Coastal Mississippi Website Design

Coastal Mississippi Website Design

 

The Challenge

Coast Mississippi needed a modern, user-friendly, and visually immersive website to showcase the beauty, experiences, and tourism offerings of the Gulf Coast. The previous website lacked intuitive navigation, accessibility features, and an engaging user experience that could inspire travelers.

The goal was to elevate the brand’s digital presence by creating a website that:

  • Encapsulates the destination’s vibrant coastal identity

  • Enhances accessibility and usability for all users

  • Provides seamless navigation for planning trip

  • Drives user engagement and conversions

 

My Role & Contributions

As the UI/UX Designer, I was responsible for:

  • User Experience Design – Ensuring seamless navigation and accessibility

  • Visual Design & Art Direction – Crafting an engaging and high-impact interface

  • Responsive Web Design – Optimizing the experience across desktop and mobile

  • Collaboration with Developers – Ensuring the final product aligned with the vision

This was a collaborative effort, working closely with the client and our team to ensure the final product met the client’s goals.

 

Strategy & Approach

To achieve a visually stunning and functionally seamless experience, the strategy focused on:


1. Accessibility-First Approach

  • Implemented inclusive design principles to ensure usability for all visitors.

  • Focused on color contrast, readability, and keyboard navigation for an accessible experience.

2. Immersive Visual Storytelling

  • Integrated full-screen imagery, dynamic layouts, and a rich color palette to bring the Gulf Coast to life.

  • Ensured a balance between aesthetic appeal and functional clarity.

3. Accessibility & Mobile-First Approach

  • Optimized site architecture for intuitive browsing and easy trip planning.

  • Improved wayfinding and highlighted key tourism categories upfront.

 

Design in Action

Key Deliverables:

  • Homepage Redesign – Featuring immersive hero imagery that captures the destination’s essence.

  • Responsive Mobile Layouts – Ensuring a seamless experience across all devices.

  • Interactive Destination Guides – Easy-to-navigate sections showcasing attractions, dining, and accommodations.

  • Refined UI Components – Enhanced typography, buttons, and interactive elements for a polished experience.

 

The Impact

🏆 Gold Winner in the Tourism Website Category at the dotCOMM Awards (2021)

  • Improved site engagement & user retention post-launch

  • Positive client feedback on accessibility & design aesthetics

  • Enhanced trip-planning features, making it easier for users to explore the Gulf Coast

 
 

Credits

Digital Designer: Adeline Hui
UX Designer: Alex Quijada
Creative Strategist: Rebecca Bailey
Creative Lead: Travis Yewell
Creative Director: Cyndy Neighbors
Project Manager: Melanie Soules
Lead Developer: Mikael Ramirez

Tools & Platforms

  • Adobe Photoshop

  • Simpleview CMS