The Centre Cannot Hold
Redesigning an arts platform for visually impaired and neurodivergent users.
- Role
- UX Designer
- Timeline
- 2026
- For
- Post Marginal
- Status
- Ongoing
Overview
Making an arts platform readable for everyone.
I am redesigning the digital platform for PostMarginal’s Centre Cannot Hold project to improve accessibility, navigation, and readability for visually impaired and neurodivergent users. The redesign follows WCAG guidelines and ARIA standards.
Research
A visually appealing interface was failing its core users.
I interviewed neurodivergent and visually impaired artists about the existing website. Four barriers kept coming up:
Hidden tools
Accessibility tools were hard to locate.
Inconsistent
Screen reader navigation was unreliable.
Less control
Forms and autocomplete reduced user control.
Overload
Dense layouts increased cognitive load.
Exploration
A visual system inspired by subterranean interconnectedness.
Moodboard
Roots, mycelium and archival textures
Sitemap
A flatter structure with accessibility and French always reachable
Sketches
Wireframe sketches of the sitemap and key pages
Design
High contrast, simpler navigation, clearer tools.
Key features include a high-contrast color system, simplified navigation, improved screen reader compatibility, clearer accessibility tools, and subtle motion to guide attention without overwhelming users. Every choice is based on user feedback.
Color & type
Black, moss and yellow for high contrast
Components
Accessibility controls and navigation in Figma
Prototype
Linked high-fidelity pages
Testing
Easier to read, easier to navigate.
Early testing shows that users find the platform easier to read and navigate, with reduced cognitive load and positive feedback from disabled participants.
Next steps
Still ongoing.
- Complete the high-fidelity screens
- Test further with assistive technologies
- Refine ARIA implementation and interaction flows
Next
Synk