The Problem
The Washington State Legislature faced a challenge: Its outdated website (leg.wa.gov) was hard to navigate and didn’t meet accessibility standards. With separate workgroups working under the same branch of government, creating a unified digital experience to meet all their needs wasn’t simple. As Microsoft ended support for the content management system (CMS), it was clear they needed a modern, inclusive website to improve public engagement and build trust in government.
The Solution
We started the project by exploring the needs of the Legislature’s customers. Through targeted user research and usability testing, we identified issues and prioritized improvements to make the website more intuitive, accessible, and easier to navigate.
However, the real challenge went beyond the design—8 workgroups with differing priorities needed to unite under a single digital experience. Our organizational change management (OCM) helped bring everyone together. By creating a dedicated communications channel, hosting open house feedback sessions, and providing real-time feedback, we ensured the final design met the needs of all parties while being unified and accessible.
A before and after of the Washington State Legislature website.
We moved the Legislature's website to a modern, flexible CMS that’s easier to manage. We also trained the team to confidently update content, maintain accessibility, and ensure the website’s long-term success.
The Impact
The new website unites many voices under one platform, while still honoring each workgroup’s distinct identity. With just a few clicks, customers can now easily find legislative information and participate in the process. Behind the scenes, internal teams have a modern, self-sustaining content system that makes managing the website simple. These changes greatly improve transparency, engagement, and accessibility, ensuring everyone can connect with and contribute to the legislative process.