Chapel Hill Accessibility Microsite Design
The Challenge
Chapel Hill sought to create an Accessibility Microsite to better serve sensory-sensitive and neurodivergent visitors, as well as travelers with physical disabilities. While the main Visit Chapel Hill website provided general tourism information, there was no dedicated space for visitors needing detailed accessibility resources.
The microsite needed to:
Provide clear, practical accessibility information on attractions, hotels, and restaurants.
Enhance inclusivity by catering to sensory-sensitive and neurodivergent visitors.
Ensure a seamless experience while maintaining a unique look separate from the main website.
Improve overall accessibility, from content structure to color contrast and navigation.
My Role & Contributions
As the UI/UX Designer, I was responsible for:
User Experience & Accessibility Design – Ensuring WCAG-compliant layouts and usability.
Visual Design & Art Direction – Creating a clean, welcoming interface that felt distinct from the main site.
Responsive Web Design – Optimizing for both desktop and mobile users.
Collaboration with Stakeholders – Working closely with Chapel Hill’s team and their marketing agency to align design goals.
Additionally, I also designed the main Visit Chapel Hill website, but this case study focuses exclusively on the Accessibility Microsite.
Strategy & Approach
To create an accessible and user-friendly microsite, we focused on:
1. Accessibility-First Design
WCAG-compliant color palette & typography for improved readability.
High-contrast elements and clear navigation for easy browsing.
Large, legible text with generous spacing to enhance usability.
2. Sensory-Friendly Considerations
Minimized animations and distractions to reduce cognitive load.
Dark mode & low-stimulation UI options to accommodate sensory-sensitive users.
Clear wayfinding & sectioning to make information easy to digest.
3. Seamless Yet Distinct Design
Maintained consistency with Visit Chapel Hill’s branding, while ensuring the microsite had a unique layout to highlight its specialized content.
A simple, intuitive layout that made accessibility information easy to find and use.
Design in Action
Key Deliverables:
Homepage Design – A welcoming, information-rich entry point.
Listings & Business Accessibility Details – A dedicated directory of accessible locations with detailed features.
Sensory-Friendly Recommendations – Highlighting low-stimulation attractions, hotels, and restaurants.
Clear Navigation & High-Contrast UI – Ensuring a seamless browsing experience.
Mobile Optimization – Fully responsive design for on-the-go visitors.
The Impact
Enhanced accessibility for diverse visitor needs – A dedicated hub for travelers seeking inclusive experiences.
Improved discoverability of accessible businesses – Making it easier for visitors to find accommodations that meet their needs.
Stronger inclusivity & representation – Reinforcing Chapel Hill’s commitment to welcoming all visitors.
Personal & Professional Growth – This project was the catalyst for my passion as a digital accessibility advocate. It challenged me to push beyond standard accessibility guidelines and create a space that serves not only those with visual impairments but also neurodivergent users. The experience reshaped my approach to inclusive design, proving that accessibility is more than just compliance—it’s about truly meeting people where they are.
This microsite serves as a valuable resource for visitors and locals alike, positioning Chapel Hill as a leader in accessibility-focused tourism while deepening my own commitment to inclusive digital experiences.
Credits
Digital Designer: Adeline Hui
Creative Lead: Dennis Reno
Project Manager: Chrissy Tobias
Lead Developer: Rebecca Amaya
Tools & Platforms
Figma
Simpleview CMS
Accessibility Testing Tools