BPHC site had become fragmented, with nearly 50 departments operating independently, each with its own microsite, navigation, and content structure. This lack of cohesion created confusion and barriers to access at a time when reliable public health communication was more important than ever. Meanwhile, the City of Boston had recently rebranded with a more user-centric approach, modernizing Boston.gov to provide a seamless and intuitive digital experience. Given that over 7 million users accessed Boston.gov annually for city services, our research reinforced the immense value of integrating BPHC’s content into this newly improved platform.
As a lead designer on this initiative, my goal was to simplify the way residents interacted with public health information—ensuring they could easily navigate the site, find answers to critical questions, and access real-time updates. Beyond just a migration, this project was an opportunity to create a more connected, accessible, and community-driven resource, one that served as a vital lifeline for residents navigating the pandemic.