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AI website Search

Case Study

Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan

Third Circuit Court - AI Website Search

Redesigning the Third Judicial Circuit Court Website with AI‑Powered Search at the Center

  • Technologies
  • React.js / Next.js
  • AI–based search
  • Progress Sitefinity
  • Expertise
  • Integrations
  • Data Management
  • Custom Development

The Goal

  1. Make court information faster and easier to find
  2. Shift from navigation-heavy browsing to search-first discovery
  3. Prepare the platform for AI-powered search and content discovery
  4. Improve search accuracy while preserving public trust
  5. Reduce cognitive load through clearer structure and UX
  6. Support governance, accessibility, and public-sector requirements
  7. Create a scalable model for long-term digital modernization

The Background

Making Court Information Easier to Find, Not Harder

When people visit a court website, they usually arrive with a clear goal. They’re looking for a case, a form, a deadline, or a specific answer and they want it quickly. For the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan (3rdcc), improving how people find information became the driving force behind its website redesign.

The goal wasn’t simply to refresh the look of 3rdcc.org. It was to rethink how a modern court website should work in an age where users expect search to be fast, intuitive, and accurate, more like a conversation than a scavenger hunt.

The Challenge

The Problem with Traditional Court Website Search

Like many large public‑sector websites, the 3rdcc site had grown over time. Content was accurate and comprehensive, but discovery was difficult:

  • Important information lived across multiple sections and departments
  • Navigation required users to already understand court structure
  • Traditional keyword search often returned too many results or the wrong ones

This created friction for the public, attorneys, and even internal staff. The redesign team recognized early on that navigation alone wouldn’t solve this. Search needed to do more heavy lifting.

The Solution

A Search-First Approach to Website Redesign

Instead of treating search as a utility tucked into the header, the redesign treated search as a primary user experience.

That meant rethinking how content was structured, tagged, and surfaced—so search could work with users instead of against them.

Key design decisions included:

  • Simplifying information architecture so content could be indexed more intelligently
  • Designing pages around clear intent, not just departments
  • Preparing the CMS to support AI assisted search and content discovery

This foundation made it possible to introduce AI powered search capabilities without compromising accuracy or governance.



Where AI Search Makes a Real Difference

AI search was not introduced as a novelty. It was explored as a practical solution to a real problem: helping people find the right court information faster and with more confidence.

1

Smarter Results, Not Just Faster Ones

AI‑enhanced search allows the site to move beyond exact keyword matching. Instead, it can understand intent so someone searching for “traffic ticket payment” doesn’t need to know the exact page title to get where they need to go.

2

Better Content Understanding

AI‑driven tagging and classification help the system understand how content relates across the site. That means fewer dead‑ends and more relevant results, even when users phrase things differently.

3

Preparing for Conversational Search

The redesign also laid groundwork for future AI‑assisted search experiences, including natural‑language queries and AI assistants that respond using approved court content only. For a judicial website, this distinction matters. Accuracy and trust are non‑negotiable.

The Result

Designing for People, Not Just Technology

While AI search was a major focus, the redesign remained grounded in human needs.

Navigation, layout, and page structure were redesigned to:

  • Reduce cognitive load
  • Highlight time‑sensitive alerts and updates
  • Make it obvious where to go next

This balance strong UX paired with intelligent search is what makes the site effective. AI supports the experience, but it never gets in the way.

The Result: A Court Website Built for How People Actually Search

The redesigned 3rdCC website is more than a visual update. It’s a shift in how court information is delivered online.

The impact includes:

  • Faster access to high‑value information
  • Fewer clicks and less guesswork for users
  • A scalable foundation for AI‑powered website search as expectations evolve

Just as importantly, the site is now positioned to adopt new AI search capabilities responsibly, without major rework.

Why This Matters Beyond 3rdcc

The 3rdCC redesign offers a clear lesson for courts, municipalities, and large organizations: AI search works best when it’s built into the foundation, not bolted on later.

By starting with structure, clarity, and governance, organizations can use AI to make websites easier to use—without sacrificing trust.

Next Steps

If you’re exploring AI search for websites, especially in regulated or public‑facing environments, the 3rdcc project shows what’s possible when user needs, content strategy, and AI capabilities are aligned from day one.

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Testimonials

What clients are saying.

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"I have enjoyed working in partnership with Enqbator. They have a very knowledgeable staff and consistently deliver top-notch service and professional web-based applications."
David VignaITSB, Third Circuit Court, Michigan
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We so enjoy working with the team at Enqbator on website development and other digital projects. Sujal has built a responsive, flexible, and creative group that works seamlessly as an extension of our team. We recommend Enqbator with enthusiasm and without reservation!
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megan yore
Megan YoreFormer Chief Communications Officer & Director of Marketing, Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health Lakeland)
gSight
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Rob KleinPartner, gSight
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Victoria HughesFormer Manager, Web Services and Operations, Children's National
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"I've worked with Enqbator since 2018. They've helped organize, create, and update our half a dozen websites, including our Intranet. They are professional, organized, and talented. They are easy to work with, respond quickly to our needs, and are willing to go the extra mile to succeed. I would recommend any organization to call Enqbator."
John MayernikProject Manager / Supervisor / Scrum Master, Corewell Health
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donna hill
Donna HillSr. Strategic Marketing Manager, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
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Danielle Soave
Danielle SoaveVP of Digital Marketing, Mortgage Center
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"Enqbator was awarded a contract on a project that was behind schedule at the time. Enqbator exceeded my expectations. They were effective in communicating clearly to multiple stakeholders and they weren't afraid to operate outside of their box to help the overall project be successful."
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Erik BadgleyE-File Project Manager, Michigan Supreme Court
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"Enqbator was always very flexible and very quick to be able to make changes, based on the fluidity of what we were trying to do."
michael navin
Michael NavinDirector of Docket Management, 36th District Court
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"From Day 1, The Enqbator team seamlessly integrated themselves as an extension of our team. They proactively solve issues, they take the time to understand our long-term plans and their expertise is beyond debate."
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Matt MajeskiManaging Director & Chief Marketing/Digital Officer, The Henry Ford, The Henry Ford
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"We have had two corporate members renew based on this digital solution, which is great considering we just launched it today! Thank you! You have made this part of my job 1000% easier!"
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Monique ReisterAccount Executive, Corporate Relations, The Henry Ford
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"Not only does it come with a modern look, but new functionality that makes navigating the website much easier."
stacy bogard
Stacy BogardAssistant Director of Communications and Public Relations, Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB)
Arvon CIN
"Now, when medical directors are going to an office they no longer have to worry about bringing documents, they just log in. It has helped physicians immensely to view all of their reports directly from a mobile app instead of relying on an outdated system."
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Steven ManeyDirector, Clinical Analytics and Decision Support, Arvon CIN (formerly Beaumont ACO)
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"Enqbator developed a visually appealing interactive website tailored to our needs. Our digital footprint has been greatly enhanced to benefit families and physicians, and we are delighted with their meticulousness and customer engagement."
melissa thompson
Melissa ThompsonDirector and Clinical Administrator, Wayne Pediatrics
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"Our experience with Enqbator so far has been nothing short of exemplary. Their team has gone above and beyond to ensure our website is not only visually appealing but also easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and ADA compliant."
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Lori HallExecutive Director of College Relations and Marketing, Clackamas Community College
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"...Enqbator has been a great partner, they are always eager to tackle new projects and approach them with technical expertise..."
Matt ElliotHead of Creative & Digital Experience - Creative Director, The Henry Ford
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"...Enqbator is flexible and fast paced. Without a partner who worked in a similar manner, we wouldn't have been able to complete our project as quickly as we did..."
megan yore
Megan YoreChief Communications Officer & Director of Marketing, Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health Lakeland)
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You helped complete an important project for the organization. The Find a Location and Find a Doctor apps will help thousands of people immediately. Your team is great to work with. See you in our next meeting for another great adventure.

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"...The Enqbator team is always knowledgeable, helpful, and available during all aspects of the project..."
jamal aljami
Jamal AljahmiChief Information Officer, 36th District Court
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"...Their expertise in partnering with our organization has led to innovative and best-in-class solutions to meet UAMS' business..."
donna hill
Donna HillSr. Strategic Marketing Manager, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
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"Their attention to detail and ability to quickly ascertain our needs was second to none!... Many thanks to the Enqbator team!"
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Toni KleinCo-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer, Klein and Partners
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..They are always cheerful, positive, open, organized, supportive, and responsive...
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Matthew ShineSenior Digital Marketing Developer & Creative Strategist, Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health Lakeland)
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HamidProject Manager, ISD, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan
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"I've known the Enqbator team for nearly a decade now and I can't say enough good things about the work they have done to help us build our company websites."
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Kathy DivisPresident, Greystone.net
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Bob StrattonLead IT Project Manager, Corewell Health (formerly Beaumont Health)
Washtenaw County
"Very conscientious and focused on the project. Always available to help assist with troubleshooting."
megan ivy
Megan IvyDeputy Trial Court Administrator, Washtenaw Trial Court, Michigan
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"We experienced outstanding commitment from the Enqbator team throughout multiple complex IT projects. They have gone above and beyond in order to identify and troubleshoot issues from project initiation all the way into post-production."
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Joe QuilleDirector, Guidehouse
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"I highly recommend Enqbator for developing first-class technical solutions. Their vast experience and sincere desire to meet and exceed the needs of the customer is most impressive and evident. They have always been very courteous and responsive."
Dianne GrossBusiness Analyst, ITSB, Third Circuit Court, Michigan
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"Enqbator is a top notch web development partner. They have a "can-do" attitude and excel at finding solutions to some of the most technical challenges. Their expertise of Sitefinity CMS and their excellent customer service make them a pleasure to work with."
lori manos
Lori ManosDirector, Web Marketing, Corewell Health
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"We are working with Enqbator on several projects. They have a very professional and skilled staff. I would highly recommend."
Pooja Budhraja
Pooja BudhrajaDirector of Information Technology, The Henry Ford
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"The Enqbator team has been a joy to work with on our web and mobile app projects. I would highly recommend their services and team. We look forward to continuing and growing our partnership."
filomena napolitano
Filomena NapolitanoHead of Digital Marketing Operations, The Henry Ford
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"I highly recommend Enqbator for any institution looking to revamp their website with an inclusive, innovative, and responsive approach."
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Lori HallExecutive Director of College Relations and Marketing, Clackamas Community College
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"Enqbator demonstrates not only technical expertise but also a dedication to making sure the project reflects our community's needs."
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Lori HallExecutive Director of College Relations and Marketing, Clackamas Community College
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"From start to finish, Enqbator has consistently exceeded all expectations."
Dr. G. Andrew JamesProfessor, Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
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"From the beginning, our project lead sought to understand our needs and our science so that Enqbator could build the best product possible."
Dr. G. Andrew JamesProfessor, Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
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Laura ClemonsVice President, Marketing Technology and Operations, Greystone.Net
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