In this project, I collaborated with Save Our Boating Rights Florida (SOBRFL) to design their website. The goal was to establish a compelling digital presence that effectively communicates their mission and engages the boating community in advocacy and conservation efforts.
Project Background
Client Information
Save Our Boating Rights Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting boating rights in Florida. They focus on legislative advocacy, environmental stewardship, and community outreach to ensure waterways remain accessible and safe for all.
Project Goals
The main objectives for the web design project were to:
- Develop a user-friendly and informative website that reflects the organization’s mission.
- Enhance community engagement by providing resources and opportunities for involvement.
- Ensure the website is responsive and accessible on all devices.
- Increase awareness and support for their initiatives through effective design and communication.
Design Brief
Initial Requirements
The client required a clean and professional design that showcases their advocacy work and provides easy access to resources and news. Key requirements included a user-friendly interface, an events calendar, and a donation platform.
Target Audience
The target audience includes boating enthusiasts, community members, policymakers, and environmental advocates interested in preserving boating rights and promoting responsible use of waterways.
Design Process
Project Timeline
The project was completed in three weeks, structured as follows:
- Week 1: Research, design brief finalization, and initial wireframing.
- Week 2: Development of the staging site with design implementation.
- Week 3: Client feedback and revisions, followed by testing and final adjustments before launch.
Staging Site Development
I developed a staging site to implement design and content changes for client review. This approach allowed for real-time feedback and ensured the design aligned with client expectations.
Design Iterations
Through regular feedback sessions, I refined the design based on client input, ensuring the final product met all objectives. This collaborative process allowed for continuous improvements and alignment with the organization’s mission and goals.
Development
Technologies Used
The website was developed using WordPress as the CMS, ensuring flexibility and ease of content management. The front end was built using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript to create a responsive and interactive design.
Front-End and Back-End Development
- Front-End: Custom themes and layouts were developed to enhance visual appeal and user engagement, with easy navigation to advocacy resources and event information.
- Back-End: The site was integrated with a donation platform and email subscription service for seamless engagement and support management.
Integration
The design was integrated with WordPress, allowing for easy content updates and scalability. Custom plugins were implemented to enhance functionality, including an events calendar and advocacy toolkit.
Launch and Testing
Pre-Launch Testing
Comprehensive testing ensured compatibility across all browsers and devices. User testing sessions were conducted to gather feedback on usability and make necessary adjustments.
Post-Launch Monitoring
After launch, I monitored site performance using Google Analytics and other tools to track user engagement and optimize conversion paths. Regular updates were scheduled to maintain site security and performance.
Challenges and Solutions
Design Challenges
A key challenge was creating a design that effectively balances advocacy information with community engagement opportunities. This was achieved through strategic content placement and intuitive navigation, ensuring users can easily access resources and get involved.
Project Highlights
- Automated Donation System: I implemented an automated donation system, allowing volunteers and donors to contribute directly to the client’s account seamlessly and securely.
- Client Portal: I created a client portal where SOBRFL can easily post updates and events, ensuring timely communication with supporters and community members.
Conclusion
Project Summary
The website design for Save Our Boating Rights Florida successfully achieved its goals, resulting in increased community engagement and support for their initiatives. The site now serves as a vital tool in promoting their mission and reaching a wider audience.
Personal Reflection
This project enhanced my skills in creating impactful web solutions for nonprofit organizations, highlighting the importance of user-centric design and effective communication.Explore more of my work on my portfolio page. For inquiries or collaborations, feel free to contact me.