The Canton of Bern’s government
website was completely overhauled
to unify content previously spread
across 50 websites and 85,000
pages. Following a public pitch we
won, our goal was to create a
consistent, flexible design that
meets the needs of a diverse
audience and ensures accessibility
(WCAG AA compliance).
A centralized design system with
visual and functional components
was developed to guide all
contributors—from design to
development and content. Initially
prototyped in Adobe XD, the
system was later translated into
code by our team.
The design follows a minimalist
approach based on the canton’s
color scheme (red, black, white),
complemented by soft beige
tones for balance. Roboto ensures
readability and timeless appeal,
supported by generous typography
and whitespace.
Key focus areas included a simplified
navigation with three main
sections: "Topics," "E-Services," and
"About Us," as well as mobile-first
layouts and clear structures for
accessibility. User testing throughout
all phases ensured the platform is
intuitive and inclusive for all users.
As part of the relaunch, we aimed
to subtly modernize the Canton of
Bern’s existing branding without
compromising its strong visual
identity. The goal was to create a
contemporary, elegant look that
inspires trust while emphasizing
the platform’s functional nature.
The traditional color palette—black,
red, and white—was carefully
extended with soft beige tones to
add warmth and visual depth,
enhancing the user experience
without diluting the canton’s
distinctive character.
For typography, we recommended
Roboto as the new primary typeface.
Modern, neutral, and highly legible
across digital environments, it balances
functionality with timeless design
—ideal for a public-facing platform
with diverse audiences.The updated
branding introduces a clear, cohesive
visual system that runs through all
digital touchpoints, giving the Canton
of Bern a refreshed and professional
presence.
