Concept
The redesigned AFC website is a digital bridge between nature preservation and the community. Inspired by the landscapes and biodiversity AFC works to protect, the site’s concept emphasizes interactivity, accessibility, and storytelling. The platform reflects AFC’s mission of conserving open spaces while inviting users to participate through donations, volunteer efforts, and event participation.
Key conceptual goals:
- Showcase AFC’s impact through immersive visuals and interactive maps.
- Provide intuitive tools for donations, event management, and volunteer engagement.
- Create a seamless experience for users to explore and support AFC’s work.
Design
The design approach was rooted in simplicity, accessibility, and emotional connection:
- Responsive Design: Optimized for desktops, tablets, and mobile devices to ensure consistent usability.
- Visual Storytelling: Incorporates vibrant imagery, GIS-integrated maps, and media repositories to highlight AFC’s conserved areas and success stories.
- Natural Aesthetic: A soft, earth-toned color palette and organic shapes reflect the natural environments AFC protects.
- User-Centric Navigation: Clear call-to-action buttons guide users to key areas, such as donating, signing up for events, or exploring conservation projects.
- Accessibility: Features like alt text, proper heading structure, and intuitive layouts ensure inclusivity for all users.
Challenges
GIS Data Integration:
Integrating interactive maps with GIS data and the iNaturalist API required careful coordination to ensure accuracy and usability.Complex Functionalities:
- Synchronizing donor management systems via DonorPerfect API presented technical hurdles in achieving seamless real-time updates.
- Incorporating an event calendar with RSVP functionality and automated email confirmations involved balancing usability with backend complexity.
Audience Diversity:
- Catering to a wide range of users, from tech-savvy donors to first-time visitors, required a highly intuitive user experience.
Content Organization:
- Consolidating decades of AFC’s conservation history, media assets, and community resources into a cohesive structure posed an organizational challenge.
Vision
The redesigned website envisions AFC as a leader in digital storytelling for conservation. By blending cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design, the platform aims to:
- Inspire greater community involvement through engaging content and easy-to-use tools.
- Serve as a resource hub for environmental education, connecting users to trails, biological surveys, and conservation projects.
- Streamline AFC’s operations by automating key workflows, such as donor management, event registrations, and volunteer coordination.
- Evolve as AFC grows, with scalable features and a flexible WordPress CMS.
Ultimately, the vision for the AFC website is to deepen connections between people and nature while empowering users to contribute to conservation efforts.
