Time | 3 months
Role | Web Designer
Team | Development Director, Intern, Technology Adviser, Content Strategist
Revitalizing Community Engagement: Overhauling Community Passageways' Website for Impactful Outreach
At Community Passageways (CP), I led a dynamic initiative to revolutionize their online presence, delivering a redesigned website aimed at enhancing community engagement and supporting their mission to prevent youth involvement in the criminal justice system. As the sole designer entrusted with this project, I worked closely with CP's key stakeholders to reimagine their digital platform and facilitate seamless user interaction.
Challenge:
CP's initial website served as a rudimentary placeholder hastily assembled by the Technical Adviser. Recognizing the need for a more robust and impactful online platform, CP sought my expertise to revamp their website to better resonate with their audience in King County, WA, catering to visitors interested in understanding CP's mission, making donations, and referring youth to their program.
Approach and Strategy
Engaging collaboratively with CP's Technical Adviser, Development Director, content strategist, and intern, I commenced the project by conducting in-depth discussions with CP's stakeholders to understand their organizational ethos, needs, and website requirements. Subsequently, I performed a comprehensive comparative analysis of similar non-profit websites like My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, YMCA, and Peer Forward, distilling insights to inform CP's site redesign.
Insights and Actions:
Utilizing my research findings, I formulated targeted recommendations focusing on:
Crafting a clear statement of purpose and prominent call-to-action elements.
Showcasing CP's impactful community contributions.
Presenting my insights to CP's leadership, I advocated for a strategic shift from a limited free content management system (CMS) to Squarespace, enabling CP's staff to easily maintain and update their website without technical expertise.
Execution and Impact
Beginning with a low-fidelity mock-up using the new CMS, I collaborated closely with CP's team to iterate and refine the design based on their feedback. Implementing an enhanced navigation structure, multiple call-to-action buttons, updated layouts, graphics, and engaging visuals, I reinvigorated the website's aesthetic and functionality. Additionally, I optimized the about page, integrated a portrait gallery for CP's administration, and restructured the media page for increased appeal.
Furthermore, I facilitated the seamless migration of CP's donation system to the new site in collaboration with the Technical Adviser. Upon the site's completion, CP's stakeholders expressed enthusiasm and satisfaction with the revamped website, positioning CP for amplified community engagement and outreach.
Achievements and Future Recommendations
In addition to delivering a visually compelling and user-friendly website, I provided CP with actionable suggestions for future enhancements, such as incorporating embedded videos to further amplify their impactful storytelling.
Throughout this project, I navigated the challenges of crafting a website for a non-profit with evolving directives, honing my adaptability and problem-solving skills. This experience underscored my capacity to drive tangible transformations, seamlessly merging design expertise with organizational objectives.
To experience the culmination of this endeavor, visit Community Passageways at communitypassageways.org, where the redesigned website serves as a testament to our collective dedication towards fostering positive change in the community.
You can visit CP at communitypassageways.org