Case Study: Information Architecture
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Centralis helped PC(USA) leaders and members by integrating their web presence into one cohesive site.
The Challenge
With over a million members, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is one of the largest religious organizations in the country.
The Church’s many members are highly engaged with the organization and rely on the website for information about everything from worship resources to employment options with local congregations.
When a recent survey indicated that their website wasn’t effectively communicating this information to church members, PC(USA) turned to Centralis to combine their many organizations under one unified website.
The Process
Centralis used a range of iterative methods to gather user feedback and inform decisions about the site design.
After taking inventory of PC(USA)’s more than twenty-nine-thousand pages, we conducted usability testing, card sorting, and two rounds of unmoderated tree tests to learn where users expected to find each category of information.
Based on comprehensive user feedback, Centralis developed seven guiding principles for PC(USA)’s information hierarchy. We used these principles to generate a site map and subsequent prototype to illustrate how our new design enabled people to move smoothly through the site.
The Impact
Church leaders and members were calling for an easier-to-use website, but PC(USA) didn’t know exactly how to fix it. Centralis’ research and insight gave them a clear procedure for consolidating all of their information on a single website, eliminating confusion and logistical headaches for millions of church members.
As PC(USA) moves into the development stage, they have expressed desire for us to continue advising them and optimizing their design for years to come.
Our Value
“I’m stunned at the improvement! Thanks!” exclaimed a church leader in our final round of research, while another said “I liked being part of this”. Overall, participants responded positively to the redesign and expressed delight at being asked their opinion.
Centralis worked with PC(USA) over the course of two years, helping them incorporate the needs of their users into the complex process of reorganizing so much information.
We drew on prior experiences with large websites to integrate user feedback into our design solutions, all while forging strong connections with stakeholders and church members, building organizational trust for years to come.
of our organization. So . . . just thank you! You're amazing!"
- Director of Communications and Marketing, PC(USA)