Disability Benefits 101

Disability Benefits 101 (DB101) helps people with disabilities learn about how working may impact their benefits so they can make informed choices. Our partners at Eightfold Way asked us to redesign the website to make it effortless for people to find what they need.

A person in a wheelchair speaking with a friend in an office hallway.

The key insight

We quickly realized that this is a dense, complicated subject. It’s not surprising that many people with disabilities are hesitant to pursue work, fearing that they may lose benefits. We had to simplify everything as much as possible. Additionally, every state involved in DB101 hosts its own site, so we needed a flexible design system that was easy to build upon.

The bold strategy

We created a modular design system full of cards with simple, action-oriented headlines, making it easy to understand what’s behind every click. Depending on their content, states could decide which pages were most important to their audiences and feature them prominently. Every module was easy to add or remove, giving states the flexibility they needed to scale.

Screenshot of DB101 showing homepage with featured sections and clear CTA’s

Designed to inspire

From our uplifting color palette to the specific imagery we chose — depicting people with disabilities in work environments — we wanted to make people feel good about making work a part of their plan.

Image illustrating DB101 brand colors - energy yellow, light blue and picture style - showing people working in different places and using a little of blur in a background.

Tools worth using

There were a variety of tools that helped people determine how employment impacts disability benefits. We redesigned them from the ground up — with clear, accessible forms, easy-to-follow progress, and results that got straight to the point.

Two screenshots of DB101 Benefits and Work Estimator, showing clean data structure.

The design is striking, flexible, responsive, inviting, and easy to use. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

— Jack Eastman , President, Eightfold Way Consultants

Encouraging action

We chose to make our headlines and cards as action-oriented as possible. “See how benefits and work go together.” “Get help finding the right job for you.” This content is complex enough. Whenever we had an opportunity to be simple and direct, we took it.

Screenshot of DB101 page with simple and action-oriented headlines and cards.

Design

  • Creative direction
  • UX/UI Design
  • Visual Design
  • Accessibility

Strategy

  • Design pillars
  • Information architecture

Previous

Redefining a mobile search experience

Next

Modernizing a true pioneer in natural beauty.

It’s time for deeper, more sustainable success

Leaders come to us to make a bold change in their organization. One where success helps create a more compassionate, equitable and sustainable world. We can’t wait to create change, together.