Encouraging Advocacy and Discussion for the Future of Greater Dallas

Greater Dallas Planning Council relied on a volunteer to create their Web site. As a result, the site consisted of one page with no interactivity; it was basically a word document up on the screen.

Challenge

GDPC relied on a volunteer to create their Web site. As a result, the site consisted of one page with no interactivity; it was basically a word document up on the screen. Their Web site needed to serve as their main means of communicating with the general public about goings-on in Dallas and that conveyed their mission.

Solution

NPower Texas designed a Web site that embodies what the city of Dallas represents by featuring photos of such city landmarks as the Dallas Aquarium, Adolphus Hotel, and Dallas Arboretum that change each time the visitor clicks on a page.

NPower Texas employed an interactive design and refining process to arrive at a final visual design that is attractive and appropriate and that provides a layout that is functional and purposeful. The design comprises elegant navigation with broad categories and drop downs so that visitors can access more pages with fewer clicks. A "Send to a Friend" feature is included on all pages, allowing visitors to email links should they want to share an article or information they read.

NPower Texas developed the site using a content management system so that GDPC staff can maintain it in real time with a What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) editor. The WYSIWYG editor makes it possible to update selected text and graphics on an individual page or the entire site in a matter of minutes and without the need to educate staff on complex Web programming.

Impact

"We've all agreed at the Greater Dallas Planning Council that working with NPower Texas was one of the most positive experiences we've ever had. NPower's Web designer instinctively knew what we needed and she had the experience and technical skill to get us there. She did what she said she'd do on the timetable we agreed to. Without exception, our board is enthusiastic with each element of the site and we look forward to growing its scope with NPower Texas's help."

David Dunnigan, Executive Director
Greater Dallas Planning Council
www.gdpc.org