Making COVID user frendly

Domestic ​and i​nternati​onal measures​ in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) have had a large economic and financial impact on Victoria, Australia and the rest of the world.​​ I was the administrator (main web contact and after-hours representative) and Department representative for the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) for all Business and Industry pages and content on Coronavirus.vic.gov.au. I worked on 4 of the 6 Melbourne Metro lockdowns and most of the Regional Victoria lockdowns.

With each lockdown, I tried to improve how we presented information (making it easier for users). In 2021, with Jane Krokos (COVID-19 Guidance Team), we redesigned the "Industry Guides" (moving from a PDF mini-book to a webpage template using Human-Centred Design. This was tested at the Industry Round Tables (with representatives from across industry and business). This work contributed to helped us win the prestigious Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) Secretary’s Award 2021.

Moving from 22x min-book PDF guidelines, which are not user-friendly, not accessible, and hard to follow.
Moving to a new step-by-step industry guide (new web template), like a food recipe, or a how-to guide.

More accessible and clearer for people with a disability, older and tired/stressed users.
Consistent formatting, layout & style. With skip-ahead-option (using “on this page”), have more hyperlinks to guides and resources.

Plain-language word choices.
Words that more people can understand faster. Make page names, IA & website structure easier. Must-do items and highly recommended steps. The minimum requirements for Business. Tailored to that sector/industry
(reduce 15-20 pages) by cutting or move-and-link the non-industry-specific generic guides/resources  
= faster to update = so less out-of-date content

See the old page with PDFs >>
See the new template web pages >>

I was also involved in working with the Department of Health and Digital Victoria in testing Service Victoria iOS App updates in 2021-2022 (including location check-in and vaccine certificate). This was a Finalist 2022 Premier's Design Awards (by Service Victoria and Two Bulls). Also, in making a full site backup (my idea), bug testing and helping to shut down the site in late 2023.