Case Study
Redesigning the DPWH Homepage
Aesthetic Version
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) serves as the principal government agency in the Philippines tasked with the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of national infrastructure.
The Problem
The DPWH homepage is cluttered and difficult to navigate, causing frustration for users who need quick and reliable information. Accessibility gaps and outdated design further limit its usability for citizens, contractors, and stakeholders.
The Goal
Redesign the homepage to be clear, user-friendly, and inclusive—ensuring that all users can easily access information and services with minimal effort. One-stop search all homepage.
Pain Points
Cluttered Navigation
Users found the homepage menus overwhelming, making it hard to locate important links. A simplified, well-structured navigation will guide users faster.
Poor Content Hierarchy
Important updates (like advisories or project status) are buried under less relevant content. Redesign will prioritize critical information at the top.
Accessibility Gaps
The site is not fully optimized for users with disabilities. Â (e.g., poor contrast, missing alt text).
Mobile Usability Issues
On mobile, users reported difficulty scrolling and locating content due to poor responsiveness. A mobile-first approach will make the experience smoother.
Scope
Constraints
Not going to delve deeper into pages after pages of the website like archives, about the staff,  or its former secretaries etc.
This case study did not explore the potential of Mobile App and Contractor’s Page as mentioned in the User Journey /UX Opportunities of our Persona No. 3 Contractor Porsche Vizcaya
Dropdown buttons will not be able open to another page. As per scope the study is user interface only
We only explored the Desktop and Tablet version.
User Persona 1
Marites Dela Cruz
Age: 47
Education: College graduate,
Public Administration
Hometown: Barangay San Isidro, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Family: Married with 3 children (ages 10, 14, and 18); lives with elderly mother
Occupation: Barangay Kagawad (Barangay Official)
Problem Statement
Marites is a barangay official who needs quick and reliable access to DPWH project updates because her community relies on her for accurate information.
Goals
- Provide timely and accurate updates to residents about DPWH infrastructure projects.
- Strengthen trust and transparency between local government and the community.
- Advocate for community needs in coordination meetings with city and national agencies.
- Use digital tools to streamline communication and reporting.
Frustrations
- Delayed or incomplete information from DPWH regional offices.
- Difficulty accessing project updates while in the field or during emergencies.
- Reliance on outdated communication channels (e.g., printed memos, word-of-mouth).
- Pressure from residents demanding immediate answers and accountability.
Tech Behavior
- Delayed or incomplete information from DPWH regional offices.
- Difficulty accessing project updates while in the field or during emergencies.
- Reliance on outdated communication channels (e.g., printed memos, word-of-mouth).
- Pressure from residents demanding immediate answers and accountability.
Solution for Persona No.1
As per Marites Dela Cruz Tech Behavior she uses a government issued tablet to file complaints. Their Barangay Captain would introduce the new website and will held an orientation to his subordinates, including Marites, on how to use new easy changes of the DPWH website and how they can utilize what’s important for their barangays. The homepage easy access to report a complaint by just clicking the Services, under Public Assistance you would find the File a complaint button.
3 Ways To File A Complaint:
User Persona 2
Pedro Isidro
Age: 32
Hometown: Quezon City, Metro Manila
Family: Lives with his wife and two young children (ages 3 and 6)
Occupation: Angkas Rider (Motorcycle-based ride-hailing and delivery service)
Problem Statement
Pedro Isidro is an Angkas Rider curious about roads that are under construction who wants to rely on DPWH project updates so he can plan his routes.
Goals
- Maximize daily earnings by minimizing delays and detours.
- Stay informed about road closures, construction zones, and traffic advisories.
- Build trust with passengers by arriving on time and choosing efficient routes.
- Use reliable sources like DPWH updates to plan ahead, especially for peak hours.
Frustrations
- Inconsistent or delayed updates from government sources.
- Wasted fuel and time due to unexpected roadblocks or rerouting.
- Difficulty accessing DPWH data in a mobile-friendly format while on the road.
- Feeling left out of infrastructure decisions that directly affect his livelihood.
Tech Behavior
- Uses navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps, but finds them lacking in real-time construction alerts.
- Active on Facebook and Viber for community updates.
- Checks Facebook groups and Viber communities for rider tips, but wishes for a more official source.
- Would benefit from an integrated app feature that overlays DPWH updates on his route planner.
Solution for Persona No.2
While mobile solution on real-time construction alerts is still under study. An indirect solution would be interactive map that can provide details on current road constructions in various places in Metro Manila.
User Persona 3
Porsche Vizcaya
Age: 49
Education: College graduate,
Public Administration
Hometown: Pasig, Metro Manila
Family: Married, high school-aged children; runs the business with her husband
Occupation: Mid-level contractor, Co-owner of St. Bubble Man Builder Inc.
Problem Statement
Porsche Vizcaya, is a mid-level contractor working on DPWH infrastructure projects, co-owner of St. Bubble Man Builders Inc. She relies on the DPWH mobile app to access bidding announcements, check project status and submit compliance documents.
Goals
- Access and respond to bidding announcement quicklyS
- Monitor project status to manage timelines and team coordination.
- Submit compliance documents accurately and on time.
- Maintain a strong reputation with DPWH through consistent performance.
Frustrations
- Unreliable notifications lead to missed opportunities.
- Slow or failed uploads of compliance documents.
- Vague project updates make planning difficult.
- Redundant steps when switching between app and email.
Solution for Persona No.3
The agency still on the processed of studying a functional mobile that would also serve contractors in relation with bidding and compliance documents, in the meantime they can rely on how quick they can locate the Contractor & Bidding dropdown button .
