A better, phone-friendly vpap.org
You may have noticed that things look a little different.
Last week, the nonprofit Virginia Public Access Project staff launched a redesigned version of vpap.org. The first thing you may have noticed is how vpap.org automatically adjusts to fit any device -- desktop, tablet, or phone. This is important, because nearly one-third of our traffic now comes from handheld devices.
A detailed overview of the redesign is available below.
It's okay if you don't love the new site right away. We are all creatures of habit, particularly when it comes to websites we're accustomed to navigating.
Please be patient. We believe you will soon come to appreciate the simplified navigation and other features listed below.
And as always, we value your feedback. If you've encountered a problem or have a suggestion, please let us know at webmaster@vpap.org.
Redesign of vpap.org
- Simplified Navigation: Our annual survey reveals increased frustration from some users in locating what they are looking for. We've simplified the navigation to five sections: Elections, Money, Lawmaking, News and Visuals.
- VaNews on a Single Page: If you read the clips on a phone, you can scroll from top to bottom. No more clicking from one page to the next.
- Smashing Silos: We've done a better job of grouping information together that had been scattered throughout the site. For instance, you'll now be able to find all things Senate -- district maps, election results, campaign contributions, conflicts forms, top donors -- on one page.
- More Local Campaign Finance: We're now capturing the data for all candidates for local office who e-file campaign finance reports with the State Board of Elections. That's 400 more candidates than we used to have!
- Landing Pages: We've built a single page for each person, company or PAC listed in our database. Some of these people and organizations intersect the data in multiple ways. For instance, a company might make donations, operate a PAC, employ lobbyists and sell stock, which is owned by elected officials. All this information will be available at a glance.
- Frame for General Public: Those of us who follow politics take basic knowledge of the system for granted. We've added content to provide greater context for people who don't know there are 100 members of the House of Delegates or don't know the next Governor will be elected in 2017.
On the Horizon
- More Maps: VPAP will create a mapping tool that will allow people to explore a rich set of data -- political, demographic and economic -- that will yield fresh insights into what makes Virginia tick.
- MyPolitics: VPAP will create a portal where everyday citizens can type in their home address and learn about politics from their neighborhood out. The resources will include a list of upcoming elections, links to their elected representatives and voting history of their precinct.
- K-12 Initiative: VPAP will work with middle- and high-school civics teachers to organize content for students studying government and civics.
Dec. 9, 2014