Designing for Everyone: A Personal Journey in Crafting Inclusive Websites in Orange County

When I first started designing websites over a decade ago, I thought a great site was all about flashy graphics and cutting-edge features. But a single project changed my perspective forever—and taught me the true meaning of user-friendly design.

It was a website for a local nonprofit in Santa Ana that supported families with children who had disabilities. The organization’s mission was inspiring, but their website was anything but. It was cluttered, hard to navigate, and completely inaccessible to the very people they were trying to serve.

When I sat down with the team, one mother shared how frustrating it was to try and find resources on their site. Her son, who has limited mobility, often used a screen reader, but the site wasn’t compatible. Another volunteer mentioned how the tiny font and poor color contrast made it nearly impossible for her aging parents to read.

That conversation hit me hard. I realized that a website isn’t just a digital brochure—it’s a gateway to connection, information, and opportunity. And if it doesn’t work for everyone, it’s not doing its job.

The Turning Point: A Website That Works for All

We rolled up our sleeves and got to work. Here’s what we did:

Simplified Navigation: We reorganized the menu so that key resources were just one click away. No more digging through layers of pages.

Accessible Design: We increased font sizes, improved color contrast, and added alt text to every image. We even tested the site with screen readers to ensure it worked seamlessly.

Local Touch: We incorporated photos and stories from the families they served, making the site feel personal and rooted in the Orange County community.

When we launched the new site, the response was overwhelming. One parent told me, “Finally, I can find what I need without asking for help.” Another said, “It feels like this site was made just for us.”

That project became the foundation of my design philosophy: A great website isn’t just about looking good—it’s about making everyone feel welcome.

7 Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way

Over the years, I’ve worked with dozens of Orange County businesses, from small family-owned shops to large corporations. Each project has taught me something new, but these principles always hold true:

Start with Empathy: Put yourself in your users’ shoes. What challenges might they face? How can your site make their lives easier?

Keep It Simple: A clean, intuitive design is always better than a flashy, complicated one.

Test, Test, Test: Don’t assume your site works for everyone. Test it with real users, including those with disabilities.

Celebrate Local Flavor: Orange County has a unique vibe. Let your site reflect that with local imagery, language, and stories.

Listen to Feedback: Your users will tell you what’s working—and what’s not. Pay attention and be willing to make changes.

Stay Updated: Web design is always evolving. Stay on top of trends and best practices, especially in accessibility.

Never Stop Learning: Every project teaches me something new. Stay curious and open to growth.

A Challenge for You

Take a moment to visit your website. Pretend you’re seeing it for the first time. Is it easy to navigate? Can someone with a disability use it without frustration? Does it feel like it belongs in Orange County?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” it might be time for a refresh. And if you’re not sure where to start, I’m here to help.

Let’s Build Something Together

Designing websites isn’t just my job—it’s my passion. I love working with Orange County businesses to create sites that are as unique and vibrant as our community. Whether you’re a small startup or an established brand, I’d love to hear your story and help you share it with the world.

Ron Arellano is the lead designer at Search Business Group, specializing in user-centric, accessible web solutions for Orange County businesses. Connect with him on LinkedIn or explore our portfolio of local clients.

Your website should be as welcoming as your front door. Contact me today for a free consultation, and let’s create something amazing together.