Isadora Agency’s Impactful Redesign: Enhancing Accessibility and Engagement for HVIP
The Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) is an important California initiative. Isadora Agency partnered with HVIP for a comprehensive digital transformation. The scope included a website redesign and new content strategy, to boost user engagement and effectively deliver critical program information.
Overview
HVIP is funded by the state of California and administered by CALSTART and facilitates the adoption of zero-emission technologies through information dissemination and point-of-sale vouchers. The previous HVIP website was content-heavy and difficult to navigate, which impeded accessibility and user engagement. After identifying these challenges, our team implemented a streamlined web strategy. The new visual design incorporated an enhanced user experience free of content clutter along with intuitive navigation. This Webby-nominated website and transformational experience made key information easily accessible. it also highlights HVIP’s powerful social impact, strengthening HVIP’s online presence and outreach efforts.
Results and Sucess
Our UX team applied a user-centric focus to create a platform that efficiently and effectively conveys HVIP’s benefits and program information. Through extensive stakeholder workshops, we identified critical areas for improvement and aligned HVIP’s priorities with user needs. This led to a UX redesign that featured a restructured layout, enhanced content strategy, and improved navigation. These changes created an intuitive and efficient user experience that makes it straightforward for audiences to access information and engage with HVIP quickly.
The redesigned platform supports HVIP’s goal of promoting zero-emission vehicles by providing clear, accessible information that drives user engagement and satisfaction.
Content Hierarchy and Strategy
Our content team developed a methodical content hierarchy, strategy, and information architecture that streamlined the user experience. Distinct user journeys for dealers and purchasers were created to ensure each group could easily find relevant information. This simplified navigation consolidated important content and significantly reduced clutter. In the reorganized HVIP vehicle catalog, for instance, this is visible in the newly detailed product detail pages (PDPs). Users can find and act on information efficiently, via fewer clicks. This strategic approach ultimately drives engagement and leads to more HVIP participation.
Page Design
Improving the HVIP website’s content organization had a powerful impact on the overall page design, making it more user-friendly and visually appealing.
Homepage Design
The new homepage immediately captures users’ attention by highlighting HVIP’s impact and program statistics. It features visually compelling data and testimonials from purchasers and vendors, all of which showcase the program’s success and positive social impact. By integrating bold visuals and clear calls to action, the homepage effectively guides users to explore further, significantly enhancing the initial user experience.
Vehicle Catalog
The vehicle catalog was the most extensive, intricate part of the HVIP website, and was meticulously redesigned to facilitate straightforward navigation and management. Our developers created a two-step setup that features both list and grid views, and allows users to easily select a vehicle type and then a manufacturer. The PDPs now include comprehensive information and dealer contact details, which allows users to find products most relevant to them and make informed decisions quickly. Overall, these updates streamline the browsing process, which keeps users engaged and reduces the bounce rate.
Program Information Pages
We overhauled pages dedicated to program information and presented detailed content in an organized and accessible manner. Implementing a clear content hierarchy with strategically placed CTAs efficiently guides users through the information while reducing distractions and highlighting the most important program details. Navigating these pages is now a seamless experience, and helps users find the information they most need with minimal effort.
Directory of Approved Vendors
Our team simplified the directory of approved vendors in order to improve usability for end-users and administrators. Now, users can search by vehicle or specification, which allows them to locate and contact vendors relevant to their needs. This improvement to the user experience supports industry stakeholders’ experiences, and helps them to benefit from what HVIP can offer them.
Administrative Interface
On the administrative side, our developers streamlined the content management system to be more intuitive and accessible. This included a built-in archive function and a simplified process for updating vehicle specifications and managing the vendor directory. These improvements ensure that HVIP team members, regardless of technical skill level, can efficiently manage the website, allowing for timely updates and maintenance.
Illustration & Animation
Generous white space and custom isometric vehicle illustrations were used throughout the site to create a modern and clean look. Scroll-triggered animations, incorporated for statistical and impact-related data add a dynamic storytelling element. These visual design updates not only improve the website’s aesthetic appeal—they also make the content more digestible and engaging, and ultimately help improve user engagement.
Development and Accessibility
The HVIP website was built on a custom WordPress platform chosen for its flexibility and scalability. Our development team created flexible modules that allow administrators to quickly scale content and create new pages, ensuring the site can grow with HVIP’s needs. WordPress was an ideal solution for this content-based site due to its user-friendly interface, robust customization options, and extensive plugin ecosystem, which allows for easy updates and maintenance.
These extensive updates have transformed the HVIP website into one that meets accessibility requirements. The site now meets AA compliance guidelines, and plans are in place to achieve AAA conformance. These improvements ensure that the website meets state accessibility standards and is inclusive.
Conclusion
The redesigned HVIP website, with its visual clarity, practical functionality, and user-friendly interface, stands as a powerful tool for HVIP and a testament to its positive impact on California’s commercial vehicle industry. This strategic design, coupled with deep industry understanding and user-centric research, positions the HVIP website as a valuable resource for years to come, instilling confidence in its continued success.
About Isadora Agency
Isadora Agency is a web design company and leader in enterprise digital transformations via branding, UX Design, Product Design, eCommerce, and ongoing web development & management.
