A Custom Accessible WordPress Site for Colorado Geological Survey
FIREANT STUDIO was tasked with creating a modern, accessible, and highly functional website that would empower the CGS to effectively share their vital geological data with Colorado and the world.
The Colorado Geological Survey (CGS), a division of the Colorado School of Mines, serves as the state’s primary source of geological information. The CGS WordPress website is the central hub for disseminating this valuable data to researchers, industry professionals, government agencies, and the general public.
The Challenge
The CGS’s previous website struggled to manage its extensive content, including hundreds of pages and thousands of publications. An outdated IA hindered navigation, a cumbersome WooCommerce framework proved unsuitable for publication management, and a lack of accessibility (failing to meet Colorado’s Digital Accessibility Mandate, HB21-1110) limited the reach of their valuable resources.
The FIREANT Approach
The Colorado Geological Survey website redesign prioritized user experience and accessibility. We revamped the Information Architecture (IA) to streamline navigation and improve content discoverability across hundreds of pages. Understanding the CGS’s diverse audience, we created a resource tool centered around WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, ensuring inclusive access to vital geological data. Our custom solutions, including a robust search and filtering system, empower users to easily find and utilize the information they need, regardless of ability. The result is a user-friendly and accessible platform that effectively connects the CGS with researchers, industry professionals, and the public.
FIREANT’s solution
We implemented a custom, responsive WordPress solution, leveraging the platform’s flexibility and scalability to accommodate the CGS’s vast and varied content. The website was designed and developed to be fully , ensuring that all users, regardless of ability, can access and engage with the CGS’s resources. A key component of our solution was the development of a custom search and filtering system. This allows users to quickly and easily find specific information across multiple content types, including publications, maps, data sets, and news articles. To address the challenges posed by the existing WooCommerce framework, we migrated the CGS’s extensive publication library to a custom-built solution optimized for research materials. This new system provides a streamlined and intuitive interface for browsing, searching, and downloading publications, significantly improving the user experience. Finally, recognizing the CGS’s role as a research institution, we created a dedicated research framework and tool within the website. This tool allows researchers to easily access and analyze data, fostering collaboration and advancing geological understanding.
Enhanced User Experience
The new website features a clean, modern design and intuitive navigation, making it easier for users to find the information they need. The custom search and filtering system further enhances the user experience, providing granular control over search results.
Meeting Web Accessibility Standards
Achieving full WCAG 2.1 AA compliance ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to the CGS’s valuable resources. This inclusivity aligns with the CGS’s mission to serve the entire Colorado community.
Streamlined Publication Management
Migrating from WooCommerce to a custom publication solution dramatically improved the management and accessibility of the CGS’s vast publication library. The new system provides a more efficient and user-friendly experience for both administrators and researchers.
Our Impact
The Colorado Geological Survey’s new website empowers broader access to critical geological data. By prioritizing accessibility and implementing a user-focused design, we’ve transformed their online presence, making valuable resources available to everyone.
TLDR
FIREANT STUDIO delivered a custom WordPress solution for the CGS, featuring enhanced search, a streamlined publication library, and full WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility. This new platform effectively manages their vast content and improves user experience across the board.
