Surfrider Foundation State of the Beach Website 2004

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Redesign the “State of the Beach 2003" website to be more consistent with the "State of the Beach 2004" Report.

TEAM

Design: Stephen Gehring
Web Developers: Stephen Gehring, Mark Babski, Scott Williams

DESIGN GOALS:

Standardize on a common template that can change annually to be consistent with the report.

1. Used CSS to define backgrounds, colors, and fonts. Most of the look and feel can be changed in the CSS doc.
2. To adjust the site to match the print report; the designer just needs to change 10-15 banner graphics.
3. The ASP scripts are contained in functions and in include files. Therefore, the developers can adjust the code in 2-3 places.
4. Mark added all the content to a SQL database minimizing templates making the site smaller and easier to maintain.

As a goal for the 2004 report I worked with Surfrider to break up the content, make the site easier to read, and navigate.

1. I designed four levels of navigation, which enabled faster access, and easier usability.
2. We looked at the site from the perspective of a novice that has no experience with the "State of the Beach" report. For example we added a FAQ section, and added a link to the introduction on the homepage.

Find an inexpensive way to track web traffic

1. Researched inexpensive web statistic tools, and recommended a free web log analyzer.

AUDIENCE:

• Age range: 25 - 65
• Local Government Officials
• Coastal Zone Managers
• Surfers
• Beach Enthusiasts
• Environmentalists