Events Template for Providence Health System

Project:

Set up a template using xhtml and css that can easily be reused for multiple annual events. Base template and styles are reused with only a minor amount of custom-to-event modifications layered on top to make each event match its current-year print collateral.

Roles fulfilled:

html/css design and development. Staff interface designer.

Good for users:

The templates, pulled out of the normal site template are more focused on the target at hand. Users will no longer confuse their position within the site with these stand-alone mini sites.

The template is marked up semantically and takes advantage of alternative stylesheets. This includes the ability to switch to a “zoom” layout, or easy-read, version for low-sighted users. Access keys and jump-links are revealed in the alternative layout for better accessibility.

Good for client:

Time to produce each annual event’s current-year site has been greatly reduced. Event producers are happier with the custom appearance of their mini-sites, unaffected by the site architecture and look-and-feel of the health system site. Because of the semantically-meaningful markup and the use of alternative stylesheets, there is no need to maintain two versions of the sites. This also means better relevance in search engine results.

The better accessibility directly supports Providence’s mission and core values of Compassion for those that have special needs, something Providence had fallen short of doing with its web presence previously.