Accessible WordPress Solution Empowering Research & Education
FIREANT STUDIO partnered with Internet2 to develop several robust, accessible WordPress websites focused on the supporting their advanced technology community in Higher Ed and Research.
Internet2 is a non-profit, member-driven advanced technology community founded by the nation’s leading higher education institutions in 1996. They deliver a diverse portfolio of technology solutions that leverage, integrate, and advance the internet technology infrastructure in support of research and education in the United States and around the globe.
The Challenge
Internet2’s existing website presented challenges related to its antiquated design and limited functionality. The inflexible platform hindered content updates and restricted the organization’s ability to dynamically showcase its evolving services. Limited content administration tools made it difficult for the team to manage and update website information efficiently. These limitations underscored the need for a more robust and adaptable platform that could empower Internet2 to take full control of their digital narrative.
The FIREANT Approach:
FIREANT STUDIO initiated the project with a deep dive into Internet2’s existing website structure and content. We revised the Information Architecture (IA) to create a more intuitive and user-friendly navigation system. A revamped messaging strategy ensured clarity and consistency across the platform, highlighting the value proposition for key target audiences. Through strategic research and competitor analysis, we identified best practices in the higher education technology sector, informing the design and development of a solution that would position Internet2 as a leader in its field. We focused on optimizing user journeys to showcase products and services effectively, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for all visitors.
FIREANT’s Solution
We developed a custom, responsive WordPress solution tailored to meet the needs of Internet2’s technical audience. This included supporting a large and robust content model designed for continuous evolution and expansion, accommodating Internet2’s ever-growing portfolio of services. The website adheres fully to WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility guidelines, ensuring inclusivity for all users. Throughout the project lifecycle, FIREANT STUDIO maintained close collaboration with Internet2’s communications & technical teams, ensuring alignment between the technical implementation and the organization’s strategic goals. A custom-built search and filtering feature allows users to easily navigate the extensive content library, quickly finding relevant information across various categories.
Simplified Navigation Aligned to User Journey
The redesigned website significantly improved navigation and content discoverability, providing a seamless and intuitive user experience for all visitors. Simplified user journeys ensure that key audiences can quickly find the information they need.
Managing Large Content Models
Robust Content Management : The custom WordPress solution provides Internet2 with complete control over their website content, enabling them to easily update and manage information with enhanced flexibility and efficiency.
Built For WCAG 2.1 AA Accessibility Compliance
The website is fully accessible, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access and engage with all content and functionalities, aligning with Internet2’s commitment to inclusivity.
Ongoing Accessibility Support & Remediation
FIREANT STUDIO provides ongoing accessibility audits and remediation support, ensuring the website remains compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA standards as content evolves and new features are added. This proactive approach demonstrates a long-term commitment to digital accessibility.
Our Impact
The collaboration between FIREANT STUDIO and Internet2 culminated in a transformative website that demonstrably enhances user engagement and content discoverability. Since its launch in September 2024, the site has shown significant improvements across key metrics. Traffic to the Services page has increased by 89%, elevating it to the third most visited page, a substantial jump from its previous eighth-place ranking. User engagement with the Services page also saw a remarkable 90% increase in actions taken. The homepage experienced a 20% increase in views, with a 44% increase in average time spent on the page, indicating stronger user engagement. Furthermore, traffic to specific service pages, like AWS and Membership, has seen significant increases, with the traffic to the Service Catalog doubling compared to the same period last year. These early results underscore the success of the redesigned information architecture and navigation, directly addressing concerns raised in the project roadmap.
TLDR
The new website’s success can be attributed to several key improvements. Restructuring the AI around the specific user journeys and the implementation of a “mega menu” for news and navigation streamlines access to key information, particularly Internet2 services. Prioritizing top events and news within the top third of the page enhances visibility and encourages user interaction. The clean, modern design incorporates more white space, creating a more visually appealing and user-friendly experience. Built with the latest web accessibility standards, the website ensures inclusivity for all users. These combined improvements have demonstrably enhanced user engagement and navigation, effectively communicating Internet2’s mission and value proposition to its diverse audience.
