3.1 Discovery & Strategy • Conduct stakeholder interviews and resident research (e.g., surveys, task testing). • Perform a comprehensive content audit and inventory, including ROT analysis (redundant, outdated, trivial content). • Review site analytics (GA4), search query logs, and perform top-tasks analysis. • Develop a governance blueprint (define roles, workflows, SLAs, content ownership). 3.2 Information Architecture & UX • Create a site map and navigation structure using a task-based model. • Develop page templates and components (e.g., service pages, program pages, department hubs, project updates, alerts). • Optimize search functionality (site search tuning and a metadata strategy). 3.3 Visual Design & Brand System • Provide a modern, mobile-first visual design and establish a pattern library/design system. • Ensure accessible color palettes and typography (high-contrast, keyboard-friendly interactions). • Design reusable components for alerts, closures, events, agendas, and emergency messaging. 8 3.4 CMS Implementation • Recommend and implement an enterprise CMS (open-source or commercial) that supports: o Role-based permissions and editorial workflows, including content review/expiry dates. o Structured content types and components for consistent page layouts. o Media management with a digital asset manager (DAM), image optimization, and document governance. o Content versioning, staging, and preview capabilities, with rollback functionality. o API-first architecture to facilitate integrations with other systems. o Document/File Management & Records Retention: Implement versioning, metadata tagging, automated content review/expiry, and archival processes consistent with South Carolina public records requirements. Include features like bulk upload, inline document viewers, OCR/indexing for search, automated broken-link checking, and accessible document support (e.g., PDF alternate formats). o Storage Model & Costs: Clearly define the storage included with the solution and any per-GB overage costs. Offer options to store or link to external repositories (e.g., SharePoint/OneDrive, Google Drive) while preserving canonical URLs and search indexing. o Data Portability: Ensure non-proprietary export of all content, media, configurations, and metadata to prevent vendor lock-in. • Migrate prioritized content into the new CMS and decommission legacy pages according to the governance rules.
