UI / UX Design

NEDSS Legacy UI Redesign

At SSDataInfo I spearheaded the redesign of the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) UI across 400+ screens, modernizing legacy public health software for 25 jurisdictions. My team delivered a scalable, 508-compliant design system that streamlined data-heavy workflows for doctors, epidemiologists, and public health officials.

Year :

2024

Industry :

SaaS / Healthcare

Client :

SSDataInfo

Project Duration :

2+ years (ongoing)

PROBLEM: PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS RELIED ON AN OUTDATED, UNACCESSIBLE INTERFACE THAT MADE MANAGING AND REPORTING CRITICAL DATA INEFFICIENT AND INACCESSIBLE.

What we faced:
For 24 years, the CDC’s National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) UI hadn’t been updated. That meant:

  • Clunky workflows that slowed data entry

  • Inconsistent layouts and outdated widgets

  • Accessibility gaps creating frustration for users with disabilities

Why it mattered:
Every click and form field wasted time. Our goal was to modernize without losing existing functionality or breaking anything under the hood.

Legacy Homepage

Process

1. Discovery

  • Quick wins first: Mapped the legacy interface to find UI tweaks that didn’t touch the back end.

  • User feedback. Ran workshops with real system users to validate pain points.

  • Scope Management: Limited enhancements to those that didn't impact backend systems, keeping the project on schedule.

Accessibility‑First Design

  • 508 testing templates. Every draft prototype went through automated and manual accessibility checks.

  • Inclusive controls. Redesigned widgets (date pickers, dropdowns, buttons) for keyboard and screen‑reader users.

3. Iterative Prototyping

  • Fast mockups. Built interactive prototypes leveraging HTML Templates and Bootstrap for each major workflow.

  • Stakeholder reviews. Gathered feedback in weekly demos to prevent scope creep.

4. Quality Assurance

  • Regression tests. Verified the new UI matched every existing function (no surprises for long‑time users).

  • Accessibility audit. Final pass to confirm 100% 508 compliance before launch.

Redesigned Homepage

DESIGN CONSTRAINTS

Backend Dependency: Design improvements were implemented only when no backend updates were required with exception made only if scope allowed.

  • Accessibility: Ensured full 508 compliance in accordance with government standards.

  • System Parity: Maintained identical functionality and user experience between the old system and the new UI.

  • Scope Management: Actively managed scope creep to adhere to strict timeline constraints.

Legacy Data Table


Accessibility Evaluation with Accessibility Insights

Section 508 ensures federal technology works for everyone. Making NEDSS fully compliant was key to fair access for all users. Adhering to these standards in our project was crucial for equitable access to government services.

  • High-Contrast: Introduced a high-contrast mode to improve readability for users with visual impairments.

  • Accessible Forms: Improved form accessibility with clear labels, instructions, and error messages that are easily read by screen readers.

  • Consistent Layout: We standardized page structures and component placement, so each screen feels familiar and reduces mental effort.

  • User Feedback Integration: By testing with real users who rely on assistive tech, we iterated continuously keeping improvements grounded in actual needs.

Together, these updates make NEDSS more inclusive, usable, and fully Section 508 compliant.

Redesigned Data Table

LEGACY UI REDESIGN FOCUSED ON ACCESSIBILITY THROUGH COLLABORATION, TESTING, AND 508 COMPLIANCE

Collaborative Iteration
Worked hand‑in‑hand with developers and testers.

  • Thorough Testing
    Combined Accessibility Insights and manual audits to fix structure, labels, keyboard flow, and ARIA.

  • WCAG‑Compliant Interface
    Modern components built for screen readers and intuitive use.

  • 508‑First Review
    Every design choice vetted for compliance without sacrificing cohesion.

2.3 min

Average time saved per search inquiry

94%

Increase in user satisfaction

25%

Increase in application adoption

More Projects

UI / UX Design

NEDSS Legacy UI Redesign

At SSDataInfo I spearheaded the redesign of the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) UI across 400+ screens, modernizing legacy public health software for 25 jurisdictions. My team delivered a scalable, 508-compliant design system that streamlined data-heavy workflows for doctors, epidemiologists, and public health officials.

Year :

2024

Industry :

SaaS / Healthcare

Client :

SSDataInfo

Project Duration :

2+ years (ongoing)

PROBLEM: PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS RELIED ON AN OUTDATED, UNACCESSIBLE INTERFACE THAT MADE MANAGING AND REPORTING CRITICAL DATA INEFFICIENT AND INACCESSIBLE.

What we faced:
For 24 years, the CDC’s National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) UI hadn’t been updated. That meant:

  • Clunky workflows that slowed data entry

  • Inconsistent layouts and outdated widgets

  • Accessibility gaps creating frustration for users with disabilities

Why it mattered:
Every click and form field wasted time. Our goal was to modernize without losing existing functionality or breaking anything under the hood.

Legacy Homepage

Process

1. Discovery

  • Quick wins first: Mapped the legacy interface to find UI tweaks that didn’t touch the back end.

  • User feedback. Ran workshops with real system users to validate pain points.

  • Scope Management: Limited enhancements to those that didn't impact backend systems, keeping the project on schedule.

Accessibility‑First Design

  • 508 testing templates. Every draft prototype went through automated and manual accessibility checks.

  • Inclusive controls. Redesigned widgets (date pickers, dropdowns, buttons) for keyboard and screen‑reader users.

3. Iterative Prototyping

  • Fast mockups. Built interactive prototypes leveraging HTML Templates and Bootstrap for each major workflow.

  • Stakeholder reviews. Gathered feedback in weekly demos to prevent scope creep.

4. Quality Assurance

  • Regression tests. Verified the new UI matched every existing function (no surprises for long‑time users).

  • Accessibility audit. Final pass to confirm 100% 508 compliance before launch.

Redesigned Homepage

DESIGN CONSTRAINTS

Backend Dependency: Design improvements were implemented only when no backend updates were required with exception made only if scope allowed.

  • Accessibility: Ensured full 508 compliance in accordance with government standards.

  • System Parity: Maintained identical functionality and user experience between the old system and the new UI.

  • Scope Management: Actively managed scope creep to adhere to strict timeline constraints.

Legacy Data Table


Accessibility Evaluation with Accessibility Insights

Section 508 ensures federal technology works for everyone. Making NEDSS fully compliant was key to fair access for all users. Adhering to these standards in our project was crucial for equitable access to government services.

  • High-Contrast: Introduced a high-contrast mode to improve readability for users with visual impairments.

  • Accessible Forms: Improved form accessibility with clear labels, instructions, and error messages that are easily read by screen readers.

  • Consistent Layout: We standardized page structures and component placement, so each screen feels familiar and reduces mental effort.

  • User Feedback Integration: By testing with real users who rely on assistive tech, we iterated continuously keeping improvements grounded in actual needs.

Together, these updates make NEDSS more inclusive, usable, and fully Section 508 compliant.

Redesigned Data Table

LEGACY UI REDESIGN FOCUSED ON ACCESSIBILITY THROUGH COLLABORATION, TESTING, AND 508 COMPLIANCE

Collaborative Iteration
Worked hand‑in‑hand with developers and testers.

  • Thorough Testing
    Combined Accessibility Insights and manual audits to fix structure, labels, keyboard flow, and ARIA.

  • WCAG‑Compliant Interface
    Modern components built for screen readers and intuitive use.

  • 508‑First Review
    Every design choice vetted for compliance without sacrificing cohesion.

2.3 min

Average time saved per search inquiry

94%

Increase in user satisfaction

25%

Increase in application adoption

More Projects

UI / UX Design

NEDSS Legacy UI Redesign

At SSDataInfo I spearheaded the redesign of the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) UI across 400+ screens, modernizing legacy public health software for 25 jurisdictions. My team delivered a scalable, 508-compliant design system that streamlined data-heavy workflows for doctors, epidemiologists, and public health officials.

Year :

2024

Industry :

SaaS / Healthcare

Client :

SSDataInfo

Project Duration :

2+ years (ongoing)

PROBLEM: PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS RELIED ON AN OUTDATED, UNACCESSIBLE INTERFACE THAT MADE MANAGING AND REPORTING CRITICAL DATA INEFFICIENT AND INACCESSIBLE.

What we faced:
For 24 years, the CDC’s National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) UI hadn’t been updated. That meant:

  • Clunky workflows that slowed data entry

  • Inconsistent layouts and outdated widgets

  • Accessibility gaps creating frustration for users with disabilities

Why it mattered:
Every click and form field wasted time. Our goal was to modernize without losing existing functionality or breaking anything under the hood.

Legacy Homepage

Process

1. Discovery

  • Quick wins first: Mapped the legacy interface to find UI tweaks that didn’t touch the back end.

  • User feedback. Ran workshops with real system users to validate pain points.

  • Scope Management: Limited enhancements to those that didn't impact backend systems, keeping the project on schedule.

Accessibility‑First Design

  • 508 testing templates. Every draft prototype went through automated and manual accessibility checks.

  • Inclusive controls. Redesigned widgets (date pickers, dropdowns, buttons) for keyboard and screen‑reader users.

3. Iterative Prototyping

  • Fast mockups. Built interactive prototypes leveraging HTML Templates and Bootstrap for each major workflow.

  • Stakeholder reviews. Gathered feedback in weekly demos to prevent scope creep.

4. Quality Assurance

  • Regression tests. Verified the new UI matched every existing function (no surprises for long‑time users).

  • Accessibility audit. Final pass to confirm 100% 508 compliance before launch.

Redesigned Homepage

DESIGN CONSTRAINTS

Backend Dependency: Design improvements were implemented only when no backend updates were required with exception made only if scope allowed.

  • Accessibility: Ensured full 508 compliance in accordance with government standards.

  • System Parity: Maintained identical functionality and user experience between the old system and the new UI.

  • Scope Management: Actively managed scope creep to adhere to strict timeline constraints.

Legacy Data Table


Accessibility Evaluation with Accessibility Insights

Section 508 ensures federal technology works for everyone. Making NEDSS fully compliant was key to fair access for all users. Adhering to these standards in our project was crucial for equitable access to government services.

  • High-Contrast: Introduced a high-contrast mode to improve readability for users with visual impairments.

  • Accessible Forms: Improved form accessibility with clear labels, instructions, and error messages that are easily read by screen readers.

  • Consistent Layout: We standardized page structures and component placement, so each screen feels familiar and reduces mental effort.

  • User Feedback Integration: By testing with real users who rely on assistive tech, we iterated continuously keeping improvements grounded in actual needs.

Together, these updates make NEDSS more inclusive, usable, and fully Section 508 compliant.

Redesigned Data Table

LEGACY UI REDESIGN FOCUSED ON ACCESSIBILITY THROUGH COLLABORATION, TESTING, AND 508 COMPLIANCE

Collaborative Iteration
Worked hand‑in‑hand with developers and testers.

  • Thorough Testing
    Combined Accessibility Insights and manual audits to fix structure, labels, keyboard flow, and ARIA.

  • WCAG‑Compliant Interface
    Modern components built for screen readers and intuitive use.

  • 508‑First Review
    Every design choice vetted for compliance without sacrificing cohesion.

2.3 min

Average time saved per search inquiry

94%

Increase in user satisfaction

25%

Increase in application adoption

More Projects