If you live in Melbourne’s west, you’re likely familiar with Western Health. Managing four major public hospitals, it plays a central role in the region’s communities.
Working closely with patients, families, staff and the wider community, the Western Health Foundation raises and invests funds to support better hospitals, improved care, research and staff development.
Previously housed within a single page on the Western Health site, the opportunity was to create a dedicated fundraising platform with greater impact and reach.
Strategy and user personas
The process began with a strategy workshop, bringing stakeholders together to align on goals, challenges and a clear direction for the project.
In a single session, key deliverables and objectives were defined, early user personas were developed, and priorities for further research and testing were established. Initial thinking around information architecture and design principles was also explored, creating a shared foundation for the work ahead.
User testing
Early prototypes were tested with real users to validate the experience before moving into full production. This ensured the platform was shaped by actual behaviour, not assumptions, giving confidence in the direction from an early stage.
Participants were asked to complete key tasks, such as making a donation, while navigating the prototype without guidance. Observing how they approached these journeys revealed valuable insights into usability, clarity and overall flow.
Follow-up discussions helped uncover what felt intuitive, what caused friction and where the experience could be improved, informing a more considered and effective outcome.
Experience Design
The experience was designed to feel inviting and purposeful, helping users quickly understand the impact of their support. Clarity and ease of navigation were central, ensuring key information could be found quickly and without friction.
A defining feature of the site is the “I am interested in…” module. Positioned as a focal point on the homepage, it acts as a simple triage tool, guiding users to the most relevant content based on their intent.
Informed by strategy and user testing, this feature creates clear pathways from the outset, allowing users to navigate the site with confidence and purpose.
Visually, the focus was on clarity, inclusivity and consistency with the existing brand. The experience needed to feel refreshed, while still retaining a sense of familiarity.
This was achieved through a refined, accessible colour palette, the introduction of a subtle brand pattern and the use of iconography to support key information and improve navigation.
“Working with the team was a great experience. Their fun yet professional approach to the overall project made discussing and finding resolutions to the inevitable hurdles easy and constructive. I would highly recommend them to anyone within my network and they would absolutely be my number one choice for any future projects.”
