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redesigned a government website for LA County JCOD
LA County's Justice, Care & Opportunities Department

Bridging the Gap Between Vision and Functionality

The Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD) is a relatively new organization created by The LA County Board of Supervisors. JCOD was established to provide resources, support, and advocacy for justice-involved individuals and their families.

RIPE was tasked with creating a website that would be a definitive launching point for JCOD’s mission via a modern, responsive, and user-friendly platform that effectively connected individuals with critical resources while elevating the department’s visibility.

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THE Challenge

Defining Requirements

  • Poor User Experience (UX): The existing site was cluttered and lacked clear content hierarchies, making navigation cumbersome for key audiences, including justice-involved individuals and their families.
  • Brand Misalignment: The website’s design and content did not adequately reflect the department’s innovative mission or groundbreaking initiatives.
  • Technical Limitations: Outdated technology hindered performance and failed to meet modern usability standards.
  • Complex Audience Needs: The site had to address the unique needs of diverse audiences, including individuals seeking assistance, social justice advocates, and community-based organizations.

“RIPE brought our vision to life. They took our ideas and delivered exactly what we wanted—or better. Their responsiveness and professionalism were excellent throughout the project.”

- BRENDA DURAN, DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, JCOD -
Our Approach

Crafting a People-Centered Experience

To address these challenges, RIPE followed a structured, collaborative methodology:

  1. Discovery Phase:
    During this phase, we engaged with JCOD stakeholders to deeply understand their mission, target audiences, and technical needs. Branding workshops revealed the department’s core identity traits: compassionate, innovative, and empowering.
  2. Content Creation & UX Strategy:
    We reorganized the website’s information architecture, ensuring clear hierarchies and intuitive navigation. The new structure focused on ease of access to resources, such as housing, employment, and substance abuse programs.
  3. Design & Development:
    Utilizing WordPress, we designed a visually compelling and responsive website that uniquely expressed JCOD’s brand identity. Authentic photography and storytelling elements were incorporated to resonate with users and foster trust.
  4. Iterative Collaboration:
    Weekly stand-up meetings, skilled project management, and collaborative tools ensured seamless alignment between our team and JCOD. Feedback loops were crucial in refining design and functionality.

Key Features Delivered

  • Modern Design: A clean, responsive layout emphasizing accessibility and usability.
  • Enhanced Navigation: Streamlined pathways to connect users with resources and services.
  • Brand Refresh: A cohesive visual identity aligning with JCOD’s mission and vision.
  • Storytelling Integration: A design that communicates the department’s impact through personal narratives.
  • Data-Driven Functionality: Improved performance, ensuring faster load times and seamless user interactions.

 

“My team really enjoyed our collegial collaboration with JCOD and we look forward to future work. The redesigned site won a Gold Award through the international MarCom Awards competition. The launch was such a success and this award is another way to celebrate our collective effort. Thank you JCOD for entrusting RIPE!”

- HEATHER RICHMAN, CREATIVE DIRECTOR @ RIPE -
Platform for Change
Results

A Platform for Change

Since the launch, the redesigned website has received overwhelmingly positive feedback:

  • Award-Winning Design: The site won a prestigious MarCom Award, recognizing excellence in digital communication.
  • Improved Engagement: End users and JCOD’s staff praises the site’s accessibility, visual appeal, and the ease of navigation that effectively connects people to services.
  • Ongoing Support: RIPE continues to provide technical support, ongoing maintenance, and is developing a microsite for JCOD’s Justice Connect program.

 

Looking Ahead

JCOD’s website is more than a digital presence–it’s a tool for positive change. By bridging the gap between justice-involved individuals and vital resources, RIPE has empowered the department to fulfill its mission of creating safer, thriving communities. We happily continue on as their dedicated marketing team. 🙂

Contact us to learn more.