From design refinement to long-term Drupal partnership

MDH initially approached Electric Citizen after beginning a new site design with another vendor. 

While the visual direction had been established, the department sought improvements to make the site more legible, more consistent, and better suited to the Web — particularly given the scale and complexity of its content.

The site was built and managed internally in Drupal. As usage grew, MDH needed:

• Clearer navigation patterns and improved information hierarchy
• Greater design consistency and accessibility
• A structured evaluation of the existing Drupal build
• Recommendations for configuration, content architecture, and workflow improvements
• Ongoing technical support to ensure stability and maintainability

Rather than pursuing another full redesign, MDH chose a measured, incremental approach focused on improving what existed.

Design Refinement & UX Direction

Electric Citizen began by providing targeted design enhancements — refining typography, improving contrast and accessibility, clarifying navigation behavior, and standardizing layout patterns.

These adjustments improved legibility and consistency while respecting the broader visual direction already in place.

Technical & Design Audit

As the partnership deepened, we conducted a structured audit of the Drupal build, design implementation, and accessibility posture.

This evaluation included:

• Review of modules, configuration, content types, Views, taxonomies, permissions, and workflows
• Analysis of navigation structure and template consistency
• Accessibility review aligned with WCAG 2.1 AA

From this work, we implemented configuration improvements, accessibility updates, editorial workflow refinements, and enhancements to key components — strengthening the technical foundation of the site.

Structured Drupal Support & Governance

Following audit and improvement work, MDH engaged Electric Citizen as an ongoing Drupal support partner.

Through this structured engagement, we provide:

• Advanced Drupal development support
• Contributed module updates and critical security patches
• QA and accessibility testing
• Feature and configuration improvements
• Ongoing consulting and best-practice guidance

This model allows MDH to continuously improve the site without large, disruptive overhauls.

Homepage & Navigation Redesign

Building on insights gathered over time, MDH asked Electric Citizen to revisit the homepage and primary navigation.

We developed a revised sitemap to clarify audience pathways and improve information hierarchy, followed by updated homepage wireframes and visual mockups aligned with MDH branding and accessibility standards.

The approved design introduced a refreshed homepage experience and refined global navigation — modernizing the user experience while preserving platform stability.

Today, Electric Citizen continues to support and maintain the MDH website while also contributing to new initiatives.

Current and upcoming work includes:

• A new site architecture that allows MDH to spin up focused microsites for specific public health initiatives
• Development of a dedicated site for Minnesota’s 988 mental health crisis hotline

These efforts reflect the department’s growing digital needs — and the continued trust placed in Electric Citizen as a long-term Drupal partner.