Transformative Solution for High-Stakes Federal Agency

The U.S. Federal Government

Client Info

A vital U.S. Federal Government Agency that provides research and fact-based information to all government branches needed to overhaul its digital presence. Its existing system relied heavily on manual coding, maintained separate mobile and desktop versions, and required up to seven clicks for users to find basic information.

Industry

Federal Government

Top challenge

• With a vast range of data and reports dating back many decades, search functionality proved to be the most significant challenge.

• The site’s branding, layout, content organization, and visuals needed to be presented in a more engaging manner, with a less cluttered home page and a more modern design.

• The site map needed to be consolidated and streamlined, allowing for a depth and breadth of content to be easily navigated within an architecture that made sense to users. Pressing issues needed to be accessible directly from the home page.

• Desktop and mobile versions were being managed and maintained separately and needed to be integrated.

Top solution

• SOLR search has proven to be a significant step toward enhancing search capabilities, enabling videos, podcasts, and blog content to now be searchable.

• Starting with the U.S. Web Design System as a foundation, the Promet design team created a distinctly branded look for the site. The inclusion of photographic images helped to create a more engaging user experience.

• A sharp focus on user journeys now helps to visually guide users to where they want to go, which has vastly reduced the necessary number of clicks. The addition of page anchor links is also helping to guide users.

• The new Drupal 8 CMS works seamlessly across all devices. As a Federal Government site, open source software was the clear preference for reasons that included long-term flexibility, ease in finding vendors to service the site, scalability, and security.

What We Did

After a thorough two-day discovery session, we built a unified Drupal 8 platform that works across all devices. We implemented SOLR search capabilities, created a custom API for legacy system integration, and developed a streamlined content management system. The new platform follows U.S. Web Design System guidelines while maintaining the agency's distinct brand identity.

Fast Content Access

We rebuilt the site's architecture from the ground up, reducing the typical user journey from seven clicks to just one or two. Page anchor links and intuitive navigation help visitors quickly find what they need, whether they're looking for daily reports, research papers, or agency updates.

Powerful Search Tools

The new SOLR search system makes all content discoverable - including videos, podcasts, and blog posts. We consolidated taxonomies and improved content organization, making it easier for users to find related reports and move naturally between connected topics.

Simple Content Management

Content editors can now update the site directly without IT support. The Drupal Paragraphs module lets them use pre-built components like accordions, ensuring consistent design while enabling quick updates. What once took days now takes minutes.

The Result

The new platform has dramatically increased user engagement, with a significant rise in email update subscriptions. The integrated blog (previously on WordPress) now reaches more readers, and both internal and external users praise the site's speed and ease of use.

Strategy & Discovery

Stakeholder alignment
User journey mapping
Content audit
System requirements

Design & Architecture

USWDS implementation
Mobile responsiveness
Navigation redesign
Visual refresh

Technical Development

Drupal 8 migration
API creation
SOLR search setup
Legacy system integration

Content & Training

Taxonomy consolidation
Component creation

Let’s start your project

If your organization is struggling with outdated systems or complicated user journeys, let's talk about building a platform that makes information accessible to everyone who needs it.