Shaping intuitive, inclusive solutions improving user outcomes and mission impact.

​

At Red Cedar, Human-Centered Design (HCD) goes beyond user interfaces, aligning technology to the mission by deeply understanding the people using it. We combine Human Systems Integration (HSI), ethnographic research, and iterative design methods, ensuring solutions remain intuitive, accessible, and adoptable. Embedding user insights from day one reduces risk, accelerates adoption, and delivers measurable outcomes.

​

UI/UX & Human Systems Integration

Leading with research and collaboration, we understand end-users, their personas, workflows, goals, pain points, and environments. Our HSI team collaborates with clients, subject matter experts, and users, translating findings into actionable design guidance, ensuring technology supports mission effectiveness.

Approach

• Conducting ethnographic research and workflow analysis mapping user needs

• Defining personas, roles, and permissions reflecting mission realities

• Designing intuitive, consistent, and familiar experiences delivering an omnichannel experience

• Aligning technical complexity into back-end systems keeping interfaces clear and usable

• Incorporating Agile feedback into continuous backlogs, rapidly prioritizing and addressing fixes

Outcomes

• Creating designs aligning with mission priorities

• Improving user satisfaction with consistent and familiar experiences

• Accelerating adoption through research-driven insights

• Supporting mission effectiveness with intuitive technology

​

Accessibility & Section 508

Embedding accessibility across design, development, and operations, not treating it as a late-stage checkbox. At Red Cedar, we integrate Section 508 and WCAG standards through our DevA11yOps approach, ensuring inclusive solutions evolving with technology and mission needs.

Approach

• Planning & governing by embedding 508 checkpoints into requirements, mockups, and demos

• Testing and remediating using automated scans and Trusted Tester aligned manual reviews

• Operating and sustaining compliance monitoring, O&M support, and guiding upgrade & releases 

• Training and transitioning with tailored materials and proven playbooks for continuity

Outcomes

• Embedding accessibility as practice with compliance in workflows

• Accelerating DevSecOps with CI-based scans and manual validation

• Governing with data-driven transparency and traceable test artifacts

• Delivering faster remediation, fewer post-release issues, and consistent DHS-approved pass rates

​

Prototyping & Testing

Validating design through rapid, iterative testing, RCC prototypes early and often, tailoring methods to timelines, budgets, and end-user availability.

Approach

• Using lightweight prototypes including mockups, storyboards, and demos for early validation

• Employing usability assessments with gorilla testing, remote sessions, and sprint-based reviews

• Standing up secure environments enabling interactive user testing and feedback loops

• Applying Agile and Extreme Programming (XP) practices ensuring continuous refinement

• Measuring usability with metrics on efficiency, satisfaction, clarity, and compliance

Outcomes

• Reducing development risk with early feedback

• Driving faster adoption through solutions meeting real user needs

• Delivering higher quality, accessible products at mission speed

​

Federal Experience

Applying HCD and accessibility practices across agencies including DHS, HHS, SBA, USDA, NASA, IRS, and USCG. From SharePoint modernization to ServiceNow platforms, from enterprise accessibility audits to custom prototypes, Red Cedar delivers user-centered solutions operating at scale and in mission-critical environments.