Website Users Group Continues Progression of ICCSAFE.ORG
 
 
The Code Council goes over certain design aspects of the revamped iccsafe.org.
The Website Users Group (WSUG) Committee kicked off 2012 with a webinar that displayed the goals and objectives of the committee. This was followed with another webinar presentation that covered the key website projects being undertaken by the Code Council. These projects include an overhaul of the online store, creating a mobile friendly website and continued improvement of website navigation.

The WSUG Committee is comprised of Code Council Members and non-members from across the country, solidifying the concept that the committee is devoted to hearing all sides and all ideas regarding the development of ICC's online environments. ICC Board of Directors member Ron Hoover was selected as the committee chair.

"The primary function of the committee is to be an advocate for ICC Members and other users of the ICC website," explained Hoover, who is the Director of the Marion, Iowa, Building Inspection Department and Fire Chief of the Alburnett Volunteer Fire Department. "WSUG Committee members gather input from those users and then apply their individual experience and skills to assist ICC technical staff towards improving and enhancing the website to meet the needs of website users."

The new online store includes several keys components, including the ability to filter search results of products, greater control over order of display, reduced page load time and expedited shipping options. Another key improvement for users is the store is now divided into categories, allowing users to quickly find their product. Also, an item-display format exists, creating an environment that can be quickly viewed and processed for users. The improved product search bar offers features such as suggestions to other products and redirect for when items are not entered in to the search field correctly.

 
From left, International Code Council Board of Directors Secretary/Treasurer Stephen Jones, Web Applications Manager Amit Mehta, and Board of Directors Member and Chair of the Website Users group Committee Ron Hoover partake in a discussion on development of the new online store.

  
"Users of the online store should enjoy a search component that will quickly take them to exactly the products they seek and related products that might be helpful to them," Hoover said. "When the ICC online store user completes their shopping, checkout payment and shipping instructions are easily completed. As the new online store is finalized, the WSUG Committee has actively sought to create as updated version of iccsafe.org."

As the new online store is finalized, the WSUG Committee has actively sought to create an updated version of iccsafe.org.

"The biggest concern of website users and the biggest challenge for the committee and ICC staff is navigation through a site like iccsafe.org that contains such a large and diverse volume of information," Hoover said. "Our goal is to have an ICC website that will provide the user a productive and pleasant experience so that iccsafe.org is the first choice of our members and industry partners to access their desired information. With more users around the world accessing website through mobile devices, the Code Council is continually improving the functionality of the entire website in to a mobile friendly format."

This meant using analytics and Member feedback to create a site easily accessible from various platforms and web browsers, while maintaining the overall functionality of the website.

The WSUG then met in Chicago to review the new site design, with its emphasis performing better and easier navigation and being more mobile friendly.

"To be the first choice of website users, the site must be easily navigable, it must be accurate and up to date, and it must be readily adaptable to changing technology and needs," Hoover said. "We launch a new iccsafe.org soon towards that goal but the work of this committee will not end with that launch. We will continue to gather input from web site users and be their advocate in keeping iccsafe.org the preferred industry site."

The WSUG has assisted in the development of iccsafe.org into the preferred industry site. From selecting new design aspects for the website to rigorous testing of the new online store, the WSUG continues to offer feedback, insight and advice on what works best for professionals in the industry.

The WSUG Committee will present a review of its progress with the ICC Board of Directors during the 2012 Annual Conference in Portland, Ore. The WSUG Committee also will host a Cracker Barrel session during the Foundation Luncheon on Monday, Oct. 22, at the Annual Conference.
Website Users Group Committee Members and Code Council staff join a presentation on various design qualities and components for a future appearance and user experience of iccsafe.org.