Election Systems & Software (ES&S) | 2024-2026

Modernizing Universal Voting Systems for Accessibility & VVSG 2.0 Compliance

Overview

Led the UX modernization of two touchscreen Universal Voting Systems, conducting usability testing and compliance audits on legacy interfaces before redesigning information architecture, navigation, and layout systems to align with WCAG and VVSG 2.0 standards.

The initiative focused on improving voter clarity, accessibility, and confidence within certified, mission-critical hardware environments.

The Challenge

The legacy touchscreen systems lacked consistent hierarchy, clear navigation patterns, and full alignment with evolving VVSG 2.0 guidance. Accessibility gaps in contrast, typography, and interaction feedback created friction during ballot progression and review.

Because these systems operate within certified hardware environments, improvements had to enhance usability without disrupting regulated workflows or certification stability.

Scope of Ownership

Research & Validation (Legacy Systems)

  • Conducted task-based usability testing on legacy systems

  • Observed voter interaction patterns and friction points

  • Gathered structured qualitative feedback

  • Performed accessibility and VVSG 2.0 compliance evaluation

  • Identified hierarchy, navigation, and confirmation weaknesses

Full UX Redesign

  • Led complete information architecture and navigation redesign

  • Reworked ballot progression, review, and confirmation flows

  • Redesigned layouts to reinforce hierarchy and reduce cognitive load

  • Updated UI components, color systems, and typography to meet WCAG and VVSG 2.0

  • Partnered with engineering to guide implementation within certification constraints

image of voting systems

Due to the proprietary nature of this work, wireframes and screenshots of the full design process cannot be publicly displayed.

Research Insights

Usability testing on legacy equipment surfaced key issues:

  • Unclear ballot progression and review structure

  • Inconsistent interaction feedback and confirmation states

  • Readability challenges impacting voter confidence

  • Accessibility gaps in contrast and hierarchy

  • Friction between touch interaction and assistive technology flows

These findings informed a structural redesign focused on clarity, predictability, and compliance.

Accessibility & Compliance Strategy

Accessibility and VVSG 2.0 alignment were embedded at the architectural level.

The modernization established:

  • Contrast-compliant color systems

  • Accessible typography optimized for large-format touch screens

  • Standardized confirmation and error states

  • Clear ballot progression patterns

  • Focus management compatible with assistive technologies

  • Support for both touch interaction and the Universal Voting Console

By addressing accessibility systemically, the redesign strengthened independent voting support while reducing regulatory risk.

Structural & Design System Alignment

The touchscreen systems were aligned with unified design foundations established across supporting election software platforms.

Key updates included:

  • Scalable layout frameworks optimized for hardware screens

  • Standardized component behaviors across ballot workflows

  • Harmonized visual hierarchy reinforcing clarity and trust

  • Consistent navigation patterns aligned with VVSG principles

This created continuity between physical voting systems and digital election software environments.

Constraints & Tradeoffs

The modernization operated within significant constraints:

  • Certified hardware specifications

  • VVSG 2.0 regulatory requirements

  • Certification timelines limiting disruptive changes

  • Preservation of legally certified ballot workflows

Where full architectural shifts were not feasible, phased improvements balanced usability gains with certification stability.

Outcomes & Impact

Delivered full IA and navigation redesign for two touchscreen voting systems

  • Improved ballot progression clarity and review confidence

  • Strengthened accessibility for both touch and assistive technology users

  • Reduced cognitive friction through clearer hierarchy and feedback

  • Aligned physical voting systems with unified, compliant design standards

  • Established scalable foundations for future certified development

This initiative transformed legacy voting interfaces into structured, accessible systems that better support voter confidence and regulatory alignment.