ORGANISATION
icare NSW and Aboriginal Health Sector
ROLE
Graphic Designer
BRIEF
Design and create interactive, accessible PDF forms for various applications, from health events to insurance claims.
OBJECTIVES
- Design culturally sensitive and user-friendly forms for Aboriginal health events.
- Create comprehensive forms for icare, including complex multipage interactive forms
- Adhere to strict accessibility standards, ensuring forms cater to a diverse audience.
SOFTWARE
- Xara Designer Pro (until 2014)
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Acrobat
- JavaScript for interactive features
Since 2007, I have specialised in creating interactive PDF forms, and in 2019, I embraced a new focus: Accessibility.
Since then, every form I’ve designed has to meet accessibility standards and ensure inclusivity for all users. By leveraging Adobe Acrobat Reader’s Accessibility Checker and adhering to WCAG 2.0 compliance, I’ve demonstrated a solid commitment to making digital content more accessible.
Diverse Applications, United by Accessibility Throughout my career, I’ve applied this expertise across various sectors:
- Aboriginal Health Sector: I designed over 80 culturally respectful and user-friendly forms for events like workshops, summits, and board meetings, covering topics such as chronic and mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and sexual health. My work also supported enrolment and membership processes for the Aboriginal Health College.
- Government and Insurance: At icare, I contributed to high-impact projects, creating forms for EFT Claims, Injured Person Lodgement, Permanent Impairment Claims, and the Dust Diseases Grants Program Application Form (spanning over ten pages). Each of these adhered to strict accessibility standards, ensuring usability for a diverse audience.
Technical Expertise I combine technical precision with creative design using Adobe InDesign for the initial form creation and finalising designs in Adobe Acrobat. I utilise JavaScript for advanced features like hidden sections, real-time word counters, and automated field calculations to enhance interactivity.
Cultural Sensitivity My work with the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW deepened my ability to design forms that are not only accessible but also culturally respectful. This unique perspective ensures that every design carefully serves its intended audience.
I am passionate about creating user-centric, inclusive designs and offer my expertise to organisations seeking high-quality, accessible PDF forms. Whether for government agencies, non-profits, or businesses, I bring a wealth of experience, technical skill, and cultural awareness to every project.
