Positioning the park as a pivotal downtown experience
The Columbus Commons is a unique, conveniently-located park in Downtown Columbus that offers a variety of events and programs for the community. Their website was somewhat difficult to navigate, with events listed in several categories on text-heavy pages.
Columbus Commons wanted a website redesign that reflected the full variety of activities offered at the park, from free community events, to ticketed performances, to attractions like the carousel and nearby restaurants. The goal was to make the site user-friendly for locals, tourists, and event planners. Their event turnout was great, but the team also wanted to emphasize that the park can be utilized daily as an integral part of the downtown experience. They also wanted to emphasize the availability of on-site parking, which is both a major convenience for guests and one of their key sources of revenue.
Additionally, the website needed to accommodate frequent updates and streamline event management.
We utilized Asana and in-person meetings for smooth communication and project management. Much of the Columbus Commons team was already familiar with WordPress from the Downtown Columbus, Inc. website redesign. They also had a variety of changing content, because events are frequently added and archived. Because of this, we conducted early training to let them add content independently to suit their needs.
To make information about the Commons more accessible to visitors, we took several steps. First, we created a daily carousel availability indicator; if it is closed for any reason, their team can easily toggle a button and update the site. We also integrated a weather widget to provide updated information about what visitors can expect at the park. We also added a prominent parking icon to drive traffic (literally). And to provide clarity for different event types, we created distinct visual treatments to help people find information. We also highlighted nearby attractions more prominently on the site to enhance the visitor experience.
The redesigned website allows visitors to easily find and register for events, making the Commons a more inviting destination. The site now emphasizes the park’s daily offerings, special events, and connection to the surrounding downtown area. This change positions the Columbus Commons as a crucial part of Downtown Columbus. With improved functionality, clear event types, and the flexibility to manage content internally, the Columbus Commons team can now easily update the site daily to keep the public informed. The Columbus Commons is truly a dynamic, multi-generational space. We are proud to help highlight their work through their digital presence.
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