Designing Transformations: New Site, Renewed Services
In our fall newsletter, we proudly announced the imminent release of a new Tec-Ed website. It took longer than expected, but after conducting user testing, updating our information architecture, and adding fresh content, we have transformed our site—and the experience we offer our visitors. We told our story at the 2006 Usability Professionals’ Association Conference in a presentation entitled Shoes for the Shoemaker’s Children [PDF 1,853KB], and we’d like to share it with you now.
Like many successful companies, Tec-Ed had intended to update our website for several years, but instead we concentrated on expanding and delivering services and attracting new clients. Even with its dated navigation and graphics, the site functioned well enough for established clients and Tec-Ed personnel. As time passed, we realized that the site did less and less to stimulate new inquiries and return visits.
Working with a team of Tec-Ed domain experts and a partner design firm, we embarked on a redesign effort that spanned a full year. Along the way, Ted-Ed staffers learned first-hand why clients sometimes resist or fear investments in usability. To meet its commitments to high-quality user experience, the redesign team was forced to allocate unbillable consulting time, purchase unbudgeted services, and dedicate senior-level resources who had many competing commitments.
To complete the redesign, we found that we needed to follow our own service model to the letter—from writing a statement of goals and priorities, to assigning a dedicated team, and managing deadlines.
Our new site is packed with useful information for colleagues and practitioners, and offers help to the many visitors who need basic usability information and direction. In recent years, Tec-Ed has developed new ways of conducting business, broadened its geographic reach, and significantly expanded services and operations. The style, layout, and overall visual impact of the new site reflect the dynamic, adaptable, creative culture of our company.
Please take a moment to visit us at www.teced.com.