Revitalising ChristchurchNZ's Digital Presence
The Client
ChristchurchNZ is a pivotal organisation in promoting and facilitating economic growth and tourism in Christchurch. With the world continuing to recover from the impacts of Covid-19, they recognised the need to modernise their website, ensuring that it effectively represented their activities, priorities, and commitment to the community. So after 6 years the website needed an update to reflect how much the city has changed. The website also needed to better reflect the new city brand.
Their Challenge
ChristchurchNZ wanted to overhaul their website's content to better reflect everything Christchurch has to offer and better embed the new City brand. They reached out for support in clarifying their content and understanding how to present it effectively.
Not only did they need to improve the online experience for users, but they also wanted to make informed decisions in selecting a digital agency to implement the new website. With a tangible need for support in the pre-tendering process, they sought the expertise of a usability and accessibility specialist to navigate these critical choices.
Our Process
Access Advisors stepped in as a partner committed to understanding ChristchurchNZ’s vision and challenges. We began with a comprehensive usability research exercise, engaging in contextual interviews with senior stakeholders. This exploration allowed us to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of the existing web structure, forming a solid foundation for our recommendations.
Next, we collaborated closely with ChristchurchNZ's communications team to conduct a content audit alongside a ROT (Redundant, Obsolete, Trivial) analysis. This vital step illuminated which pieces of content resonated with their audience and which were overlooked.
With these insights, we developed a proposed information architecture that streamlined their content. Our approach included conducting an online card sorting task to validate our assumptions, refining the structure in partnership with the team, and ensuring it was robust and user-friendly. After thorough revisions, we validated the final design with a second round of online card sorting, confirming its effectiveness before implementation.
On top of this, throughout the tendering process, our consultant Chandra played a crucial role in reviewing proposals and guiding interview discussions. This support was to ensure potential digital agencies demonstrated a strong understanding of usability and accessibility principles. This ensured ChristchurchNZ was armed with the knowledge to select a partner capable of delivering a high-quality digital experience.
Outcomes & Impact
The collaborative effort resulted in a thoroughly revitalised information architecture that aligned closely with ChristchurchNZ’s digital goals. The clarity and organisation of content not only improved user experience but also significantly enhanced transparency of their operations to the public. By onboarding a digital agency with proven usability and accessibility expertise, ChristchurchNZ is now set to deliver a website that is as engaging as it is inclusive.
The value of our work extended beyond mere content rearrangement; we empowered ChristchurchNZ to make educated choices about their digital future, resulting in a greater connection with their audience and a clearer representation of their community role.
Next Steps
Looking ahead, ChristchurchNZ is equipped with the tools and strategies necessary for ongoing success in the digital realm. They plan to implement continuous user feedback loops to ensure the website evolves alongside user needs.
At Access Advisors, we believe that every organisation can benefit from a thoughtful, user-centred approach. We’d love to help you navigate similar challenges, ensuring your digital presence resonates with your audience, while addressing accessibility and usability effortlessly. Together, let’s create a digital experience that truly reflects your values and connects meaningfully with your community.
Comments from the Client
“Access Advisors were instrumental in helping us refine our website’s structure ensuring it is user-friendly, transparent, and aligned with our future goals. Their expertise in usability and accessibility provided valuable insights that guided our decisions, including selecting the right partner during the tendering process. The result is a strong foundation for a digital presence that better engages our community and one we can build upon.”
Steve Backe‑Hansen
General Manager ‑ Marketing, Brand & Communications