Redesigning a website for a public agency or government-affiliated organization isn’t just about improving aesthetics. It’s about making information clear, accessible, and useful to the people who need it most.
At Bianca Frank Design, we’ve supported public-facing websites across Alaska, including for tribal governments and the Violent Crimes Compensation Board (VCCB). What we’ve learned is this: a great redesign isn’t about more content. It’s about making what you have work better—for the public, your staff, and your mission.
If you’re planning a public service website redesign in Anchorage or elsewhere in Alaska, here’s what matters most.
Clean Navigation That Reflects Public Services
Public websites often become bloated over time. New pages are added, links shift, and soon the structure no longer reflects what users are actually trying to do.
A government website should guide users intuitively, without forcing them to hunt for information. This is especially important when the content involves legal documents, applications, or time-sensitive services.
What we recommend:
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Organize content around user needs—not internal departments
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Group related services in simplified menus
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Use plain-language headings (“File a Claim” vs. “Victim Compensation Division”)
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Keep the number of top-level navigation items minimal (ideally 5–7)
On the VCCB site, the redesign focused on helping victims and providers find forms, FAQs, and contact info without getting lost in government jargon.
Resource Libraries and FAQs that Are Actually Searchable
Most public agencies rely on resource documents—applications, reports, reference materials, and forms. But a document dump isn’t enough. These materials need to be findable and scannable.
For tribal councils, public boards, or state agencies, a smart redesign might include:
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Filterable or categorized resource sections
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Search bars with document previews
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FAQs broken out by user type (e.g., “For Applicants,” “For Providers”)
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Clearly labeled PDF links with updated file dates
If you’re not sure what to prioritize, review your site analytics or phone logs—what do people call about most? You should prioritize that.
Designing with ADA Compliance in Mind
Accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s a core part of public trust. Every user, regardless of ability, should be able to access your agency’s information without barriers.
When planning a government agency website design in Alaska, we build with ADA best practices:
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Proper heading structures for screen readers
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High contrast between text and backgrounds
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Keyboard navigation
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Alt text for all meaningful images
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No reliance on color alone to communicate meaning
We also use tools to audit sites and flag accessibility issues early. The goal is a site that serves everyone—especially those in underserved or remote regions.
For further reading, the Web Accessibility Initiative offers clear guidelines that help make sites more inclusive.
Building Trust Through Clear Content and Design
Design influences how credible a public agency appears. Outdated designs, broken links, or missing contact information quickly erode trust. A thoughtful redesign supports credibility through design and structure—without trying too hard.
Elements that build trust:
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A modern, uncluttered layout
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Clear “About” and contact pages with real staff names or departments
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Plain language explanations of services or policies
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Consistent use of branding (seals, logos, or color systems)
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Secure hosting and HTTPS
For tribal organizations and state agencies alike, the tone of a site matters. It should feel official but approachable—and reflect the values of the organization it represents.
A Real Example: VCCB’s Website Redesign
The Alaska Violent Crimes Compensation Board needed a site that served multiple user groups: victims of violent crimes, medical providers, law enforcement, and legal professionals. Our team focused on building a clean, responsive layout with role-based navigation.
Key improvements included:
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A simplified homepage with direct links for each user group
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A searchable FAQ and resource library
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Mobile-first layout for better accessibility on all devices
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Consistent structure for forms, deadlines, and requirements
The result was a website that met state guidelines while being far more usable—and supportive—for the people it serves.
Final Thought
When it comes to public service website redesigns in Anchorage or across Alaska, the goal is clear: make things easier for the people who rely on your site. Whether you’re representing a tribal council, health department, or compensation board, your online presence should reflect your mission—and help people take action.
If your government agency or organization is ready to improve usability, transparency, and access, we’d be glad to support a redesign process that puts the public first.
