Residents of different ages and experience gave their views on the old website via an online survey last year and volunteered to try out the new website and report on how user-friendly they found it.
The site has been designed to consider the different ways people look at websites. There are several options for people with limited sight, including ‘text only’ and small, medium and large text options as well as a widescreen version for people with larger monitors.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Spokesperson for Finance and E-government, Councillor Chris Williams, says, “Our web-site is an important tool in this modern age, aiding communication, providing information and giving accessibility to the services of the Council. Ensuring it meets these demands in a user friendly way is a constant challenge and one that I think you will agree is being met.”
Other new features include:
- Live, real-time weather information plus home page weather forecasts.
- New visual design reflecting the council’s new logo and colours.
- Online databases of local estate agents, family history resources, local schools and sports clubs.
The launch of the new website is just the beginning. It will be developing and evolving as more features are added and more feedback is received. Future developments will include new ways of talking to the council, via online discussion forums and polls, and personalisation of the site to reflect your interests.
The development of the new website has been funded through the government’s Implementing E-Government programme and not through residents’ council tax.
Start telling the council what you want from the website by going to www.eastbourne.gov.uk/yourwebsite.
Quelle: eGov monitor, 01.03.2006
