Open Space Authority Launches New Website to Increase Visitor Engagement
San Jose, CA (PRWEB) October 03, 2017 -- Intechnic (http://www.intechnic.com/) and Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority are proud to announce the launch of the Authority’s new website, http://www.openspaceauthority.org/. This website was designed by Intechnic, a Chicago-based web design, UX, and inbound marketing agency, to increase online and offline visitor engagement.
The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority’s mission is to conserve the natural environment, support agriculture, and connect people to nature, by protecting open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and ranches for future generations. The Authority has preserved over 20,000 acres of land in Silicon Valley, including three preserves open to the public 365 days a year with over 20 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Intechnic successfully bid against 20 other respected web development agencies to redesign the former website, which no longer met visitors’ needs. The previous website was difficult for users to navigate and not mobile-friendly. As a result, it failed to engage website visitors and quickly provide them with the information they wanted. The Open Space Authority wanted its new website to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and to engage its audiences in a compelling and easy to understand way. The ultimate goal was to reach new audiences and educate them on the Authority’s mission, while maximizing transparency as a public agency.
To address these issues, Intechnic employed a user-centric approach to design the new website. “Our focus from day one was on the end user,” noted Andrew Kucheriavy, Founder and CEO at Intechnic. “We started the project by interviewing website users and learning about their needs. We then created a user-centric experience that lets preserve visitors select activities based on their preferences, recommends trails and events, educates visitors about conservation and wildlife, encourages volunteering, and provides full transparency to the community.”
The resulting website incorporates six key features to increase visitor engagement:
New Activities Wizard
This online user interface walks visitors through the various activities they can partake in at the Authority’s preserves. Website visitors first choose an activity (either hiking, biking, horseback riding, or family activities) and an activity level given (either easy, moderate, or difficult). Based on the input, the wizard suggests trails and preserves to visit.
New Interactive Trail Maps
The website features interactive maps of trails and activities in each preserve. Website visitors can easily switch between preserves and download trail maps to a computer or mobile phone.
Updated Volunteer Page and Volunteer Portal
The Open Space Authority works with volunteers to patrol the preserves, assist with trail maintenance, and serve as docents and guides. On the volunteer page, website visitors can fill out a volunteer interest form, and active volunteers can log into a specially designed portal where they can enter their volunteering activities. The portal also gives easy access to the Authority’s staff to track the overall impact of the volunteer program.
Updated Conservation Section
The main purpose of the Conservation section is to educate the public about the importance of environmental conservation and provide updates about the Authority’s initiatives. Throughout this section, the Authority provides valuable information to the public about the importance of clean water and climate change, the value of agriculture, the economic impact of conservation, and the variety of wildlife present in the preserves.
Updated Community Section
Understanding the communities it serves is important to the Open Space Authority. On the updated Community page, visitors can learn how the Authority serves its jurisdiction by providing environmental education and working to increase access to open spaces through its Measure Q Urban Open Space Grant program.
Improved Government Transparency
The Open Space Authority is committed to providing information rapidly in forms that can be readily accessed. The new website includes a “Public Information” page where visitors can request public records and permits, find information about public meetings, and download the Authority’s policies, guidelines, and reports.
“The Open Space Authority is very excited to announce the launch of its new website,” said Alisha Maniglia, the Authority’s Communications Coordinator. “We have been hard at work to put together a new photo-filled and user-friendly resource that highlights the things we love about open spaces and helps visitors get the information they need to get outside.”
The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority now has a contemporary website to showcase the unique diversity of its region while delivering a world-class online experience. With its attractive design and easy navigation, the website is sure to delight visitors for years to come.
Sloane Moore, Intechnic, http://www.intechnic.com, +1 (847) 970-6190 Ext: 115, [email protected]
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