Military Archives

Strategy & Planning: Broadening Access through a User-Centered Approach

With a deep understanding of the archives' significance, our team embarked on an ambitious project to redesign the existing website. The scope of this project was large and often complex, but for Communicraft it was a privilege to reimagine and reinvigorate MilitaryArchives.ie for the next generation.

Our primary aim was to open the archives to a broader audience, who may have previously felt overwhelmed or intimidated by the vast collection and the formalities surrounding its access.

Rather than presenting complete solutions we sought to fully understand and empathise with the users' needs and their frustrations. The challenge was clear: how to make the site inviting, efficient, and engaging while maintaining its integrity as a repository of history.

The entire project was guided by extensive user research. Through questionnaires and workshops involving key stakeholders, our team identified two primary user groups:

1. Historians and Archivists: who require extensive access to archives.
2. Family Researchers, Students, and Hobbyists: seeking specific information.

Acknowledging concerns about the changes a new website might bring, we actively engaged users in the design process, ensuring that the new website would meet their needs and enhance their experience

Design & Integration: Blending Innovation with Usability

The design philosophy for the new MilitaryArchives.ie was to balance innovation with user-friendliness. Our team of designers & developers drew inspiration from the traditions and heritage of the military archives, opting for a muted colour palette and fonts reminiscent of those used on the building itself. The website's navigation was creatively designed to mirror a book’s spine, symbolizing the archives' role as a repository of knowledge.

The website was restructured to reduce cognitive load, making it easier for users to navigate. Best practices from public sector organizations, as well as innovative designs from galleries, museums, and libraries, were studied to create a modern, engaging interface.

A critical aspect of the redesign was the integration of 15 separate websites, microsites & collections, supported by a powerful new search application built on Elastic Search. Previously, users had to search through multiple microsites to find the information they needed. Behind the scenes, the website runs on a powerful, yet easy-to-use content management system (CraftCMS). This streamlined approach not only benefited users but also simplified the management of the website for the Military Archives team.

Results: A Transformative User Experience

The launch of Phase 1 in June 2024 was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Users appreciated the more intuitive layout, which made accessing the vast array of archival materials less daunting. The new website was described as a “reflective space,” with an almost emotional connection that was previously lacking.

User satisfaction was evaluated using the HEART framework:

• Happiness: Users expressed satisfaction with the new layout and design.
• Engagement: There was an increase in user interaction and session length.
• Adoption: Even sceptical users began to see the value in the new features.
• Retention: High retention rates were noted, with users appreciating the improved functionality.
• Task Success: Users found it easier to complete their tasks, saving significant time.

Quotes from users, such as “It’s not intimidating” and “I can be so much more productive,” underscore the success of the redesign in making MilitaryArchives.ie a welcoming, user-friendly resource.

As the project progresses into Phase 2, ongoing feedback will continue to shape the website, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of its users while staying true to the Military Archives mission: “To protect the past, to understand the present, and to plan for the future.”

Finalist Best in Government & Non for Profit
DIGITAL MEDIA AWARDS 2024