Amber Wobschall

Many non-profits struggle with website redesign projects because they are such a huge undertaking. They can be both time and labor intensive – involving numerous stakeholders (board members, department directors, and key staff) and often you don’t see results for more than a year.

Convio’s proven methodology, ensures that clients take a more iterative, quick hit approach that allows them to see results faster while tackling the larger web presence redesign in parallel. 

Project HOPE is a Convio client I work with who recently re-launched their site after only working with our interactive agency practice for 4 months. The new site has immediately improved the user experience and increased donations.  The client worked with us on a quick turnaround redesign project which we started by conducting several interviews with key HOPE stakeholders. Armed with increased knowledge of the organizational goals and priorities, we developed a new information architecture and wireframes for the site. Then, since any successful web site redesign (even a quick one) should incorporate feedback from real users, we tested out the wireframes with some of HOPE’s target constituents. Once finalized, we designed a sharp new look and feel, which is live on the site today.

Katya Andresen gave kudos to Project HOPE for the effort thus far, but what people may not realize is that the team is working on a bigger launch in another few months where we will infuse even more user research and data with the stakeholder input driving the larger initiative.

Keep your eyes open for the next launch and thanks to the Project HOPE team for their great work in the Haiti Earthquake response.

I am struck this Martin Luther King Jr. holiday by this quote of his:

"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."

I feel inspired by the outpouring of support for Haiti we've seen this past week. Not only are there so many groups working to help, but at a time when many Americans face unemployment layoffs, reduced hours and pay cuts - people are taking a moment to give what they can. Often just $10.

As we know, you can donate $10 to the Red Cross for Haiti relief by texting “Haiti” to 90999.  Small gifts via text - this is where grassroots giving, meets today’s technology. You don't need to give much, but collectively these small gifts can have a major impact.

As of Friday, the American Red Cross had raised $9 million in mobile giving through this program. Just the day before, their blog showcased state by state mobile giving numbers. It’s inspiring to see that even people in states facing tremendous job loss are also willing to give at this time.