East Tennessee Kidney Foundation
Client | East Tennessee Kidney Foundation
Date | March 2025 – November 2025
Role | Web Developer/Graphic Designer
Project Overview
The East Tennessee Kidney Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports individuals living with kidney disease in East Tennessee. They offer a variety of programs designed to make kidney disease treatment more affordable and accessible so that those living with kidney disease can get the care they need.
Their old website had not been updated since 2018. Since then, the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation has developed more programs and partnerships that they wanted to showcase on their new website. In order to achieve this goal we had three main objectives– update the design style so that it was more modern and user friendly, expand on the existing website content to reach a larger audience, and encourage the community to get involved and support the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation and their mission.
Key Takeaways
Know Your Audience
When I started this project, I knew this website would be intended for those living with kidney disease. Over time I decided to expand the content to appeal to the general public because they also could benefit from this information.
Customize Client Communication
While many clients prefer email, this client found it more productive to meet in-person to look over the website and discuss any revisions. I scheduled meetings and video calls with the client as needed throughout the project.
Understand the Problem
I was unfamiliar with kidney disease and kidney failure prior to starting this project. To help me better understand my client I conducted my own research and used it in developing the website content.
Primary Features
Promotes easy donations
I added functionality to make it easier for the client to receive donations through their website by making the donation process more accessible.
Connects with the community
The site builds empathy and awareness through the use of real world examples that highlight the struggles of those living with kidney disease and how the foundation has assisted them.
Educates with custom graphics
I created new graphics to make the information on the site easy to understand. The updated visuals promote easier comprehension of the information.
Promoting Donations
The East Tennessee Kidney Foundation relies on donations to support their programs. I made sure there were multiple ways to access information about donating and different ways to donate on the site.
Every page has a donate button underneath the page title to make it easy to navigate to the donation page.
A donation form from Givebutter is embedded directly on the site to make it easier for users to donate directly on the website.
Alternative options to support the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation are highlighted for donors who are unable to contribute monetarily.
The Volunteer Your Ride Program information is also featured which allows individuals to donate their vehicle to ETKF.
Connecting with the Community
Throughout the site there are real-world examples from individuals who have benefitted from help offered by the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation. These personal accounts and photos allow the audience to get a glimpse of the challenges for those who are living with kidney disease.
I included a patient spotlight carousel that showcases stories from people living with kidney disease and how they benefitted from assistance from the ETKF. Each image is linked to the individual’s story.
Each story features quotes from the patient so that the audience can read their exact words describing their experience with kidney disease.
A living donor’s story demonstrates how one individual’s choice to donate a kidney saved a baby’s life. Multiple photos bring the story to life.
Custom Graphics
In addition to building the new site, I created a custom graphic that places the kidneys in the center of attention and streamlines the visual to align with the new look of the website. The client frequently uses this graphic on social media posts.
Before
- Doesn’t use brand colors or fonts
- Doesn’t explain how the actions help prevent kidney failure
- Lots of bright colors that are distracting
After
- Updated to use brand colors and fonts found on website
- Each action has an explanation that provides more detail about how the item assists with preventing kidney failure
- Easier to read with fewer colors
Results
The result of my design is a more functional and visually appealing website. The site includes more information and makes it easier for individuals to get the care they need through the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation.
The client liked the new style so much that he carried it over to their social media accounts so that their site and social media posts are cohesive.
"The new website for the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation is absolutely incredible! Working with Slamdot and Ainsley Johnson has been such a pleasure. Their attention to detail, professionalism, and genuine care for our mission truly shine through in every part of the site. It’s clear they didn’t just build a website — they built something that helps us better serve our community. We’re so grateful for their passion and partnership!”