Complete site redesign from audience analysis through implementation
Implementation of Stellent UCM to support templating and workflows
CFTC.gov Launched
CFTC – CFTC.gov Web Presence Initiative
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is an independent agency with the mandate to regulate commodity futures and option markets in the United States.
CFTC.gov is the Commission’s primary tool for communicating with industry, the public, Congress, and the press, and is a primary research tool for CFTC staff.
The objectives of the CFTC.gov Web Presence Initiative were:
- To improve the overall user experience of the website
- To create and enforce design and style standards
- To create and implement content models, taxonomy, and controlled vocabulary to ensure a design for enterprise-wide and extensible use
- To enable content owners to manage their content directly
Because CFTC.gov is a key enabler to the Commission’s regulatory mission, this is a critical initiative to improve their web presence and to provide a more usable and consistent experience for CFTC customers.
Aquilent’s CFTC team conducted over 25 interviews and focus groups, with 60 internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, content owners, subject matter experts, and end users. The interviews were part of an audience analysis, which combined quantitative data from metrics tools (e.g., ACSI surveys, WebTrends) with qualitative information (e.g., customer feedback, interviews) to develop a clear picture of CFTC.gov's audience segments.
The Information Architecture and Design requirements focused on providing a rich content experience and drove a robust new design that enables content reuse and provides appropriate space for CFTC branding and content highlights. In addition, a comprehensive Technology Assessment was performed, evaluating viable content management systems (CMS), email subscription services, search engines, and controlled correspondence systems. Following this assessment, CFTC selected Stellent (now Oracle) Universal Content Management to support the redesigned website.
In preparation for the launch of the redesigned website, a comprehensive communications and change management plan was developed. The plan included necessary steps, timeframes, and content for communication with internal and external users and stakeholders through multiple channels.
The redesigned CTFC.gov was launched on August 5th with the following enhancements:
- Improved design and user experience
- Design and workflow using Stellent Universal Content Management
- A new information architecture structured around user needs
- An email subscription service allowing users to subscribe to updates
- Search engine improvements
