Web Site Planning Research Program

Monday, April 06, 2009

GRIP Technology, LLC (GRIP) and Columbus State Community College (CSCC) partnered together to review and redefine the information architecture for Columbus State's main Web page.

The core objective of the project was to develop and implement a research-based program with the goal of improving the user experience with the CSCC site. The desired outcome was to provide an in-depth analysis of the current site with recommendations on how to create the best experience for all visitors as well as the optimal information architecture.

What follows is an overview of the activities completed during the project:

1. Executive Interviews: Interviewed 20 key CSCC staff and faculty State to understand the goals, objectives and key success factors related to the Web site.
2. Focus Groups: Completed four qualitative user focus groups with students and future students to evaluate the strengths and opportunities to improve the current site as well as any desired functionality in the future. Specific deliverables included: focus group discussion guide, focus group recruiting plan, focus group facilitation and reporting.
3. Usability Testing: Designed and executed usability testing with future students and parents to record personal interaction and experiences with the site. Specific deliverables included: comprehensive usability testing plan, usability test/form and reporting.

A comprehensive report was developed and presented to document all the input gathered throughout the project as well as to share strategic recommendations for improving the site architecture, user experience, design and functionality in the future. A key deliverable of the project was the recommended tier 1 and 2 architecture for the site as well as a home page and subpage wireframe.

Please contact Bill Kiefaber if you are interested in learning more about GRIP's strategic planning services.