WP2 - Client Needs Analysis

About Us

We are a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering social cohesion by empowering diverse communities to share their stories, connect with others, and access resources that enhance their visibility and influence. Our mission is to strengthen societal bonds by creating platforms that celebrate and support the unique identities of communities across Australia.

This brief has been prepared for the internal design teams at Connect Communities Initiative (CCI). Each design team is tasked with developing individual concepts and prototypes for dynamic websites that align with CCI's mission and vision. Our mission is to strengthen societal bonds by creating platforms that celebrate and support the unique identities of communities across Australia.

Project Overview

We are commissioning the development of dynamic, user-friendly websites that represent and support different communities. Each website should serve as a central hub where community members can share resources, highlight events, and foster meaningful connections. The websites must not include any form of commercial activity, such as advertising or selling products. However, it is acceptable to promote resources, events, or services that are directly beneficial to the community.

The websites must be accessible, mobile-friendly, and reflect the diverse needs of the selected community focus area while adhering to our mission of inclusivity, accessibility, and ethical design. Each website should also celebrate the unique characteristics of its chosen community and support meaningful interaction and engagement.

Community Focus Areas

Additional Information

Target Audience

Each website must serve two key groups:

  1. Community Members: Individuals within the selected community who seek representation, resources, and connection.
  2. General Audience: Broader society, who can use the website to learn about the community and its contributions.

Accessibility must be prioritised to ensure seamless interaction for all users, including those relying on assistive technologies.

Project Goals

  1. Represent and celebrate the identity of the chosen community, recognising and representing the diversity within the community rather than relying on stereotypes.
  2. Provide clear, accessible information and resources to users.
  3. Foster meaningful connections and support within the community.
  4. Ensure ethical, inclusive, and culturally sensitive design principles are upheld.

Values - Needs - Features Analysis

Value 1: Support for Creativity & Self-Expression

Card 1

Diego needs bilingual portfolio tools

Features

Portfolio / Gallery builder

Card 2

Priya needs curated inspiration feed

Features

Personalised feed algorithm

Card 3

Lily needs auto-enhanced photo uploads

Features

Easy artwork / photo upload with optimisation

Value 2: Ethical & Non-Commercial Design

Card 1

Margaret needs a clutter-free experience

Features

No popups / ads

Card 2

Diego needs a trustworthy beginner-friendly platform

Features

Verified profiles / community trust badges

Card 3

Priya needs a web that avoids spam/self-promotion

Features

Moderation to reduce spam

Value 3: Accessibility

Card 1

Margaret needs large text and simple navigation

Features

WCAG-compliant design (contrast, alt text, ARIA)

Card 2

Lily needs night mode and mobile-first design

Features

Responsive layots, mobile-first approach

Card 3

Ahmed needs offline access and subtitles

Features

Moderation to reduce spam

Value 4: Inclusivity & Representation

Card 1

Priya needs safe, inclusive, moderated critique spaces

Features

Moderated community forum

Card 2

Margaret needs non-judgmental space for older hobbyists

Features

Customisable interface (light/dark modes, text size)

Card 3

Ahmed needs inclusive design with simple fonts, calm colours

Features

Community guidelines prominently displayed

Value 5: Community Connection

Card 1

Margaret needs connect with knitters her age

Features

Discussion baords with moderation

Card 2

Diego needs to receive constructive feedback

Features

Feedback tagging system ("encouragement / critique")

Card 3

Ahmed needs asynchronous sharing (slow internet)

Features

Async posting (upload queues, lightweight media)