To ensure that the RSPCA NextGen website met the needs of all its users, I developed a detailed User
Story Catalogue. This allowed me to identify key user requirements and structure the development process
around the real needs of children, parents, content creators and administrators. Below is an overview of
the primary users and some key user stories that guided our development.
Content Creators
Content creators are responsible for generating, updating and tagging content that aligns with RSPCA’s
mission and is appropriate for the target audience.
- User Story: "As a content creator, I want to access templates so that I can create
content in the correct format."
- Acceptance Criteria: The content creator should have access to predefined templates in
Liferay to create and format content before review and publication.
Super Admins
Super admins manage permissions, content visibility and ensure that the website remains up-to-date and
secure.
- User Story: "As a super admin, I want the ability to put some content behind a login
wall so that parents can limit their child to certain content."
- Acceptance Criteria: The super admin should be able to tag content to be behind a login
wall, making it accessible only to users who are logged in.
These stories, among others, ensured that every aspect of the platform was developed with the end user in mind.
The catalogue continues to serve as a reference point for further enhancements and iterations.
Iterations
Throughout the development process, we implemented several iterations based on user feedback and testing.
These iterations focused on refining navigation, enhancing content clarity and improving the overall user
experience. Key changes included:
- Redesigning the homepage for easier access to key sections.
- Simplifying language and instructions to suit a younger audience.
- Adding more visual cues to guide users through the site.
- Improving the responsiveness of interactive elements like quizzes and games.
- Incorporating user feedback to make the content more engaging.
The header component on the main homepage underwent several iterations, based on feedback from kids.
Build and Development
The RSPCA NextGen site was built using Liferay CMS. The development process involved several key phases:
1. Collaboration and Planning
I worked closely with the content team, brand representatives and IT department to ensure the site aligned
with RSPCA's mission and brand guidelines. This collaboration helped define the site’s objectives and ensure
that all requirements were met.
2. Template Creation
To facilitate easy content management, I developed customisable templates within Liferay. These templates
allow content creators to efficiently add and update content while maintaining consistency in design and
functionality across the site.
3. Layout and Design
Leveraging Liferay’s design system, I created engaging and user-friendly layouts. The site features
interactive elements tailored to the needs of its young audience, including jokes and stories. The design
emphasises ease of navigation and visual appeal to ensure a positive user experience for both children and
parents.
4. Implementation and Testing
After building the core functionalities and integrating the templates, I conducted thorough testing to ensure
the site performed well across various devices and browsers. Feedback from initial testing phases helped and
address any issues before the final launch.
The result is a vibrant, interactive website that supports RSPCA’s mission to educate and engage its
audience. The site has been well-received by children and parents alike, as evidenced by the 76% engagement rate, reflecting the successful
implementation of the project’s goals.
Final UI and Ongoing Management
The final RSPCA NextGen site presents a vibrant and engaging user interface designed to captivate and educate
its young audience. The site’s UI integrates a range of interactive elements and visually appealing layouts
that align with RSPCA’s mission and branding.
User Interface Highlights
The website's design emphasises ease of use and accessibility, ensuring that children can navigate through
content intuitively. Key features include:
- Interactive Elements: Polls designed to engage children and make learning about animal
welfare fun.
- Dynamic Layouts: Responsive and visually appealing layouts that adjust seamlessly across
various devices, providing a consistent experience for users.
- Content Variety: A mix of educational and fun stories, videos and interactive components
to keep the content fresh and engaging.
Content Management and Updates
To keep the site relevant and engaging, we have established a detailed content management plan:
- Weekly Updates: Jokes are refreshed every week to ensure there is always new, entertaining
content for users.
- Quarterly Updates: Stories and other significant content are reviewed and updated every
quarter, providing fresh and relevant material that aligns with educational goals and current events.
Innovation and Future Enhancements
We are committed to continually enhancing the site by introducing new features and improvements. Recent
innovations include:
- Joke Component: A new interactive feature allowing users to enjoy jokes, which fosters
engagement and interaction.
Regular updates and the addition of new features are key to maintaining user interest and ensuring that the
site continues to meet the evolving needs of its audience.