A streamlined website and client portal for document handling.
I helped Mid-Valley Automatic Fire Systems modernize their web presence with a custom designed and built CMS website —— transforming how they handle their web presence and client documentation into an integrated experience.
Context
Challenge
Outdated website and clunky documentation handling.
Mid-Valley Autmatic Fire Systems hadn't update their website in a long time and wanted to revamp their digital presence. They also had a manual documentation process that they saw as an opportunity to modernize.
Approach
Strategy
Define and design a digital experience and visual system that works for two surfaces.
There were two major parts to the project: a moderately-sized client-facing website and a documentation portal. The website would be a brand refresh, redesign, and rebuild while the portal was a completely new experience that updated the manual process they'd been utilizing.
Foundation
Design Foundations
I defined the visual system that consisted of two modes that would work together separately —— one client-facing and one internal.
I built out a dual-mode visual system distilled from the brand elements I had available. One side would be for the client-facing experience and the other, a darker alternate version would be used internally for a documentation portal that allowed clients to upload and view safety documentation.
External Deliverable
Client-Facing Website
A refreshed design and rethrought flow to modernize the experience.
I redesigned the marketing site to be fully responsive and on-brand, with a CMS powering service pages, team bios, and educational articles. Alongside it, I built a client portal where field staff can upload and access safety documentation in real time. The result is a streamlined, modern system that strengthens both Mid-Valley’s Automatic Fire Systems' marketing presence and their operational efficiency.
Client Portal Experience
Streamlined Access for Ongoing Operations
The client portal was designed to simplify access to important documents, communication, and operational resources.
Future enhancements include expanded document management tools, improved account organization, and additional workflow integrations to better support both clients and internal operations. As the platform evolves, the portal will continue improving efficiency, accessibility, and long-term usability.
Client Portal Experience
Design Before Designing
My focus was long-term solutions architecture.
Working on the Mid-Valley Automatic Fire Systems digital platform reinforced a core principle of effective web design: the most critical decisions happen before visual design begins. Beyond user flows and brand expression, the process required evaluating operational costs, staff involvement, and real-world usability for both teams and clients. By prioritizing platform architecture and system behavior early, the final design became more resilient, efficient, and valuable—supporting long-term use rather than short-term polish.
Contact Me
I build thoughtful digital experiences. If you’d like to work together, I’d be glad to connect.
Use my form, send me an email at hello@johnhansen.design or schedule a call.