Transforming Refugee Support through Website Redesign
coresourceexchange.org
The Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange (CORE) connects and supports refugee resettlement staff globally to deliver effective Cultural Orientation to help refugees achieve self-sufficiency in the United States.
Project Overview
- Client Name: International Refugee Committee (IRC)- The Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange (CORE)
- Industry: Non-profit/Humanitarian
- Website Link: https://coresourceexchange.org
- Staging site Link: https://website.maisoninteractive.agency/CORE
- Objective: Enhance online presence, share new content, and overcome limitations of the existing website.
- Scope: Overhaul outdated website, ensure easy content updates and improve accessibility.
The CORE website serves as a crucial platform connecting and supporting refugee resettlement staff worldwide. Its primary mission is to deliver effective Cultural Orientation, aiding refugees in achieving self-sufficiency upon resettlement in the United States.
UX/IU
Web Development
Wordpress
The Challenge
When CORE initially approached us, their website was grappling with technical challenges and limitations, hindering the effective sharing of crucial content. The existing static site, had become an obstacle for the client to make necessary adjustments. The primary objective was clear: to provide a comprehensive solution that not only addressed the technical issues but also enhanced the overall user experience for global refugee resettlement staff.
The challenges were multifold, from connectivity issues to the need for a more user-friendly interface. The website’s outdated design and technical glitches were hindering its potential impact.
Our focus was on fostering a more inclusive online experience for low-literacy and refugee communities. The design aimed to bridge communication gaps and enhance overall accessibility.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
Our Approach
Recognizing the diverse technological landscapes of refugee communities, we adopted a comprehensive approach to bridge communication gaps and enhance accessibility.
Navigational Simplicity: Understanding the importance of simplicity, we designed an intuitive navigation system. This addressed the varying digital literacy levels of users, ensuring that even those with limited skills could easily navigate the website.
Technological Diversity: To adapt to the diverse technological environments of refugee communities, we optimized the design for varying internet connectivity and ensured responsiveness across different devices commonly used in these communities.
Visual-First Approach: Emphasizing a visual-first approach, we minimized text and utilized universally understood symbols, icons, and images. This not only improved comprehension but also catered to users with limited literacy skills.
Optimization for Connectivity: To address potential connectivity issues, we optimized the website’s performance for low-bandwidth networks. Additionally, we prioritized mobile responsiveness to cater to the widespread use of smartphones.
Resource Library and Download Center: We created a comprehensive resource library, providing articles, guides, and multimedia content to deepen staff knowledge about refugee populations. The download center allowed easy access to curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools.
SUCCESS!
Conclusion
The transformation of the CORE website was a collaborative effort aimed at not only addressing technical challenges but also at creating an inclusive, user-friendly platform for global resettlement staff. The success of this project is a testament to the power of thoughtful design in making valuable resources accessible to those who need them the most.
