Client:
Peterborough Law Association
Client:
Project Brief: Peterborough Law Association Website & Brand Refresh
The goal of this project was to give the Peterborough Law Association a refreshed brand identity and a fully redesigned website that is modern, user-friendly, and timeless in its design.
The new website enhances accessibility and navigation for both the public and PLA members. A secure, members-only section was implemented, providing exclusive access to newsletters, archived event photos, a community message board, and upcoming events with RSVP functionality.
This redesign ensures the PLA’s online presence reflects its professionalism and strong community ties, while providing practical tools to support its members.
Original Website Design and Pain Points:
Design & Aesthetic Issues
Outdated visual style: The colour scheme, fonts, and layout reflect an early 2000s aesthetic, which lacks the modern polish expected by today’s users.
Low visual hierarchy: Important content (like membership benefits or library access) isn't visually emphasised—everything looks the same.
Lack of imagery or engaging visuals: Besides the courthouse banner and the association’s seal, there are no visuals or icons to break up text or guide users.
Inconsistent formatting: Different font styles, link colours, and text weights appear arbitrarily throughout pages.
Navigation & User Flow
Clunky side menu: The left-hand menu feels crowded and outdated, with little visual separation or hierarchy between primary and secondary links.
No mobile optimisation: There's no responsive design visible—text, buttons, and layout would be hard to navigate on mobile.
No breadcrumbs or navigation aids: Users have no way of tracking where they are within the site or easily returning to the homepage.
Content & Readability
Text-heavy pages: Walls of text on every page make it difficult to scan or find key information quickly.
Legal jargon without explanations: There’s minimal plain-language guidance for the public accessing legal services or advice.
Redundant information: Similar details about the library, membership, and contact processes appear on multiple pages with minor variations.
Accessibility Gaps
No accessibility tools: No text resizing, high-contrast toggle, or screen reader considerations visible.
Low color contrast: The beige background and grey sidebar make it hard to read for users with low vision.
Poor link usability: Hyperlinks are hard to distinguish unless underlined and lack descriptive alt text.
The Solution
To address the outdated structure and design of the Peterborough Law Association’s previous website, I developed a modern, user-first solution that elevates both usability and functionality—without losing the Association’s heritage and professional tone.
The new site design offers a clean, timeless layout with improved navigation and clear content hierarchy. Key information is now easy to find, thanks to organized sections for court info, public resources, membership benefits, and a searchable member directory.
A major component of the solution was creating a secure members-only portal, where current PLA members can:
Access archived newsletters and event photos
Participate in a community message board
View and RSVP to upcoming events
Stay connected through exclusive content
The design reflects the professionalism of the legal community while being fully responsive across devices. Subtle brand refinements were made to bring visual consistency, improve readability, and enhance trust.
By streamlining the user experience and incorporating digital tools that support the PLA’s goals, this website now serves as a valuable resource for both members and the public.
