In our research, we referred to some existing websites of governments
and companies, then, from a user’s perspective, compared them with TTG’s
website. The highlights of their features, which may provide some constructive
suggestions on the enhancement of TTG’s website, can be classified into two categories:
the presentation of information, and the desired functions.
Presentation of Information
Quick Links to Services
TTG’s website has already had suck quick links section “I
want to”. But many frequently-used services are not included in this section.
It is advisable that this section can be extended to cover links to all the
online services such as online payment, online application, suggestion and
complaints.
Apart from the current format of the quick links, it can be achieved
by a drop-down list. The list may forward the user to the page introduction the
process of the desired service and provide useful links in the guidance. Another
way is to show the services in alphabetical order so that users can search for
the service by its initial letter.
The quick links to services can be effective for users to
gain immediate directions to their expected services. The users’ satisfaction
will be increased.
Examples:
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/ “I want to”
http://www.cityoforlando.net/index.htm “Online Services”
Visualization
Some companies design their main pages as virtual maps where
different departments/divisions are
located. Each service section is represented by a typical building or item on
the map which makes exploring the main page a great fun.
Example:
Personalization
Would it be amazing that one day the council’s website
becomes your own information billboard? The personalization level can vary from
changing the display settings, such as font and color, to making your own home
page using available widgets and defining the content to be shown.
If each user of the council’s website has an account, we can
provide useful widgets to users like what igoogle does. Possible widgets may
include: calendar widget which enables users to arrange their schedules,
accounting widget that helps users manage their money.
Personalization allows users to design the home page in
their own way so that useful tools and services are easily available. The users’
preference and behavior manners are taken into account to change the council’s
website from a mere information center to a convenient services platform.
Examples:
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/accessibility/settings “Change display
settings”
Desired Functions
Social Media Account
City council can create its own accounts on Twitter,
Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube, etc. The aim is to create a public forum, but to
maintain a moderated online discussion directly relating to topics posted by
the city.
Examples:
http://www.cityoforlando.net/socialmedia/index.htm “Official City Social
Media Accounts”
News Subscription
There are mainly two ways to subscribe news or updated
information. One is to use the RSS seed, the other is to subscribe via Email.
Both methods should provide updated information on given topics which can be chosen
from by subscribers.
RSS news seed
RSS can save user’s time by bringing to the desktop lists of new
information on topics that interest the user. When one of the feeds (topics) the
user subscribe to is updated, he/she will receive an alert on the desktop. Most
usefully, the headlines come with abstracts and links to the full articles so user
can decide whether the item is of interest and, therefore, whether to read the
full article. The RSS news is generated on a regular base.
Example:
Email subscription
Email subscriptions allow users to receive regular email
updates for categories of information (topics) that interest them. Email
subscriptions are sent every day, week or month - it's the user’s choice. This
method of subscription is perfect if you wish to receive a complete snapshot of
information released within a specified period. The email contains abstracts
and links to the full articles so you can decide whether the item is of
interest.
Example:
http://www.ato.gov.au/subscription/Default.aspx?sid=42 “Free Email
Updates”
Events Calendar
The events can be
shown in the calendar in different views: month, week, day or map. User can
filter the events by different categories. Other useful functions include: changing “currently displayed month”, “jump
to date” and download the filtered calendar.
Example:
http://www.vic.gov.au/calendar.html Events Calendar
e-Card
The e-card function enables the user to send a e-card via
email. There are several e-card templates provided which are designed for
different festivals. A user can personalize the card.
Example: GovHK
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