Bracknell's digital ambition: Enhancing user experience
Challenge:
Like all local authorities in the UK, Bracknell needed to enhance digital services for residents while adhering to strict budget constraints.
Strategy:
- Leveraging open-source solutions: By migrating to LocalGov Drupal in 2021, the council saved on costs associated with proprietary software.
- Increasing accessibility: Making the website accessible for all users was a key requirement for the new website.
- Bringing in additional service areas: Moving functionality online was key to end-user engagement, reducing human intervention, and putting a digital-first approach in place.
See how Bracknell Forest's accessibility has increased since 2021
From 201st to 8th rank
Data gathered by SIlktide"We appreciate how responsive the Webcurl team have been and that they are always on hand to help and
solve tasks quickly."
Lizzi Cox
Senior Digital Services Officer
Accessibility Enhancements
Challenge: Bracknell wanted to enhance their website's accessibility. They aimed to improve compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility guidelines.
Solution: Webcurl implemented accessibility enhancements on the existing website including features like clear selection indicators and screen reader navigation. All visuals now include detailed descriptions using alt text for media.
Impact: Bracknell's Silktide ranking soared from 201st to 8th (April 2024), creating a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for all.
"I wanted to take a moment to thank the Webcurl team for their work on improving our website's accessibility. The improvements have taken our Silktide accessibility ranking from 201st to 26th. Great work!"
Former Head of Digital
My Journey Microsite
Requirement: Bracknell needed to increase accessibility to live travel information and booking services.
Solution: Building upon the success of a previous transport development project Webcurl used this as a template to create the My Journey Microsite. The website offers local transport information, route planning, event updates, and travel news and integrates with Network Rail.
Focus on Accessibility: The microsite prioritises user experience and accessibility, ensuring residents can easily access live travel information and booking services across various devices.
Events Portal
Challenge: Bracknell's website needed a dedicated platform to showcase local clubs, events, and workshops. Residents struggled to discover these valuable resources on the existing website.
Solution: Webcurl collaborated with Bracknell to develop an Events portal within the new website. This user-friendly portal is a central database for local clubs, events, and workshops. Since a suitable module wasn't readily available within LocalGov Drupal, Webcurl took the initiative to adapt an existing module to match the council's requirements perfectly.
Result: Residents now benefit from a streamlined Events portal. They can easily search and discover a wide range of local events and activities that interest them, fostering a more connected community.
Working Together for the Future
Webcurl has enjoyed working with the Bracknell team and looks forward to continuing its partnership with the council.
"We appreciate how responsive the Webcurl team have been and that they are always on hand to help and solve tasks quickly."
Lizzi Cox
Senior Digital Services Officer
How Webcurl can help
Webcurl GOV empowers councils to navigate the digital age with confidence and ease, providing a comprehensive suite of digital tools and services that help councils maximise their online engagement. Powered by cost-effective open-source technologies, our products facilitate innovation, flexibility, and collaboration.
We can work with your council to create bespoke Webcurl digital products that meet your council's unique needs and requirements.
If you would like to find out more about the other digital tools and services that make up Webcurl’s complete digital experience platform, please get in touch
Let's have a chat
Since 2008 Webcurl have been on hand with expert advice, development and support for our clients to enhance their digital transformation goals.
To find out how Webcurl can help you fill in our contact form and one of our digital experts will be in touch as soon as we can.