February 22, 2024
Clarity Web Design Studio is committed to female empowerment and inclusivity in the digital realm. Founded in 2015 as Bright Webs by visionary Steph Sedgwick, this female-led agency has undergone a remarkable transformation, fueled by a commitment to prioritize functionality alongside aesthetics. Today, under the banner of Clarity Web Design Studio, Sedgwick and her team stand at the forefront of revolutionizing web design, championing accessibility and diversity while empowering women entrepreneurs to thrive online.
Clarity Web Design Studio began as a side hustle in 2015, with an initial focus on crafting visually appealing websites for friends and local charities. But by 2019, Sedgwick recognized the need to prioritize functionality alongside aesthetics and laid the foundation for transformation in the world of web design.
“We try to focus on user experience and web accessibility, ensuring our websites aren’t just eye-catching but also functionally robust,” said Sedgwick. “With over 11 years in the industry, we’ve empowered countless businesses to elevate their online presence, attract more customers, and drive growth—all while championing accessibility.”
Just last year, Sedgwick expanded her business by welcoming Katherine Ryan and Alexa Kanchuk to the team. With the additional expertise, the trio decided to relaunch as Clarity Web Design Studio, committed to setting a new standard for findable and functional websites.
“We specialize in revitalizing older websites that no longer meet their owners’ needs, particularly for women entrepreneurs in niche service industries,” she said. “Our mission is to ensure your website not only meets compliance standards and user expectations, but also embodies your unique brand essence.”
Clarity Web Design Studio is dedicated to supporting female founders and entrepreneurs, by recognizing the critical role women have in fostering social change and innovation. It’s because of this that Clarity Web Design Studio was nominated for a 2023 Tech Forward Award.
“Through our collaborative efforts, we contribute to creating a more diverse and equitable tech landscape, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed,” Sedgwick said.
The company has reached significant milestones within the tech industry. Their client statistics demonstrate that web accessibility, user experience and search engine optimization all work hand in hand. As an example, when Clarity Web Design Studio launches its website revamps, their clients experience, on average, over 500 per cent organic traffic improvements within the first three months.
While visual appearance is one aspect of web design, Sedgwick says that accessibility must be given equal attention. She has noticed that business owners often become overly fixated on how their website looks, neglecting considerations such as cognitive stressors and sensory limitations that can impact user experiences.
At Clarity Web Design Studio, they don’t just design something that looks nice; they emphasize functionality.
“Focusing solely on visual aesthetics is a common pitfall in website design, one that I can relate to as I began my journey in the same manner. While the websites I initially created ‘looked’ pretty, they wouldn’t have provided a quality experience for anyone but a user just like me—which is an inadvertent and unnecessary way to exclude a huge range of people,” said Sedgwick.
“Factors such as visual acuity, fine motor skills—even reliance on older technology or unreliable wifi—can all be mitigated through accessible design practices. Prioritizing accessibility is one of the best ways to ensure that websites can serve a wider, more diverse needs of users rather than just a small percentage of the population. Not only does that make for a more inclusive and effective online experience, but it also opens up a business to far more potential customers.”
Clarity Design Web Studio doesn’t just design new websites, they are devoted to fostering change for women in the tech industry. They host a regular series of virtual round tables where guest speakers discuss digital experiences and accessibility.
“These roundtables are really exciting for us as a way to share both the importance of inclusivity and user experience in online design and also to bust a few myths along the way.”
For information on website design and upcoming roundtables, you can check out their website, claritywebdesign.ca.