The Challenge
The Center for New Energy Economy (CNEE) works directly with governors, legislators, regulators, utilities, and communities to facilitate the transition to a clean energy economy. Based at Colorado State University since 2011, the center maintains two important online data tools, the Advanced Energy Legislation (AEL) Tracker for journalists and researchers, and the State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) for policy makers and industry members. Despite serving critical needs, these tools encountered issues due to outdated technology stacks, lack of mobile responsiveness, and cumbersome administrative processes for updating content. Users also experienced usability issues, such as difficulty in navigation and lack of clarity in content presentation. Additionally, there was a need to enhance the tools’ visual branding to align them better with CNEE’s identity and improve overall user experience.
Our Approach
In response to these challenges, GovWebworks (GWW) devised a comprehensive approach to revamp the AEL Tracker and SPOT. We focused on modernizing the technology stack to ensure scalability, security, and performance. Utilizing a Content Management System (CMS), we aimed to streamline administrative tasks related to content management and updates. Enhancements in usability and accessibility were prioritized, including mobile responsiveness and improved navigation features. Key functionalities such as keyword searching, filter behaviors, and data visualization were enriched to provide users with a more intuitive and informative experience. Moreover, we placed a strong emphasis on aligning the visual branding of the tools with CNEE’s identity while ensuring compliance with web accessibility standards to cater to a wide range of users.
The Result
The redesigned AEL Tracker and SPOT successfully addressed the challenges faced by CNEE’s existing data tools. Users now benefit from improved search capabilities, interactive visualizations, and enhanced transparency in legislative bill status. SPOT offers a more intuitive interface for accessing energy policy information by state, with added features like state comparisons and improved visual representations of data. The tools have been made mobile-responsive to accommodate the increasing number of mobile users. Additionally, by achieving compliance with web accessibility standards, the platform ensures inclusivity for all users, regardless of their abilities. The cohesive visual branding strategy aligned with CNEE’s identity fosters user trust and familiarity. Overall, the redesigned tools provide a more efficient, user-friendly, and informative experience for stakeholders and the general public alike.
