Tyler County Historical Commission
The Tyler County Historical Commission (TCHC) is dedicated to preserving and promoting Tyler County's history and cultural heritage. Their goals include documenting and maintaining historical sites, providing educational resources, cataloging historical accounts, and fostering community spirit through the celebration of the county's rich past. TCHC engages both the local community and visitors to ensure Tyler County's historical significance is recognized and appreciated.
I was responsible for redesigning the TCHC website, which included facilitating design sprints with an appointed committee, creating wireframes and mockups, presenting proposals and design concepts to the commission at large, and conducting user testing and feedback sessions. Upon completion the final deliverables will include a fully functional website with an improved user experience, enhanced visual identity, and communicate the comprehensive content highlighting Tyler County's historical significance.
Redesigning History
To understand TCHC's identity, I conducted extensive research on their existing materials, mission statement, and target audience. The "Ask the Experts" exercise during design sprints encouraged the committee to identify key objectives: preserving historical places, supporting community events, providing educational resources, and engaging the community.
This exercise helped to define their target audience and content needs. We assessed related websites, assessed the previous site, and established the projects goals.
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Refining a Communities Voice
I studied the research and discussions with the Commission's committee and began exploring possibile site sturcutres and design directions that would reflect Tyler County's historical and cultural heritage. I created a wireframe and three stylescapes that were presented to the Commission at large. The stylescapes were each inspired by the results but put slide the scales for different directions.
"Legacy of Time": Emphasizing shared experiences for grandparents and grandchildren.
"Preserving the Past": Highlighting solemnity for historians and researchers.
"Community Harmony": Celebrating bonds between residents for the broader community.
Presenting to the Commission
I presented the wireframes and styleboard to the commission for approval in conjunction with the committee appointed to the project. The "Community Harmony" stylescape was the most liked for its ability to encapsulate the essence of Tyler County's close-knit community, using familiar and inclusive visual elements to engage a broad audience. Wireframes and the continuation of the project were approved and we met again for me to present a proposal with high-definition page mockups. The proposal was agreed upon and work began.
The Forest for the Trees
The redesigned website featured improved navigation, user experience, and content organization. Key new pages included those for Cemeteries, Historical Markers, Resources, About, Narrative History, and Towns & Communities, all designed to enhance user engagement and provide comprehensive information.
Dynamic search filters were implemented to enhance content exploration, while interactive maps with custom icons showcased cemetery and historical marker locations. These elements made it easier for users to find and engage with the historical content they were interested in.
A robust CMS was developed to facilitate easy updates, allowing TCHC to maintain and organize their content efficiently. High-quality images were integrated without loss of quality, ensuring the visual appeal of the site was maintained.
The site was tested by committee members and residents and with data being used to improve the navigation and User interface. Transitioning to Webflow hosting and training the committee for content management empowered them to maintain and update the site independently, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Leaving a Lasting Impression
This website has been strategically utilized in TCHC's brand strategy to increase community engagement, improve access to historical information, and provide a valuable resource for residents and visitors. In follow up meetings and continued user testing, it was expressed that site traffic increased and engagement with the community increased. One member even expressed that they learned things about their family they had never known before thanks to the website. The next iteration of the Tyler County Historical Commission website is sure to present their legacy so that all can explore and appreciate what has come before.
Design Can Make a Difference
Our web design project has generated significant growth and positive feedback from users.
Eleanor Holderman
Chairman, Tyler County Historical Commission
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