This blog is the Part II of a two part series on the award-winning government website, AustinTexas.gov. Visit the first installment to get a full picture of how the city’s website has been so successful.
Chris Florance, the Web Content Manager for the City of Austin, Texas, spoke on the DorobekINSIDER about the newly designed website’s ingredients to success. In January, he did an overhaul of the site, replacing it with a more user-friendly version. The website results from the input of Florance, IT staff, Code for America fellows, internal feedback, and the citizen’s feedback.
Takeaway Lessons for Government Website Design
1. Educate yourself on the options. “Look into these different content management systems and the different options that are out there and pick the one that is best for your organization.”
2. Identify your organization’s goals and priorities. “Step back and take a look at what the needs and capabilities of your organization are.”
3. Know your audience. “Take the time to figure out what your audience needs.”
4. Get feedback along the way. “The biggest partner in our success is the Austin public. With all the feedback that they gave us throughout this process, we really do feel like it is their website and we continue to work with them and listen to them because we want it to work for them.”
Read more on Lindsey’s blog: AustinTexas.gov: Award Winning Site Increases Accessibility and Increases Audience. Check out the AustinGo blog and scroll through the city’s website to pick up tips for your own website!
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