Websites design Newcastle portfolio

National Energy Action :

• Website Redesign
• Site Wide Search
• Dynamic Menus
• Dynamic Sitemap
• Dynamic Homepage
• Accessible
• Business Overview

Business Overview

NEA is the leading fuel poverty charity campaigning at a national, regional and local level for affordable warmth in the homes of vulnerable people, highlighting the plight of those forced to live in cold, damp homes.

Problem

The client wanted a complete redesign to update the image inkeeping with the professionalism of the organisation, with a focus on usability and accessibility. The inconsistent and confusing navigation needed a re-think, especially in view of the large amount of information held in various sections within the site.

The old site used inaccessible features that needed to be removed or rethought.

The content management system was based on old legacy software, which could no longer be supported.

Approach

The client was clear about what they wanted and we worked together and decided the three most important things to get right, in order of importance, were:

Usability - the site had to be easy to use and navigate due to the vast number of pages and sections that make up the site.

Design - The design had to have the right impact, with clear sections that are standard with the majority of other sites, helping users feel confident from the minute they arrive.

Accessibility - We concluded the site should be built around WCAG level AA. This level ensures the majority of users, devices and browsers have access to all parts of the site.

Solution

The site is very easy to use, main sections are located along the top with utility links accessed through the lower left and footer menus. Each page contains sub sections that are displayed on the left hand side in a secondary menu. Users wishing to navigate quickly can use the dropdown menu.

The design is clear and minimal, helping the user navigate around more efficiently without any distractions. The client was really pleased with how the home page turned out. They originally had reservations about the amount of information displayed within the home page but we've managed to create a clear page that is split up into individual areas relating to different sections within the site.

The CMS we integrated is very easy to use and allows the client to update all parts of the site.

Success

The site went live for the clients’ annual conference. Everyone involved with the project and users who've visited the new site have been keen to express how much of an improvement it is on the old one.

Comparing the site metrics with the new site and the old site shows us that the bounce rate is very low on the new site, this suggests that users are more likely to stick around after they've landed. These stats suggest the site architecture works well and people can find what they want quickly and easily.

If you’d like a website redesign then please don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a ring on +44 (0) 191 423 6258.