SSW receives a Web 2.0 makeover!
In 2007 SSW website received a makeover. The new layout is designed for easier navigation and provides first-time visitors with quick access to the most sought-after content.
- Figure:Before
Challenge
The challenge was to create a home page that could be understood and operated by a wider range of clients, not just the technically minded. The design was to improve branding and reorganise page elements.
Visitors to the old website at times found it difficult figuring out information about SSW. The previous homepage had many elements that while interactive and fun, ended up only cluttering the site navigation.
Process
What makes a website 2.0? We took a survey data from among our employees and selected only the quality characteristics to incorporate into our new identity. It was interesting to note that designers and developers had different opinions on what exactly constituted a web 2.0 site. For designers, it was large bright headings, plenty of white space and small body text size. For developers, web 2.0 was anything that mashes up web services and lots of AJAX.
By combining these perspectives we were able to create a website that was considered agreeable by all parties.
User Experience
Our first target was the reorganisation of the text. We decided to present the text clearly in sections with headings and points to allow for easier reading. The use of font colour and size relegates areas of main focus and sub sections for later perusal.
The events calendar was identified as occupying too much space. Progressive disclosure is used here to manage functions. More information is offered but not presented immediately so as to not overwhelm the visitor at first glance.
The new rotating feature wall helps us showcase our products and noteworthy events as well add a splash of colour to lively up the website.
Results
Our end product is simplified and streamlined. The new layout represents a fresh start, indicative of the next phase of SSW’s development.
- Figure:After