nef

We were contracted by the New Economics Foundation (nef) to design and build a new online home for the organisation where they could publicise their work, engage existing supporters and bring nef to a new wider audience. Working closely with nef through the whole design and development cycle, we engaged with their team at every step to ensure the site followed their new brand proposition, met the requirements of the many internal stakeholders, and was clear and accessible to all users.

Central to the project was the development of a full new Content Management System (CMS) using Drupal 6. A key requirement for this CMS was to establish and organise a new information architecture (IA) for the site which would emphasise the holistic nature of nef’s research across its many different programme areas. Once mapped, we developed a search mechanism that would allow users to explore these cross programme links using Apache Solr and a detailed tagging system to enable easy access to related materials from all areas of the site.

The new site was also designed to provide nef with an easily updatable home for their many publications where visitors could search for, download and/or purchase hard copies of the organisation’s research. Using the Ubercart Drupal Module integrated with nef’s PayPal gateway payments can be made easily and stock records automated. The same payment process is also used for donations, credit card membership payments and the purchasing of nef Bonds. RSM 2000 technology was used to process membership payments through direct debit.

HomeMade really enjoyed working on this project with the forward thinking team at nef and we are confident that nef’s new site provides the organisation with a futureproof, dynamic and easily maintainable online home where they can better engage with their supporters. Now after comprehensive Drupal training the nef team are ready to fully utilise the Drupal CMS and keep their site up to date with their new events, publications and fantastic ideas – go check it out!

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