DCMD.info

DCMD.info is the website for information and fundraising for degenerative eye disease DCMD (Dominant Cystoid Macular Dystrophy).

Led the modernization of the 15-year-old Joomla! website, transforming an outdated, hard-to-maintain platform with poor UX into a modern, accessible, and fundraising-focused digital presence.

Conducted a full UX and technical assessment and defined a phased renewal strategy. Although a complete platform migration was initially considered, I strategically chose to retain Joomla! to ensure maintainability and continuity. Carefully executed incremental minor-version upgrades to reach the latest stable release without disrupting existing content, preserving the majority of legacy material while improving system stability and security.

Redesigned the information architecture to significantly improve navigation and usability. Restructured and consolidated content where necessary to reduce complexity and enhance clarity. Implemented a fully responsive design optimized for mobile devices and ensured compliance with modern accessibility standards, including support for screen readers.

Shifted the digital strategy to actively support fundraising goals by introducing a persistent donation block across content pages, increasing visibility and conversion opportunities. Drew layout inspiration from the Nederlandse Oogonderzoek Stichting, adopting a clean, minimal structure with easily accessible content.

Refined the visual identity by softening the existing color palette to a more contemporary pink tone and designed a new logo to modernize the brand. Collaborated with volunteers to introduce a custom mascot to support engagement and visibility during fundraising campaigns and events.

Demonstrated strong stakeholder collaboration, legacy system management, UX redesign, accessibility implementation, and brand development within a single end-to-end website transformation project.

Their 15-year-old Joomla! website was wholly outdated. It was unmaintainable and the UX was very bad. The new website is much more user-friendly and meets modern standards, such as support for mobile devices and screen reader software. We are also focusing more on fundraising. The content pages now feature a persistent donation block.

About DCMD (Dominant Cystoid Macular Dystrophy)

Dominant Cystoid Macular Dystrophy is a rare, inherited eye disease that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. People with DCMD develop fluid-filled pockets (cysts) in the macula over time. These cause blurry or distorted central vision, especially for reading, driving, or seeing fine detail. It usually starts in childhood or young adulthood. Over time, the cysts may shrink, but the macula can become scarred or thinned, leading to permanent vision loss in the center of the eye.

Will you also donate to this wonderful cause? Donate for DCMD research ❤️