Overview

The PLANTS Database, a public-facing resource from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, offers standardized data on vascular plants, mosses, liverworts, and lichens across the U.S. This redesign brought the aging platform into alignment with modern federal web standards, with a responsive interface and more usable taxonomy tools for public and academic users.

Problem / Solution

The original PLANTS site was not mobile-friendly and relied on outdated visual styles that were inconsistent with newer USDA and USWDS guidelines. Navigation was dense and lacked clarity, making it difficult for users to efficiently explore plant data or interpret species profiles.

This redesign focused on:

• Applying consistent federal styling through USWDS-compatible components

• Restructuring information hierarchy to prioritize usability and clarity

• Improving readability with simplified type and spacing

• Making the entire experience mobile responsive

• Enhancing search visibility and tabbed navigation in plant profiles

UX Considerations

Mobile-first modernization: Legacy layouts were rebuilt on a fluid, responsive grid to support browsing on phones and tablets.

User-friendly profiles: Each plant’s data—like synonyms, images, and characteristics—was restructured into a tabbed format for easier scanning and navigation.

Consistency with USDA digital ecosystem: Color, typography, and spacing were harmonized with modern USDA tools, boosting familiarity across platforms.

Accessibility compliance: Interaction elements and content structure were updated to support better screen reader navigation and keyboard use.