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National Science Foundation (NSF) Website
Challenge
The NSF
website advertises scientific research/grant opportunities
and awards, documents completed research, and educates the
research community and general public about scientific
advances taking place around the world. Prior to DRC's work,
the website consisted of mostly static pages and conflicting
designs and navigation between the NSF disciplines (11 major
science organizations). The NSF had to redesign and
reorganize their website—and they had to do it right.
Solutions
DRC helped the NSF redesign their
website's look, feel, and architecture. We started by
carefully considering the needs of NSF’s organizations. DRC
created a dictionary of common terminology and developed a
standardized design, structure, and navigation. DRC provided
web development support throughout the redesign process. We
converted old applications to Java or ensured that they
could function (as-is) with the new design. We created Java
objects that delivered data in real time from NSF
applications and databases. We created a role-based
administration web application or Information Publishing
System that allowed content owners to directly submit and
publish content. More than a standard website–this system
enables users with no knowledge of web development to post
information; ensures error free and consistent layout via
standardized templates; and features a review and approval
process workflow that enforces policy and business rules.
DRC continues to provide web, graphics,
and content support for NSF's public website. We create new
web and print products, conduct image permissioning and
management (archiving), and provide speech writing support
to the Director of the NSF Office of Legislative and Public
Affairs and NSF Directorates.
Benefits/Achievements
The Website that DRC redesigned:
- Enables NSF to visually convey
information about their activities, programs, research
results and policies in a clear, consistent manner across
all disciplines.
- Can be updated in real time by end
users using standard policies and processes.
- Enhances the productivity of the
entire NSF community.
- Won the 2006 Webby Award in the
Government Category of web site design. Known as the
Oscars of web design, the Webby is the leading
international award honoring excellence in web design,
creativity, usability, and functionality.
Interested in more information?
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