Québec Intellectual Disability Society
Goal
To modernize the QIDS’s website in order to better reflect its mission, improve access to information, enhance the organization’s visibility, and offer an inclusive and accessible platform for all user profiles. One of the key goals was to highlight individuals with intellectual disabilities through clear navigation and an inclusive design that avoids sensory overload.
Strategic analysis
We began the project with a rigorous UX analysis phase. By studying the weaknesses of the existing site and user pathways, we were able to propose a structure that is better organized, intuitive, and user-friendly. The new site meets the needs of a variety of visitors—families, partners, and professionals—while implementing a content hierarchy that prioritizes inclusion.
Art direction
The art direction presents a warm and inclusive visual identity. The logo symbol was retained, but the typography was modernized using the Satoshi typeface. A brand guidelines document was created to support the team in applying this new identity consistently. Colors, typefaces, and visuals were carefully chosen to convey respect, compassion, and pride for people with intellectual disabilities.
User testing
We conducted usability tests with a range of profiles—including people living with intellectual disabilities, parents, and support workers—all with varying sensitivities to information and different perceptions of cognitive load. This diversity allowed us to better understand their needs, levels of comprehension, and responses to the interface, enriching our assessment of accessibility, content clarity, and overall usability.
Development
The new platform was developed on WordPress, using a flexible, scalable architecture composed of various custom templates adapted to different content types. It features an integrated online donation solution through the Québec-based platform Zeffy. A portion of the content was migrated and structured by our team, following SEO best practices to improve the QIDS’s online visibility. The site also includes an abridged English version to reach a broader audience.
Accessibility
Accessibility was central to the mandate. The website complies with current standards and integrates the UserWay accessibility plugin, offering features such as text resizing, high contrast modes, link highlighting, keyboard navigation, and more. The platform was designed to ensure a genuinely inclusive web experience, aligned with Law 25 and responsive to a diversity of user needs.
Result
The QIDS now has a website that lives up to its mission: welcoming, accessible, and modern. The platform promotes engagement, puts individuals with intellectual disabilities at the forefront, and equips visitors with clear, thoughtful resources. With a process rooted in listening, creativity, and precision, we helped transform the organization’s digital presence to better serve its community.
