Website Redesign: Modernizing and Extending Reach
Objective
In collaboration with a team of classmates, our primary task was to redesign The Waysmeet Center's website. The goal was to modernize its appearance, improve functionality, and extend its reach to serve better the community of Durham, NH, and beyond.
The Challenge
The existing website was outdated and difficult to navigate, making it challenging for users to find information about the center's services, events, and volunteer opportunities. Our mission was to create a user-friendly and visually appealing site to enhance the center's online presence.
Process
- Research and Planning
- Conducted extensive user research, including interviews with staff and community members, to understand their needs and pain points.
- Analyzed the existing website to identify key areas for improvement.
- Created a detailed project plan outlining the redesign process, timelines, and deliverables.
- Design and Development
- Developed wireframes and mockups to visualize the new design and gather stakeholder feedback.
- Focused on a clean, modern design that reflected The Waysmeet Center’s mission and values.
- Implemented the redesign using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP, ensuring the site was responsive and accessible.
- Integrated features such as event calendars, volunteer sign-up forms, and donation portals are needed to enhance functionality.
- Testing and Deployment
- Conducted rigorous testing to ensure the site functioned seamlessly across browsers and devices.
- Gathered feedback from users and made necessary adjustments to enhance usability.
- Successfully deployed the redesigned website, which was used as The Waysmeet Center's official site for several months.
Outcome
- Enhanced User Experience: The new website provided a more intuitive and enjoyable experience for users, making accessing information about the center’s services and events easier.
- Increased Engagement: The improved design and functionality helped increase visitor engagement and awareness of The Waysmeet Center's programs.
- Sustainable Handoff: Delivered comprehensive documentation and training to the center’s staff, ensuring they could maintain and update the site independently. After several months, the site transitioned to a WordPress platform for ongoing management.
Reflection
This project was an incredibly rewarding experience. It allowed me to apply my web design skills to a real-world scenario, directly contributing to a meaningful cause. The process highlighted the importance of user-centric design and technology's significant impact on community organizations.
You can visit the GitHub repository for more details on the code and project files.
Additional Contributions: Volunteering and Community Engagement
Activities
- Food Baskets: Created and distributed food baskets for the Cornucopia Food Pantry, supporting individuals and families facing food insecurity.
- Trail Work: Participated in trail work, maintaining and enhancing local community spaces.
- Community Events: Engaged in various community events, such as drum circles and dinners, fostering a sense of community and support.
Impact
- Provided essential food supplies to those in need, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.
- Improved local trails, contributing to the enjoyment and well-being of the community.
- Strengthened community bonds through inclusive and interactive events, promoting a welcoming and supportive environment.