Case Study
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GO-Live Date
August 2, 2023
Trusted Web Experts
Charlie Stanley
Web Solutions Architect
Caleigh Pickard
Project Manager
Joanna Velasquez
Content Strategy & Integration
Martha Stopa
Design & Layout
Katie Morman
Content Visualization
Michael Confalone
DNS & Site Launch
Mehran Aziz
Web Developer
Lydia Burris
Vector Illustration
Leanna Thesken
Marketing & Case Study
Deanna Frimann
Resource Allocation
Goals
Overview
About
As a cooperative built by and for diverse communities, Community Electric Cooperative’s (CEC) mission to safely provide members with exceptional, courteous, and reliable services at a competitive cost guided this website transformation. The redesign project sought to reflect CEC’s unique foundation of 7 principles, with a special emphasis on community concern.
The project encompassed a range of elements, from redesigning online tools like the rate calculator and membership forms to introducing new, community-focused features like an illustrated footer.
Online Tools Enhancement
Central to the project was the creation and integration of member-centric tools like a rate calculator and an optimization of the membership forms for online use.
The rate calculator, a newly introduced feature, allows members to estimate their usage costs with ease. By incorporating a transparent, visitor-friendly tool that provides real-time, personalized calculations, CEC has made a meaningful stride towards enhancing member trust and facilitating informed decision-making.
The optimization of the online membership forms has made a great impact. Streamlining this process was a clear demonstration of CEC’s commitment to accessibility and community inclusivity. By transforming what may have previously been a laborious process into a straightforward, visitor-friendly experience, CEC has made joining the Cooperative an inviting proposition for all potential members. This enhancement has directly mirrored CEC’s democratic structure, making it easier for people to engage with and become part of the community that CEC serves.
Community Emphasis Through Design
The illustrated footer has turned into a favorite element for many, grounding the online platform in the lived reality of the cooperative’s community, enhancing the sense of connection among members. This shift in the online experience has led to increased website engagement, with more members and potential members spending time exploring the site and utilizing its resources. Overall, the redesign has successfully brought CEC’s values to life online, reinforcing the Cooperative’s commitment to its members.
Challenges
The challenge lay in creating a sense of community and member ownership online, mirroring the real-life experience of CEC members. The website needed to embody CEC's core values-- integrity, accountability, innovation, community, and safety-- in a way that was not only evident but interactively ingrained in the visitor experience.Solutions
Powerful focused on a design approach that places the community at the center by weaving in CEC's core values into each aspect of the redesign. The integrity of the Cooperative was represented through transparent and easy-to-understand information, while the improved and accessible online tools reflected the value of accountability. The innovative edge was brought out through an advanced rate calculator that offered personalized cost estimates based on individual consumption patterns, and a streamlined membership application process that catered to potential members in a more inviting manner.Results
The redesign has transformed the website into a space that not only provides services but also embodies CEC's commitment to community engagement and democratic participation. The enhanced website now stands as a testament to CEC's mission, offering a seamless, engaging, and community-centric online experience.Mobile gallery
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Quotes
Team Comments
We really got to dive into what 'community' means for CEC. We've not just built a website, we've created an innovative platform where their strong sense of community can thrive online. I'm very proud of what we've achieved. It's more than a design win-- it's about making real connections and being part of something bigger.
Project Manager
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