Introducing the Redesigned Ottawa Garbage and Recycling Portal—a modern, user-friendly, and intuitive platform built to elevate the way Ottawa residents manage their waste and recycling. This reimagined website is designed with the community in mind, offering a seamless experience that makes finding waste collection schedules, recycling rules, and drop-off locations easier than ever.

VIEW ORIGINAL DESIGN

Challenges:
The original portal was cluttered and difficult to navigate, making it challenging for residents to find key information like waste collection schedules, recycling rules, and drop-off locations. Additionally, there was a lack of accessibility features, such as dark mode and readable fonts, which are essential for a wide range of users.

Objectives:

1. Improve information access and visibility.

2. Make the platform intuitive and easy to use.

3. Enhance readability and accessibility.

4. Incorporate modern design elements, such as dark mode and clear icons.

Design Process:

1. Prioritizing Information Access:
To ensure that critical information was easily accessible, we restructured the homepage to present the most important features—waste collection schedules, recycling guidelines, and drop-off locations—prominently. Each section is clearly labeled and organized, allowing users to quickly locate the information they need. A search bar with intelligent suggestions further streamlines the process.

2. Easy Reading:
We adopted a minimalist design that focuses on readability. High-contrast color schemes, larger fonts, and ample white space ensure that text is easy to read across different devices. Content is broken down into digestible chunks, reducing cognitive load and making the portal more user-friendly.

3. Dark Mode:
Recognizing the importance of accessibility for all users, we introduced a dark mode option. This reduces eye strain for users who prefer darker screens and is especially beneficial for those browsing at night or in low-light environments.

4. Iconography and Visuals:
To simplify navigation, we incorporated clear and consistent icons throughout the portal. These icons represent key functions like garbage, recycling, waste reduction and education, offering users quick visual cues to guide their journey. Each icon is simple, intuitive, and designed to enhance the overall aesthetic.

Results:
The redesigned Ottawa Garbage and Recycling Portal now offers a seamless, enjoyable experience that puts user needs first. With improved access to vital information, enhanced readability, and modern features like dark mode and intuitive icons, residents can manage their waste and recycling tasks with ease. User engagement has increased, and feedback highlights the platform's ease of use and visually appealing design.