On Tuesday, April 5th, MetroStar Systems announced our support in the successful development and redesign of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) FCC.gov website into a new digital platform: http://beta.fcc.gov!
The process began with engaging real citizens first. Last October, FCC Managing Director Steven VanRoekel let users look under the hood and directly provide feedback for the design. Soliciting feedback right from the start was part of the key for success. Usability issues and other sticking points that had persisted on the old FCC.gov site for years were finally brought to task.
In addition to improving the usability and functionality, many of the latest Web 2.0 principles and technologies have been integrated into the new site, assuring this new FCC site can “keep up with the pace of the Internet.”
Reading some of the blogoshpere’s first reactions to the overhaul, you’ll see nothing but smiles on our faces:
- “FCC.gov reboots as an open government platform” by Alex Howard (aka @digiphile)
- “Miraculous makeover: using the new FCC.gov” by Matthew Lasar
- “Having Sat Out the Aughts, FCC.gov Steps into the Modern Age” by Nancy Scola
Unlocking the power of the FCC through smart design and engagement is just the beginning. We’re excited to see how the public takes advantage of the simpler design, open data, and powerful FCC toolkit.
And of course, if you haven’t checked it out yet, please do so and feel free to leave us a comment with your thoughts: http://beta.fcc.gov/
You can also contribute your feedback directly to the FCC. Your thoughts and ideas about additional features, improving the user experience, and/or improving the functionality of the website will be considered in future releases and updates: http://fccdotgov.uservoice.com/forums/105541-a-new-fcc-gov-feedback