8(a) | HUBZone | SERB | MBE | WBE | SDB

Problem

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh knew it needed a new Web site. Like many firms, their old site had many of the typical problems.  "Difficult to update, very dated appearance, and low visibility" were the problems sited by Chuck Rohrer, Staff writer/ Editor for the HACP. Good planning lays the foundation for effective Web sites. The HACP recognized that and opened themselves up to consider their end users when planning their Web site.
 

Goals

The first step in approaching a Web design (or redesign) project is establishing what the goals are for the Web site. While often overlooked, it is important to examine this element thoroughly. Is this a promotional tool?  Is this a way to streamline workflow?  Both? Taking some time early in your project to determine these things will relieve headaches later. For the HACP, the goals were to increase visibility and efficiency. By establishing these goals early in their project, the HACP was then able to establish how these goals were to be accomplished, as well as assess if these goals were being met after the site was launched.

 
Decisions

Creating a site that was visually dynamic and allowed an easy way to update content was the key to increasing visibility. NuRelm's Web based Content Management Software, NuContent, was a perfect fit for this use, as it allows for departmentalized changes and a review and approval system.

The HACP discovered that creating a new site is an "evolving process". A major task for them was to divide the site in to sections that allowed for a logical placement of content from the viewpoint of the site visitor. The HACP realized that site visitors would not necessarily recognize their internal department names as the correct area to pinpoint their information. The HACP opted instead for a Web site that broke down visitors' needs in to four main categories, and several sub categories.  This makes navigation very easy, allowing site visitors to select their path based upon their needs.

 
Success

Overall, the site has been a success, due largely to effective planning and the dedication of the staff to utilize NuContent to keep their Web site fresh and up to date. Some unexpected successful users include reporters and concerned citizens utilizing the information provided on the Web site for their articles and to provide feedback to the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh. In addition, the Human Resources department has enjoyed success with posting their available jobs and application online as well. Successful planning allows for easy maintenance and use of the Web site.