Website database development and design comprising CMS, UK and international charity

Website Database case study

Sector: Charity Volunteering
Project Scope: Database driven website incoroporating CMS and website design
Client: World Wide Volunteering (WWV)

WWV operate a unique 'search and match' database with over 1200 volunteer organisations and 350,000 placements throughout the UK and in 214 countries worldwide. The client requirement was for a website development that would integrate with their 'offline' database to allow users to search the database and extract results efficiently.

The design requirment was that the website visually reflect the organisation in terms of its position in the global community and the nature of its work. Therefore the website design needed to portray a growing, dynamic company in such a way that the visitor is keen to discover more.

Rocktime provided the solution with a comprehensive website redevelopment incorporating the Rocktime CMS (content management system) and database integration. The site design is structured around the four different user groups which comprise volunteers, funders, annual subscribers and volunteer organisations. This forms the basis of the homepage design with subsequent user group entry pages tailored with content, design and layout specific to their audience.

This website was designed to support high volumes of simultaneous users carrying out multiple database queries. There is a user friendly database demonstration which provides users with the opportunity to match their search criteria to help find volunteering projects around the world. The website incorporates the Rocktime Logic CMS (web content management system) and thus allows client administrators to instantly update relevant content ensuring that the site content is always current.

Engaging users is indicative to the visitor finding out more about WWV, this was achieved through an interactive map on the homepage, directing users to volunteer stories relating to that area of the globe. Logic CMS functionality allows WWV to pinpoint a location on the map and attach relating information to it. The site has been designed can detect whether the user has the Flash player and can offer the option to download this, or if blocked simply show graphic images.

It was essential that users could easily find information pertinent to their interest on the WWV website. One of the engaing ways that this was accomplished was through an interactive map on the homepage directing users to volunteer stories relating to that area of the globe. Logic CMS functionality allows client administrators to pinpoint a location on the map and attach relavant information.

Project features:

Database integration
Free database (query) demonstration available for site visitors
User data capture provided via online subscriber sign up
Website design to suitably represent WWV and easily engage users
Content Management System (CMS) enables administrators to update the website with immediate effect
CMS includes managing news, testimonials, photo gallery, FAQ's, user poll's, competition, maps etc.

> WWV Database driven website

June 08' - Cardiff Council Tender Award

Rocktime were successful in being awarded the Cardiff Council Tender to act as web development partner for the Landlord Accreditation Wales (LAW) website and extranet project. The first phase of the site will be live in late July 2008 with completion of phases 2 and 3 for September.

A comprehensive range of design and functionality is being provided powered by the Rocktime Web Content Management System and E-Commerce platforms to include Welsh and English Language management.