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SSPA Website Rebuild

Web Designer & Developer

The political views of organizations I work with are their own and do not necessarily reflect my views.

Old website



Method: No data on website use was available. Instead, I reviewed the websites of similar organizations and met with the founders of SSPA to better understand their needs and their vision for the new website:

  • A website that could quickly turn visitors into active participants (they are an action focused organization).

  • A path for accepting donations that was both clear and flexible. While they accept donations to cover their limited operating costs, the bulk of their donations go directly to candidates (and which candidates they're promoting is constantly changing based on timing of races).

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Then, to better understand their audience and user needs, I conducted a focus group that included SSPA members both new and established. I asked the following questions:

  • How do you currently use the SSPA website, if at all?

  • How do you feel about the event registration process, the part of the screen where you enter your info, etc.?  Are there pain points you’d like to see addressed?

  • Are there parts of the current website that you find onerous or difficult to navigate?

  • What do you want to know about the SSPA and its work that you have not been able to find on the website?

  • In your opinion what is the most important part of SSPA’s current website?

  • How would you like to use the new SSPA website?

  • What tasks would you like to be able to complete through the new website?

  • What do you want to have handy, at the tips of your fingers, when you visit the new website?

 

Many users found the website too onerous to navigate and engaged only with the Calendar page as needed to register for events. While SSPA's mission was clear, it was almost impossible to find information on their unique data-driven process (a big selling point for their organization). I provided a few wireframes of the new website for feedback:

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SSPA had previously worked with a designer who provided an updated look including font, color scheme, and header style but the website structure did not yet meet the organization's needs. The bulk of the project was spent developing a new website structure and meeting with SSPA leadership through multiple reiterations. I then circled back to the original focus group for feedback on the new website before publishing. I created the website through SSPA's existing WordPress account, using the Elementor plug-in.
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Sample draft site map:

Old SSPA website

Problem: Silver Spring Progressive Action, an all-volunteer grassroots organization, had an outdated website design. Their website was difficult to navigate and users were unable to find key information critical to the organization's mission. Additionally, their website had no usable mobile view. They needed a complete website revamp to better meet the organization's and users' needs while still maintaining a grassroots feel.

SSPA wire frames
SSPA site map

Outcome:

​A new website that:

  • Highlighted the organization's mission AND it's unique data driven process

  • Made it easy for visitors to take action and/or donate

  • Made it easy for the organization to update it's donation options
     

Key features of the new website:

  • Two avenues for visitors to take action

    • Through the Action Center - opportunities displayed by function (letter-writing, canvassing, etc.)​

    • Through the Calendar - opportunities displayed by date (the most used page by established members)

  • A two-tiered Donate button. Hover over 'Donate' then select from the drop down to donate to SSPA or to their current roster of candidates.

  • New header that enabled visitors to more quickly find information about SSPA, the organization's goals, priorities and methodology, and to take action.

  • Homepage slider to advertise a limited number of 'calls to action'

  • Mobile-friendly version

I also created a style guide, page templates, and user manual so SSPA could more easily maintain their new website.

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