Reach Out

Case Studies+
HousingPlus

How Housing Plus reimagined their digital presence for communities facing barriers, with accessibility at the core.

Wordpress Development
UI Design
UX Design

Non-Profit / Social Services

Wordpress

HOUSING PLUS
2024 Website Overhaul

01. What

In 2024, Housing Plus underwent a significant organisational restructure, transitioning from a single website to a three-site ecosystem:

  1. HousingPlus - The core housing service platform
  2. PlusCommunity - A new, community-focused site
  3. PlusProperty - An internal-facing site not intended for public use

The primary goal was to separate these business units strategically while ensuring a seamless user journey, particularly making the newly launched PlusCommunity site easily accessible for those who previously had no digital touchpoint.

02. How

The Challenge:

The legacy Housing Plus website posed significant usability issues. Many of its users have diverse needs, ranging from varying levels of digital literacy to limited English proficiency or reading and cognitive challenges. As a result, the site’s interface and user experience made it difficult for them to access critical services and information. There was a clear need for a more inclusive, intuitive digital platform that could better serve and support this broad and varied audience.

Why Ribbon Gang:

Ribbon Gang secured the project through a competitive tender process, presenting a tailored to the unique needs of regional and rural users. With a strong track record of working with NGOs and community-driven organisations, we were well positioned to deliver a user-centric and inclusive digital solution that aligned withHousing Plus’ vision for accessibility and impact.

Constraints?

  • Make content accessible and easily understandable for users with reading or cognitive disabilities
  • Offer multilingual support through integrated translation features for non-English speakers
  • Design a modern, intuitive interface that adheres to WCAG accessibility standards
  • Seamlessly integrate existing systems, including live chat functionality and other legacy tools
  • Execute the project within a defined timeline and budget constraints

03. Our Approach

To meet these challenges, we executed a comprehensive strategy focused on accessibility, inclusivity, and user-friendliness. Key Initiatives involved:

  • Enhanced Accessibility: Implemented a custom accessibility plugin that supports text-to-speech, dyslexia-friendly fonts, and multilingual translation.
  • Intuitive UI/UX: Delivered a clean, modern design optimised for ease of use, adhering to a “three-click rule” for all key actions.
  • Emergency Exit Feature: Developed a unique “Safety Exit” button that allows users to leave the site quickly, providing peace of mind in sensitive situations.
  • No-Go-Back Button: A thoughtful feature preventing accidental returns to sensitive pages.
  • Interactive Service Maps: Created searchable, geo-located service maps for both Housing Plus and PlusCommunity.

Tools & Techniques?

  • WordPress CMS
  • Custom-built accessibility plugin
  • Live chat integration
  • Map-based service locator

Creative Highlights:

  • A no-go-back button.
  • Implemented 3 click rule for their site

04. Execution Highlights

Deliverables:

  • Successfully delivered three separate websites, built from the ground up, serving users across New South Wales
  • Collaborated with a third-party branding agency to align the new websites with Housing Plus’ refreshed visual identity
  • Developed and deployed an accessibility plugin rarely seen across other social service websites

Unexpected Wins:

  • Website traffic increased by 50%, reflecting improved usability and discoverability the redesign.
  • The custom-built accessibility plugin - introduced for the first time - recorded 20+ interactions per month, demonstrating meaningful engagement with a feature designed to support diverse user needs.
  • Following the project’s success, Ribbon Gang was engaged as the ongoing digital partner for future projects.

05. Results & Outcomes

Impact:

The project repositioned Housing Plus as an inclusive, intuitive platform that truly serves community. By breaking down barriers of language, literacy, and ability, it empowers to access the support they need with confidence, reinforcing Housing Plus’ role as a compassionate, forward-thinking leader in the social housing sector.

Ribbon Gang respectfully acknowledges the people of the Wiradjuri, Gadigal, and Kulin Nations as the traditional custodians of the land on which our company operates. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.

Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

© 2024 Ribbon Gang Media Agency. All Rights Reserved. Sydney | Bathurst | Melbourne | Gold Coast | Singapore | Manila