VA flagship app
VA flagship app
Accessibility first model in government
Position: Sr UX Designer
Project Timeline: 1 year 2 months
Platform: Mobile
Tools: Bohemian Sketch, Voiceover (iOS), Talkback (Android)
Links: iOS App Store | Google Play Store
Notable mention: White House honorable mention
As the Department of Veterans Affairs developed a flagship app, I came on as a product designer focused on accessibility, ensuring that all deliverables met WCAG 2.1 guidelines. My goal went beyond the minimum requirement, aiming to create a universal and inclusive experience for all. I accomplished this within the parameters demanded by government protocol.
To kick things off, I performed an accessibility audit, shared my analysis with the team, and updated designs accordingly. As the team grew, I built a design library using React Native to guide other designers/FE developers to the tools necessary for their work. I also led development on critical app elements that foster convenience and accessibility, including:
Vaccine records documenting all immunizations, including COVID vaccines
Many more under the hood projects being released soon.
The Project:
When the VA initiated this project, 40% of their web traffic came from mobile devices. We found in our research that veterans would be willing to use an app with native functionality on a mobile phone. This would allow veterans to more easily complete key transactions across VA Health and Benefits services. By streamlining VA services on one mobile app, former servicemen and women could more easily access the care they deserve.
““I am very pleased with this app. I can access my comprehensive service record information at a click. Everything is explained well, and the format is very user-friendly. It makes me proud to be a veteran and to have a country that takes pride in our well-being.””
This flagship app was the first of its kind for the government. We developed its features using research derived directly from vets:
Biometric login: Use a thumbprint or face ID to log in
Profile: View and edit personal information, including direct deposit information
Claims & Appeals Status: View claim or appeal statuses and upload additional documentation
Facility Locator: Directs users to their nearest VA facility leveraging location functionality in a web view
Appointments: View or cancel appointments, receive appointment reminders, and add appointments to the calendar
Veteran Crisis Line: Access the crisis line with native SMS integration
Secure Messaging: Message VA health providers.
Letters: Archive other necessary documentation
Statistics | Outcomes
4.8 rating in iOS app store and 4.6 in Google Play Store with over 17,000 reviews
99% crash-free stability
Over 250,000 downloads to date
Honorable mention from the White House