Project Info
| Client: | Boston University, School of Public Health |
| Project: | State Firearm Laws: website redesign and database visualization |
| Role: | Lead Designer: developed visual identity, created wireframes, mockups, and transformed site into an interactive, user-friendly resource |
| Skills: | Web design, Branding, Accessibility, Cross-team collaboration |
| Software: | Illustrator, Photoshop |
| Designed Materials: | Interactive map | State pages (infographic-style) | Website branding |
| Website: | statefirearmlaws.org (archived) |
Opportunity
The State Firearm Laws project aimed to provide researchers, policymakers, and the public with an accessible database to evaluate the effectiveness of firearm laws across states. The original site offered only text-heavy pages and CSV downloads, making the data difficult to navigate. A redesign was needed to create a more intuitive, neutral, and user-friendly platform.
Approach
- Conducted design scan: Studied examples of data maps and visualizations to identify effective approaches.
- Developed visual identity: Established a professional, neutral brand using navy, calming blues, and teal with clean typography and whitespace.
- Created interactive map: Designed a visual interface that allowed users to quickly compare state laws.
- Treated state pages as infographics: Structured each page to highlight key information for easy scanning and comparison.
- Balanced sensitivity and usability: Designed a neutral aesthetic to ensure the site was trusted and accessible to all audiences.
Impact
- First of its kind: Delivered the first centralized, interactive database of state firearm laws.
- Significant usability gains: Transformed a text-heavy site into a visual, intuitive platform.
- Broad adoption: Resource used by researchers, policymakers, and the public to evaluate and compare firearm laws.
- Trusted neutrality: Visual identity reinforced the site’s role as an unbiased source of data.
Reflection
This project strengthened my expertise in data visualization and information design, as well as my ability to design for sensitive, politically charged topics. It reinforced how thoughtful branding and layout can make complex data more usable while maintaining trust and neutrality.