How Anthro-Tech used Optimal’s platform to create a more user-friendly and inclusive Washington State Parks website

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The Challenge

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Washington State Parks needed a website overhaul to improve accessibility, navigation, and content management. Visitors, including people with disabilities and those unfamiliar with the parks, struggled to find essential information about amenities, accessibility features, and reservations. The challenge was to design an intuitive site structure that ensured all users could easily access the information they needed.

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The Approach

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Anthro-Tech, a human-centered design firm, took a research-driven approach to redesigning the site. They conducted audits, usability testing, and iterative research to inform their decisions. A key part of their strategy was restructuring the information architecture and taxonomy to better reflect how users searched for and understood park features.

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Using Card Sorting & Tree Testing to Refine Site Structure

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To ensure the new site was intuitive, the team used Optimal’s card sorting and tree testing tools.

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• Card Sort:  the Washington State Parks and Anthro-Tech team wanted to determine how best to categorize accessibility-related park features, such as ADA-compliant buildings, accessible restrooms, and campsites. They weren’t sure whether users preferred these features in a separate “Accessibility” category or grouped with general amenities. By conducting an online card sort, they discovered that most users preferred accessibility-related features to be integrated within the general “Amenities” category rather than isolated in a separate section. They also used Card Sorting to test categories for other park features such as natural features and activities to understand how people think about and categorize parks. 
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• Tree Test: Once they had a proposed site structure, they tested it using tree testing to ensure users could easily find key information. This allowed them to validate their decisions and refine the website’s navigation before implementing the new structure.

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The Solution

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The redesigned website now offers:

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• Simplified park searches based on location, features, and accessibility
• Integrated accessibility information within general park amenities
• Improved navigation that helps users quickly find park details
• Better mobile compatibility for users on the go
• A more inclusive and user-friendly experience for all visitors

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The Impact

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By leveraging Optimal’s platform, Anthro-Tech ensured that accessibility was considered at every stage of the site’s development—not just in content but in the overall structure. The new site makes it easier for all users to find essential park information, reinforcing Washington State Parks' commitment to inclusivity and usability.

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“It's amazing that we were able to incorporate accessibility even into the structuring of our content.” – Alexis Church, Anthro-Tech

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This project highlights how human-centered design, combined with rigorous user research, can lead to a more intuitive and equitable digital experience for all.

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Congratulations to the Anthro-Tech team, the Washington State Parks Department, and Washington Technology Solutions for winning a GAADY Award (The Global Accessibility Awareness Day Foundation).

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Want to learn more about this case study? Watch the full UX Insider webinar or read the Anthro-Tech story 

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