Creating & Executing a Website Re-Design Simultaneously: A Hyper Rational Approach

Can a web redesign project be executed and created simultaneously? Inspired by the architect of the Seattle Public Library's innovative hyper-rational process, we embarked on a similar approach to redesign our website in 2017. Having been disappointed in the past with projects that never saw the light of day because of rigid standards for evaluating and implementation, we set different parameters. By harnessing our own robust web statistics, we were able to make definitive choices about our content and investing in better user experience design and technology. This multi-unit undertaking based on a strategic team and tasks brought the experts of each area as the primary stakeholders. This approach created a valuable agency that fostered easy adoption, minimal training, and value. It also inspired innovation and improvement. By identifying core issues and the position that our website is a virtual librarian, we were able to determine what that would look like and what systems and products we should implement to maximize that experience. Testing products for staff ease of use helped us determine values and processes to emulate. What resulted was a completely unique customized site that adheres to our values, experiences, and service standards.