Challenge
The South Carolina State House website wasn’t built for mobile users, and though a basic mobile version existed, it lacked support for the growing demand for mobile access. A full website redesign wasn’t possible due to limited resources, so we partnered with local studio 52inc. to develop a native iOS and Android app. The goal was not to replicate the site, but to prioritize the most-used content and make it more accessible to constituents, legislators, and staff.
Role
Web/Interactive Designer
Tools
Sketch
InVision
Adobe CC
Approach
Structurally, we began with research, including clickstream analysis on the main website to identify the most frequently accessed features, such as bill tracking, legislator information, and the Code of Laws. A competitive analysis of similar state apps revealed gaps—no existing app offered both legislative tracking and streaming video. Early insights also showed internal staff as a major user group and a need for multi-criteria search.
Visually, we used new branding guidelines I created to modernize the visual identity and worked with 52inc. to wireframe the app structure. We avoided relying on the outdated look of the existing website and focused instead on clear typography, simple navigation, and accessibility for users of all tech skill levels. These guidelines informed high-fidelity designs, which went through several rounds of refinement, particularly around color and tone.
Prototype + Testing
We validated the user experience with an InVision prototype before development. The app was soft-launched to a test group that included members of the Senate, House, and staff, ranging widely in age and tech familiarity. Real-time performance during live session days was a key focus of this testing phase.
Result
The SC Legislature app launched in time for the next legislative session, supported by printed materials and a promotional site. In the first three months, it sent over 500,000 push notifications and quickly became a trusted tool among legislators and staff. It continues to receive high ratings in both app stores and has been positively reviewed in local media
I designed a custom foldout brochure for the application and collaborated with a local printer to produce physical copies for the launch. These brochures were distributed in buildings across the state house grounds and served as a way to highlight the app’s key features to legislators and staff.
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