01 — Overview
Finding support when it matters most
HelpStartsHere is a province-wide mental health resource hub built to connect people with support quickly. The experience prioritizes clarity under stress — plain language, trusted information, and navigation that helps users move from search to the right resource without friction.
02 — Design Goals
What a public resource hub needs to do
People arriving at a mental health resource site are often overwhelmed or uncertain where to start. The design needed to reduce cognitive load, surface credible information quickly, and make a large service directory feel approachable rather than intimidating.
"When someone is looking for help, the path forward should feel clear — not like another problem to solve."
Key priorities for this project:
- Clear pathways from broad topics to specific services
- Trusted, plain-language content throughout
- Scalable directory structure for province-wide coverage
- Accessible design for diverse audiences and devices
03 — Approach
Structured around how people search for help
I worked from real user needs — how people describe their situation, what they need to know first, and where they drop off when navigation is unclear. Every layout decision supported faster discovery and more confident next steps.
Province-wide
Service directory coverage
Clear
Topic-based navigation paths
Trusted
Plain-language resource content
Three insights shaped the design:
- Clarity reduces hesitation. Users need to understand where they are and what to do next at every step.
- Directory scale needs structure. A large resource list only works with thoughtful grouping and filtering.
- Trust is visual. Calm typography, consistent patterns, and credible content presentation build confidence.
04 — Solution
A hub built for discovery and confidence
A clear homepage entry point, topic-led navigation, and a searchable service directory — all designed to help people find the right support without unnecessary steps.
Key design decisions
- Topic-led navigation — organized around how people describe their needs
- Service directory — scalable structure for province-wide mental health resources
- Plain-language content — credible, approachable information at every level
- Mobile-first layout — accessible pathways on any device
Mobile experience
05 — What's Included
What this project demonstrates
Complex public-sector information design — organizing large content sets, designing for stressed users, and building navigation that holds up at scale. The same strategic thinking applies to any business that needs clarity, credibility, and conversion.
Hub
Province-wide resource centre
Directory
Large-scale service listings
UX
Accessibility & content strategy
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