CISA Business Management Platform
CISA Business Management Platform is an online tool for financial officers to increase transparency and accountabilities as well as support data-informed decision making for leaders at all levels of the CISA organization.
Duration
3 Months
Client
Department of Securty -
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Role
UI Design
UX Design
Problem
The BMP platform lacked a cohesive visual language and clear interaction patterns, which caused confusion among users and inefficiencies for the development team. Users struggled to navigate the platform, and developers faced difficulties implementing features without a unified design system. Additionally, the pre-existing platform had accessibility issues, making it difficult for all users to interact effectively and creating potential compliance risks.
Goals
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Create a cohesive visual language for all screens
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Adapting a scalable design system to speed up development and maintain consistency
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Ensure the platform met accessibility standards, providing an inclusive experience for all users
Approach
I began by performing accessibility testing on the existing platform to identify errors and areas for improvement, documenting both usability and compliance issues. Concurrently, I audited the platform’s visual and interaction inconsistencies, evaluating typography, spacing, and component behavior. I then developed wireframes and interactive prototypes in Figma, iteratively testing solutions to improve usability and accessibility. Throughout the process, I collaborated with stakeholders to ensure design decisions were feasible and aligned with user needs. I also created a design system that standardized buttons, forms, typography, and icons, ensuring consistency and compliance with accessibility guidelines.
Solution
Based on the accessibility testing findings and platform audit, I redesigned key screens to improve usability, visual clarity, and interaction consistency. Interactive Figma prototypes were used to validate improvements and communicate design intent with stakeholders and developers. I also developed a scalable design system that standardized buttons, typography, icons, and spacing, ensuring all new components adhered to accessibility standards while maintaining a cohesive visual language.
Results
The updated platform created a more intuitive and consistent experience for financial officers across CISA. By unifying the visual language, refining interaction patterns, and resolving accessibility issues, the redesigned interface made it easier for users to complete tasks with confidence. The new design system also gave developers clear guidance, reducing rework and improving delivery speed across teams. Overall, the platform became more efficient, inclusive, and scalable for future growth.
Impact
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Improved platform usability with clearer visual hierarchy and consistent interactions
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Addressed accessibility issues, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards (contrast, focus indicators, labeling)
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Streamlined developer handoff through detailed prototypes and a design system
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Established a scalable framework for future feature development, reducing design inconsistencies
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Enhanced overall user experience for a wider and more inclusive audience
Learnings
This project reinforced the importance of integrating accessibility testing early in the design process. I learned that addressing accessibility not only ensures compliance but also drives usability improvements for all users. Establishing a design system and maintaining clear documentation helps teams work efficiently and maintain consistency across complex platforms. Finally, iterative prototyping and collaboration with stakeholders are essential to balance usability, accessibility, and business needs effectively.
