Project 3:
Kinship Resource Guide
Overview
The Kinship Resource Guide project was initiated in response to a request from Family Services for a new micro-site, aiming to establish a separate website reminiscent of NY's kinship navigator (https://www.nysnavigator.org/). This endeavor aimed to fill the gap left by the absence of a state kinship navigator program in Virginia, aligning with the overarching vision of prioritizing kinship care within the state's familial support framework. As the project manager and creative manager on this initiative, I was pivotal in orchestrating the collaborative efforts between Family Services and Public Affairs.
Collaborating closely with Family Services for content development, the project sought to create a user-friendly website tailored to the needs of kinship caregivers and families. While materials were still in the developmental phase, efforts were made to involve Public Affairs early on in the process to explore strategies for enhancing the site's usability and accessibility. Through this collaborative effort, the Kinship Resource Guide project aimed to provide valuable resources and support to kinship caregivers, reinforcing Virginia's commitment to fostering a kin-first culture of familial support and empowerment.
Ultimately, the success of the Kinship Resource Guide project underscored the power of collaboration between Family Services and Public Affairs. Together, we demonstrated Virginia's commitment to prioritizing kinship care and empowering families through accessible and comprehensive resources.
Kinship Resource Guide the Build
In our quest to develop user journeys and refine the design of the Kinship Resource Guide site, we leveraged the invaluable insights gained from focus groups and creative sessions. Recognizing the importance of understanding the needs and preferences of our target audience, we conducted multiple focus groups to gather feedback and identify key pain points and preferences.
Throughout these focus group sessions, participants provided invaluable input that guided our design decisions and informed the development of user journeys. Their feedback helped us understand the user experience from their perspective, allowing us to tailor the site's design and functionality to better meet their needs.
In addition to focus groups, we engaged in countless creative sessions to iterate on the design of the Kinship Resource Guide site. With approximately six drafts produced during these sessions, we meticulously refined every aspect of the site, from layout and navigation to content and visual elements.
The collaborative effort between focus groups and creative sessions ultimately culminated in the successful creation of a user-centric design for the Kinship Resource Guide site. By incorporating feedback from users and iteratively refining the design, we were able to create a final product that effectively serves the needs of kinship caregivers and families navigating the complexities of kinship care.
Launch and Implementation
After the intensive focus groups and creative sessions, the Kinship Resource Guide site underwent a meticulous approval process to ensure its readiness for implementation. Once all drafts were refined and finalized based on feedback from users and stakeholders, the site underwent a thorough review by the Department of Family Services (DFS). This review encompassed evaluating the site's content, design, functionality, and alignment with the department's objectives and policies.
Upon receiving final approval from DFS, the Kinship Resource Guide site proceeded to the implementation phase. This involved deploying the site on the designated web platform, testing its functionality across different devices and browsers, and ensuring that all content was accurately displayed. Throughout this process, careful attention was paid to user experience and accessibility to ensure that the site met the diverse needs of its audience.
The successful launch of the Kinship Resource Guide site marked the culmination of extensive collaboration, research, and refinement. Since its implementation, the site has continued to garner positive feedback and usage, indicating its ongoing success in providing valuable resources and support to kinship caregivers and families. Moving forward, regular updates and maintenance will be conducted to ensure that the site remains relevant, user-friendly, and effective in fulfilling its mission of supporting Virginia's kinship care community.
Let's Collaborate!
I'm constantly seeking new opportunities. Feel free to get in touch with me, and I'll be sure to reach out to initiate our journey together.