Gary Ricke Gary Ricke

Website Review May 2023

It all begins with an idea.

Welcome to the new CRS website!

To give you a comprehensive understanding of all its features, we have prepared a video tour of the website that you can watch right here in this space. The video provides a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the website, highlights the new design and features, and offers tips on how to make the most out of your experience on our website.

After watching the video, we encourage you to leave a comment below on what you think about the new website. We value your feedback and we hope you find the website both informative and easy to use.

Watch Video Tour

Video Outline

  • About Page: (0:00 - 3:00)

    • Simplification of page layout for better navigation.

    • Improved image representation by placing images side by side.

    • Use of AI-generated images for visual cues.

  • Blog Page: (3:00 - 6:00)

    • Enhanced tagging system for better classification and searchability.

    • Improved image presentation, including AI-generated images for context.

    • Blog post format modifications for a more compact and easy reading experience.

  • Events Page: (6:00 - 9:00)

    • Presentation of past events with easy access to recordings.

    • Current and upcoming events featured more prominently with quick links to details.

  • Issues Page: (9:00 - 12:00)

    • Introduction of videos generated with text-to-speech and AI tools for quick understanding.

    • Emphasis on keeping the original content while adding visual cues for easy comprehension.

  • Membership Page: (12:00 - 15:00)

    • Introduction of a new member interest form for streamlined onboarding.

    • Details of the process for creating the vertical videos with AI tools and text-to-speech for engaging content.

  • Resource Page: (15:00 - 18:00)

    • Major upgrade with the addition of descriptions and thumbnails for each resource link.

    • Implementation of a new tagging and categorization system for easy resource discovery.

    • Facilitated browsing through extensive resources with thumbnail images and brief descriptions.

  • Take Action Page: (18:00 - 21:00)

    • Innovative use of tab features to keep users engaged on the page.

    • Introduction of AI-generated images for engaging visuals.

    • Improved navigation with the option to learn more or request a speaker without leaving the page.

  • Video Page: (21:00 - 24:00)

    • Initiative to keep visitors on the site rather than redirecting them to YouTube.

    • Plan to gradually migrate top videos from YouTube to the website for better user experience.

    • Addition of tag filters to help users find relevant videos quickly.

  • Donate Page: (24:00 - 26:00)

    • Use of storytelling to increase user engagement and donation rates.

    • Addition of an autoplay feature for a video to instantly catch users' attention.

    • Direct call-to-action prominently displayed to prompt users to donate.

  • General: (26:00 - 28:00)

    • Encouragement of feedback for website improvement through a comment section on each page.

    • Explanation of improvements made on each page and the use of AI tools throughout the site for enhanced user experience.

    • A walkthrough of the process for creating AI-generated images and text-to-speech videos.

Project Scope of Work

  • Convert existing 7.0 site over to new 7.1 site with Fluid Engine

  • Copy over in batch, all blog posts

  • New blog layout option

    • Custom layout enhancement

    • Large Hero image (6 layout options)

  • New digital annual report template

  • New landing page designs, significantly reducing and simplifying content presentation

    • Home page

  • New video sprint initiative

  • New Chicago Reporter news feed display / presentation

  • New custom enhancements

    • Automated table of contents

    • Tabs

  • A simplified and better structured backend design to make ongoing maintenance easier, faster and more cost efficient

Beyond the Scope

  • Resources

Of Note

  • Footer vs Older Top Nav

  • Reduction in tags

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