Parallel Play Website Design
User-Centric Design with Psychology-Based Thinking
A Website Reimagined for an Occupational Therapy Office
In redesigning the website for an occupational therapist’s office in Aurora, CO, I adopted a user-centric approach deeply rooted in psychology-based design thinking to create a digital space that feels intuitive, welcoming, and reflective of the office’s mission to empower patients.
Understanding the Users
Occupational therapy clients often face physical, emotional, or developmental challenges. For this redesign, I prioritized creating an environment where prospective patients and their families could feel supported from their first interaction. By analyzing user personas—such as parents seeking pediatric therapy or individuals recovering from injury—I identified key needs: trust, ease of navigation, and access to clear, empathetic information.
Psychology-Based Design Thinking in Action
1. Creating a Sense of Safety and Trust:
• Color Palette: I used calming, earthy tones like soft blues and greens to evoke a sense of relaxation and reassurance.
• Imagery: Professional, inviting photographs of therapists interacting with clients created a human connection, putting users at ease.
2. Simplifying Information Architecture:
• Recognizing that users might be overwhelmed or in search of immediate answers, I streamlined navigation with clear, logical pathways to services, insurance details, and contact options.
• I emphasized readability with clean layouts, concise copy, and larger, accessible fonts, ensuring usability across all devices.
3. Empowering Decision-Making:
• Testimonials and Case Studies: Real stories of patient success highlighted the office’s expertise and impact, fostering confidence in their services.
• Interactive Features: A simple appointment scheduler, FAQ section, and direct contact buttons made it effortless for users to take the next step.
4. Enhancing Emotional Engagement:
• Drawing on principles of empathy, the website design addressed users’ concerns by answering “unasked questions” through content that reassured them about care quality, privacy, and therapeutic outcomes.
• Inspirational messaging and quotes were strategically placed to motivate users and create a sense of hope.
The Results: A Beautiful, Functional Experience
This redesign transformed the website into more than just a digital brochure—it became a dynamic, supportive resource. The seamless integration of user-centric and psychology-based design principles resulted in:
• Increased engagement metrics, with users spending more time exploring services and resources.
• Higher conversion rates as visitors felt empowered to schedule appointments or make inquiries.
• Positive feedback from clients who felt the website reflected the office’s dedication to care and community.
Through thoughtful design, I crafted a website that resonated with users on a practical and emotional level, aligning the office’s online presence with its mission to uplift and heal.