ALCOSAN WEBSITE DESIGN

THE CHALLENGE

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN), Pennsylvania’s second largest sanitary facility, is undergoing significant physical and operational changes due to a Federal Consent Decree and resulting Clean Water Plan. While the completion of this historic expansion and modernization effort is slated for completion in 2035, ALCOSAN’s ability to communicate with customers during this time will be critical. As such, ALCOSAN realized it was imperative to modernize their website, which was previously designed a decade prior.

The previous website content was difficult to update, the site navigation was cumbersome for users, and it was not mobile friendly. McCormick Taylor was challenged to replace the Authority’s website with a modern and highly accessible responsive design that would simplify editing, prioritize ease of use for all audiences and devices, and align with major communications initiatives.

HOW WE HELPED

The website redesign was McCormick Taylor’s first assignment with ALCOSAN. We created an internal team of content specialists, graphic designers, and website developers to deliver a five-phased approach focused on collaboration with ALCOSAN.

This began with the Discovery Phase, which included a full website assessment aimed at acquiring in-depth knowledge of organizational needs, gaining a broader understanding of the target audience and website users, and determining a technical foundation for the new website’s infrastructure.

This was accomplished by working with ALCOSAN’s website Steering Committee, conducting a series of interviews with ALCOSAN staff representing 12 departments and the executive office, and thoroughly reviewing the existing website content, resources, and architecture.

As a result, 10 primary needs were identified and utilized to guide the remaining development phases: Design, Testing/Launch, Training, and Post Launch & Maintenance. Collaboration continued throughout the design phase to develop and repackage content, as well as to identify ALCOSAN’s design/branding preferences. Using mood boards, wireframes, and a functional prototype, the team established the style and function for the new website.

RESULTS

McCormick Taylor was able to develop a new website that streamlined critical content that successfully conveys who ALCOSAN is, what they do, and provides understandable details related to the Clean Water Plan. The site is also comparable, if not better, in appearance and functionality than ALCOSAN’s peers on a statewide and national level. It provides much improved navigation, design continuity, and effectively highlights the importance of the daily work ALCOSAN does.

Additionally, the site is mobile friendly, allows for electronic form submission and the ability to submit online inquiries to specific departments or divisions, and is compliant with current website accessibility standards. Furthermore, the new site utilizes a content management system that provides greater content control for the Authority’s employees.