I designed and developed "Facing M.E.," a contemplative, gallery-focused digital home for a profound advocacy project: a series of 33 self-portraits captured by the artist from her bed. This website serves as a vital resource for a niche community, providing representation and emotional connection for people living with M.E. (myalgic encephalomyelitis)—a condition that is often deeply isolating.

I utilized a minimalist design aesthetic to ensure the emotional weight of the content remained the focal point. To cater to different energy levels and viewing preferences, I implemented a dual-pathway user experience on the gallery page, designed specifically for a community that values clarity and calm interaction:

  • Automatic Slideshow: An effortless way for visitors to view the collection as a continuous, timed preview.

  • Manual Gallery Exploration: A full-screen interactive mode allowing visitors to browse and reflect on each image at their own pace.

The project highlights how a minimalist structure and a thoughtful, "low-stimulation" user experience can honor a sensitive subject. By prioritizing clarity and ease of navigation, the site provides a dignified space for visitors to see their own experiences reflected in art. The final result is a refined platform that honors the artist’s vision while serving a global community.

Client
barbara findlay "Facing M.E." – Project Website

Industry
Arts & Advocacy / Health & Community

Services
Website Design, UX Strategy, Content Organization & Mobile Optimization

Platform
Squarespace

“Are you like me? Someone who knows what you want in your website, but who doesn’t have the vision or skills to make it a reality yourself? Meet Anna.

Anna oversaw and executed the most pain-free website development process I have ever been part of (and I have done a few!). She established my expectations – I was doing essentially an artist’s site – and documented them in a contract which included the work, the timeline, and the (very reasonable) fee. I was working under a time constraint when I developed the website. One of the problems I have had with other designers is that after a great intro interview my project disappears under a pile of other work. But Anna delivered everything she committed to and always by the timeline we had agreed. I asked her to make the site accessible on desktops, laptops, tablets and phones: the work shows brilliantly on each of those platforms.

I met with Anna three times: our introductory meeting, a first-draft review, and a final sign off. She was a dream to work with because she had already organized what information she needed from me, and communicated so clearly that there were no misunderstandings anywhere in the design process. Anna also helped me to find a host for my site and do those kinds of technical things. I am so happy with the website.  Anna understood what I was looking for and did a fabulous job of manifesting my idea into the reality of a site. The website perfectly showcases my art. I have had many, many compliments on the site.”

barbara findlay

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