The goal of the Web redesign project was to produce a state-of-the-art site that not only served as an informational resource and marketing tool for the City of East Lansing, but also improved the ease of navigation.
The specific goals were to:
* showcase the character and charm of the community through the design, including graphics and photographs
* improve ease of navigation to more than 1,000 pages of content and enhance accessibility
* create navigation to pages in three clicks or less
* develop new informational categories to allow content grouping by subject
* improve access to City news from the homepage
* incorporate interactive tools to enhance features and communication with residents (i.e. blogs, social network integrations, E-newsletter sign-up, E-commerce, etc.)
The community response to the Web redesign project was overwhelmingly positive. The City of East Lansing officially launched its new site on Feb. 4, 2009. www.cityofeastlansing.com
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The new Web site showcases the character of the community through its use of vibrant photographs, all taken within the East Lansing community. The photographs are the site’s main design element and highlight the community through a photographic montage. Each department and section of the Web site is set apart by the use of photographs, which are distinctive to the content area. In addition, the backdrop photographs can easily be changed to reflect content, seasons, special projects, etc.
Improved access to city news was accomplished through the incorporation of a user-friendly carousel on the homepage. This carousel features both a News and Around Town section, as well as changing photos for each featured headline. Online patrons can easily navigate the carousel and its photos by scrolling over the headlines with their mouse. In addition, a number of modern interactive features were integrated into the site including a bi-weekly blog published by the City Manager, the ability to request a newcomer packet, the addition of community videos, the ability for public comment on news releases and blogs, interation with social networks and the publication of a variety of e-newsletters.