City’s newly revamped website is easier to navigate and update
The City’s newly redesigned website — which went live Dec. 19 — is easier for web visitors to navigate and more accessible for people with disabilities. From a staff standpoint, the more dynamic website is easier and faster to update.
The redesign process was a significant undertaking that involved nearly two years of work by Business Information Services (BIS) staff, first with a redesign of the City’s Intranet and, most recently, the public website: www.minneapolismn.gov. Approximately 13,000 pages, 50,000 documents and 160,000 links have been converted to the new website format.
In addition to the BIS efforts, scores of City employees had to learn how to use the new web content management program, called Site Studio Contributor. Human Resources offered 10 Site Studio training classes to help staff learn how to edit text, create links, add and remove web pages, and insert tables, photos and pdf’s. If necessary, additional Site Studio Contributor training may be offered in 2012.
Highlights of the redesign include:
- www.minneapolismn.gov is now more accessible for people with disabilities and those who speak other languages. The new site complies with Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines, utilizes Google Translate, and allows for adjustable text size for people with low vision.
- A cleaner layout with better use of white space and more photos.
- More options to highlight popular content and special programs.
- New menu at the top of each page with drop down navigation and more options to choose from.
- A list of all departments at the top of every web page.
- More consistent left-side navigation.
- Increased presence of 311, City Council and Mayor’s office on the homepage.
- Better promotion of City jobs, Minneapolis 79, social media, email subscriptions and language resources.
- Breadcrumbs (such as Home → Public Works → Sidewalks) that show where you are on the site.
The Frequently Asked Questions document highlights many of the website changes. If your questions aren’t covered in the FAQ, please call Connie Perilla at extension 3366 or John McLain at extension 2990.
Dec. 21, 2011
Published Dec. 21, 2011