Release 1.23

We're excited to announce District Engage version 1.23, featuring a refreshed admin interface with enhanced visual design, improved accessibility, and better dark mode support. This release focuses on elevating the user experience for administrators with modern styling updates while maintaining all existing functionality and workflows.

Major Features ⭐️

Modernised Admin Interface Design

We've completely refreshed the visual design of the District Engage admin interface to provide a cleaner, more modern, and accessible experience for all users. This comprehensive update brings consistency and polish to every aspect of the dashboard while maintaining the familiar layout and navigation structure you're accustomed to.

Key improvements include:

• Updated colour system: A refined colour palette that improves readability and reduces visual fatigue
• Improved navigation: Streamlined left-hand navigation with better visual hierarchy and full keyboard accessibility and mobile support
• Modern component styling: Updated buttons, forms, inputs and cards with contemporary design patterns
• Consistent iconography: Unified icon set with improved contrast and clarity
• Clearer visual hierarchy: Better organisation of information across all admin screens

WCAG Accessibility Compliance

This release brings significant accessibility improvements to ensure the admin interface meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards:

• Enhanced colour contrast: All text and interactive elements now meet or exceed WCAG contrast ratio requirements for better readability
• Full keyboard navigation: Keyboard accessibility throughout the entire admin interface
• Improved focus indicators: Clear visual cues for keyboard navigation
• Screen reader optimisation: Better compatibility with assistive technologies
• "Enhanced accessibility" mode: Optional setting in Settings > Appearance for users requiring additional visual cues

Light and Dark Mode Enhancements

The admin interface now features a sophisticated theming system that seamlessly switches between light and dark modes:

• Optimised contrast ratios meeting WCAG standards in both modes
• Refined colour transitions that maintain visual consistency
• Improved focus states for better keyboard navigation
• Updated hover states across all interactive elements

What Hasn't Changed

• All functionality remains unchanged
• Your workflows stay exactly as they are
• Content, projects, and settings are unaffected
• Public-facing frontend remains unchanged
• Everything is exactly where you expect it – just cleaner and more accessible

These visual updates represent our ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional and accessible user experience for all District Engage administrators. The refreshed interface not only looks more modern but also significantly improves usability and accessibility, ensuring that everyone can use District Engage effectively regardless of their abilities or assistive technology needs.

The changes have been carefully implemented to maintain your familiar workflows while providing a cleaner, more accessible interface. We believe these enhancements will make your daily work in District Engage more pleasant and productive.

As always, we welcome your feedback on these improvements. If you have any questions or need assistance with the new interface, please don't hesitate to contact our support team.