CHRC website redesign

The Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres of Ottawa (CHRC) serves a vital role in supporting local communities, particularly the vulnerable and at-risk populations. Recognizing the limitations of their outdated, non-functional website, CHRC aimed to rebuild their online presence to better meet community needs. A major issue was the dysfunctional ‘Find your Centre’ map, crucial for helping residents locate their nearest resource center.

To address these challenges, the project followed a user-centered design approach, ensuring the new website is accessible, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate. Key steps included:

1. Needs Assessment: Engaged community members and stakeholders to identify essential features, particularly a functional map.
2. Design: Crafted a modern, visually appealing website with a refreshed logo that retains the CHRC’s signature blue color, complemented by a secondary color, and removes the 25-year mark.
3. Development: Utilized WordPress to enable CHRC staff to easily update content. The site features three primary pages: two informational and one interactive map page.
4. Testing: Conducted thorough testing, focusing on the map’s functionality to ensure accuracy and ease of use.
5. Deployment: Launched the site with reliable hosting, integrating SEO best practices and social media features to enhance visibility and engagement.

The revamped website structure includes:

• Modern Design: User-friendly, mobile-responsive, and visually appealing interface.
• Functional Map: An easy-to-use, accurate map with color-coded catchment areas to help users quickly find their nearest center.
• CMS and Hosting: WordPress as a reliable hosting that allows CHRC staff to maintain and update the site efficiently.
• SEO and Social Media Integration: Improved search engine optimization and social media features to increase community outreach and engagement.

The CHRC website overhaul ensures that the community, especially those most in need, can easily access the vital services and resources provided by the CHRC network, fostering a more supportive and connected community in Ottawa.