Challenge

We were tasked in 2006 with developing the information architecture for a new site for ExDRA (Essex Development and Regeneration Agency). We would be designing the IA and the graphics design for another agency to implement into their in-house CMS so we were constrained in how we could introduce new technologies by the limitations of the CMS.

Solution

We ran an Information Architecture workshop at the iLab at Hassenbrok School in South Essex which allowed us to ask many probing questions about the nature of ExDRA as an organisation, the messages it wanted to deliver, the key audiences as well as more technical and functional questions regarding the design style, media content and navigational processes.

Results

We developed an enormous site map to cater for the large amounts of content required to carry across the various categories of the site. From a design perspective we kept the site very “clean” , limiting the colour palette to white and ExDRA’s purple enabling the colours of the imagery on the site to really “pop” ! We also designed some flash video banners for the left hand side of the page.

Overall feedback was that the site was much easier to navigate and well received by users and partners.

ExDRA