Designing a website in Alaska often means something different than it does in larger markets. Our clients aren’t just selling — they’re informing, supporting, and connecting people across communities that span thousands of miles. That’s why we approach public-facing websites with a clear goal: make it simple, accessible, and trustworthy. The website we built for the Alaska Violent Crimes Compensation Board (VCCB) is a strong example of what that looks like.
In short:
- We redesigned the VCCB website to help Alaska residents access vital resources related to victim compensation.
- The new site prioritizes clarity, accessibility, mobile responsiveness, and trust — with no barriers to the most important content.
- This project reflects our broader approach to building Alaska websites: serve the user first, build from real needs, and design with care.
What the VCCB Website Needed to Do
The Violent Crimes Compensation Board provides financial assistance to Alaskans who have been victims of violent crime. Their services are essential — but the previous site made it hard to find forms, understand eligibility, or know what steps to take. We were brought in to fix that.
The redesigned site needed to do more than just look current. It needed to:
- Be easy to use on phones and tablets
- Organize complex information clearly
- Offer downloadable forms without confusion
- Be accessible to users with assistive technology
- Convey legitimacy and trust for a state agency
Designing for Real People — Not Just Screens
Many people visiting this site are in crisis or trying to help someone who is. They don’t have time to dig through broken links or confusing menus. We built a homepage and navigation structure that points users to the essentials: how to apply, who qualifies, what’s covered, and who to contact.
Clear typography, mobile-first layouts, and straightforward language help remove barriers. The site is also optimized for screen readers and includes accessibility best practices to serve all users — a priority in every public-sector site we build.
Why Accessibility and Clarity Matter in Alaska Websites
Across Alaska, access to reliable internet and digital services varies by region. Some users visit from smartphones with limited data; others rely on public libraries or community centers. That’s why performance, clarity, and accessibility are non-negotiable in our work. A website isn’t helping if it won’t load, if you can’t read it, or if you don’t know where to click next.
We design Alaska websites to work under real-world conditions — not just in a perfect demo environment.
What We Delivered
The VCCB site now includes:
- A fully mobile-responsive layout
- Improved navigation and page hierarchy
- Easy access to downloadable forms and FAQs
- Clear instructions for victims and families
- Updated design that reflects state-level credibility
And just as importantly, the staff at VCCB can now update and manage the site easily — no more workarounds or broken templates.
How This Project Reflects Our Broader Approach
This project is one of many we’ve completed for state, tribal, nonprofit, and public service organizations across Alaska. Each one is built with the same mindset: don’t overdesign. Don’t overcomplicate. Make it work for the people who need it most — and make it last.
You can view the full project here: VCCB Website Project.
Want to Build a Website That Serves Alaskans Well?
Whether you’re running a small nonprofit, managing a community program, or building out public resources, your website should make things easier — not harder. We help clients across the state create digital tools that reflect the work they’re doing in real life.
For a look at accessibility expectations and design guidance for government and public sector sites, review Section 508 design best practices.
Let’s Talk About What You Need
If you’re looking for a partner that understands how Alaska websites really need to function — and how to design for users across distances, devices, and bandwidths — we’d be glad to help. Whether you’re rebuilding an old system or starting from scratch, we’ll meet you where you are.
Reach out to learn more about how we design for public impact.
