Communications
It is really happening! WSDA’s public website is getting a facelift. On June 25, the successful contractor for our website redesign job held a kick-off meeting to get the process rolling.
The agency’s project steering committee selected Status Not Quo, a technology and marketing company, to lead us through the process of developing a new, modern web presence.
The website redesign project has a number of goals. They include:
- Webpages that are vibrant, engaging, interactive, and inviting to the public.
- Accurate, current, and comprehensive WSDA information.
- Ease for web users interacting with the agency.
- Reduced staff time handling routine inquiries.
- Simplified content update process.
- Mobile friendly and accessible.
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| One goal of the WSDA website redesign project is to make our agency web presence mobile compatible. |
WSDA’s current website design, structure and navigation has been about the same for at least 15 years. Given the accelerated pace of technology change, most organizations – including many Washington State agencies – have upgraded their websites in the past few years.
For instance, more people view web content on mobile devices than ever before. Getting services and paying online have become commonplace. With everyone’s busy lifestyles and reduced attention spans, web content must be clear and quick-to-find to best serve our customers and the public.
Next steps
The Status Not Quo team has delivered a project schedule to keep us on track. After a strategy meeting to nail down project objectives, they will next facilitate a series of discovery sessions in late July. Staff recruited to represent all divisions will share their wants, needs, and vision of success for the project.
The firm estimates the entire process should take about 10 months. If all goes as planned, the new website will launch April 2019.
The redesign steering committee is leading the effort internally. It consists of:
- Hector Castro, communications director and executive project sponsor
- Yoshi Ouye, chief technology officer
- Curt Secker, supervisor of IT applications development team
- Tim Valdez, webmaster
- Becca Sotelo, graphic designer
- Lisa White, administrative coordinator, Food Assistance Program
Committee members will recruit staff from around the agency to assist with discovery, and provide input along the way.
If you have questions or comments about the WSDA web redesign project, contact Hector Castro.
In summary: WSDA’s 15-year-old public website is getting a facelift. The agency has hired a contractor to help lead the process of building a new, modern, mobile-friendly web presence.
