The challenge

Debakarn, meaning “going along steady” in Nyoongar language, is a research and educational initiative based at Curtin University's School of Allied Health. The initiative works to improve accessibility and responsiveness of allied health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Debakarn needed a digital presence that could effectively serve multiple audiences (community members, service providers and educators) while honouring the cultural significance of their work. The previous website did not adequately communicate the progress and extent of the initiative, nor did it reflect the principles central to their approach: working biddiya to biddiya (path leader to path leader), shared storying through yarning, being On Country, co-designing solutions and learning to work relationally.

Our approach

OKMG delivered a WordPress redesign and rebuild, focused on readability, accessibility and respectful representation of Aboriginal knowledge and ways of working. The content strategy prioritised clear, purposeful language. We also created a clear navigation structure with targeted pathways enabling community members to engage with relevant content, service providers to access practical frameworks for improving care, and educators to integrate relational ways of working into their teaching.

The design framework incorporated appropriate cultural protocols, including respectful acknowledgment of Country and careful presentation of Elder wisdom and community voices. Visual design choices supported readability through considered typography, generous white space and a calm colour palette that allowed the important content to take centre stage without distraction.

The outcome

The final site is a substantial improvement on the previous design and clearly communicates the progress and extent of the initiative. The website now serves as an effective platform for Debakarn's important work in improving allied health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.