More than 40 staff at Newcastle City Council have been trained to use the “content management system,’’ which not only looks different with new menus, it also has better-composed pages and easier navigation. It will focus on the services the council provides rather than on which part of the council delivers them.
“We will be using standardised language - not jargon - to help users understand what services we provide. In addition, by keeping public websites uniform, they will be much easier to use and navigate.
“There will be additional services such as online payment, online booking and online forms so customers will be in control and can deal with the council electronically when and wherever they like.” The council has been working with a variety of different groups – including its Citizens Panel, consulting with them to make sure it provides information customers need.
The council’s Information Technology web team and office have been working with directorates to make sure the council complies with the new, very detailed requirements. In addition, the council has also used Serco – a specialist company which specialises in “usability” of websites.
Quelle: Publictechnology, 10.04.2006
