From analysis of the Competitive Set there are a number of considerations that could be incorporated into the new site - detailed below - with the possible benefits they may have.
Design based features
Issue |
Benefits |
| Fixed width page layout | - Maintains page display and integrity - Ensures consistency across various enduser platforms |
| Site name and URL on homepage | - Imediately identifies the Council if users have indirectly accessed
the site. - strengthens branding and corporate profile. |
| No scrolling on the homepage. | - Users may not realise there is additional content further
down the page. - Acts as a clear, uncluttered introduction to the site. |
| Greater use of Aberdeenshire focussed image library. | - Strengthens branding of Aberdeenshire site - Brings attention to local issues - Ownership of images and free use. |
| Both Content Based and Features Based Navigation | - Allows more than one method of accessing information - Accommodates various users needs - Communicates the same content in several ways. |
General features
Issue |
Benefits |
| Option of text-only page layout | - more accessible for visually impaired users - accommodates the PC capabilites of a wider audience |
| Option to stylise page layout - set-up and Save own content 'bookmarks' | - Changes settings and appearance for individual users' preferences. - allows users with low IT literacy to access information easily once sourced - allows regular users to access information more readily - makes the site more 'inviting' and interactive |
| Each page with file downloads should have a link to a resource
that can download the relevant software required. This information is available though not linked within each page. |
- Helps customers access the information more readily. - Appears more co-operative; reducing 'clicks' and searching by users. - Aids Internet accessibility. |
| Downloads should be available in a variety of formats | - Allows users to access them in a suitable format. - Takes into consideration the variouos PC capabilities of users. |
| Sitemap should be query based rather than section/Service based. | - Acts as an additional method of searching for content - outwith
'A-Z' and 'Search' facilities. |
| 'Last Updated' date in some sections | - Shows relevancy for more topical webcontent. - Ensures up-to-date content visible to the public. |
| Print Page function on relevant pages | - Informs users that the Print facility is available. |
Content Based Features
Issue |
Benefits |
| Addition of book reviews within the Library section. | - More interactive site for the audience. |
| Weather forecasts | - Ensures repeat visits and potential bookmarking of site. - Increases local-based content. |
| News feeds | - Raises profile of site content to topical/current news. - Ensures repeat visits and potential bookmarking of site. - Increases local-based content |
| More FAQ's | - Greater ability to 'troubleshoot' speciific queries. - Directs users to the correct information more quickly and accurately. |
| Online Payment Methods | - Interactive element. - up-to-date transaction methods in keeping with other sites. - Accommodates the demographic scope of the Aberdeenshire users. |
| A listings page of all Forms available | - direct link to listings which will help quick searching. |
