Powhatan Permit Portal

Year

Year

2024

Client

Client

Powhatan

Type

Type

Website

Results

Results

40% Boost & $50K Savings

Role

Role

Lead Designer
Lead Designer

Struggle with Outdated Systems

Navigating government websites can be a headache, especially for permits in Powhatan County, Virginia. Without an online system, contractors and homeowners face complicated forms and long wait times, delaying projects and causing frustration.

Struggle with Outdated Systems

Navigating government websites can be a headache, especially for permits in Powhatan County, Virginia. Without an online system, contractors and homeowners face complicated forms and long wait times, delaying projects and causing frustration.

Struggle with Outdated Systems

Navigating government websites can be a headache, especially for permits in Powhatan County, Virginia. Without an online system, contractors and homeowners face complicated forms and long wait times, delaying projects and causing frustration.


Problem

In today's digital age, Powhatan County still relies on paper forms and face-to-face interactions for permits and inspections, making the process inefficient.


Problem

In today's digital age, Powhatan County still relies on paper forms and face-to-face interactions for permits and inspections, making the process inefficient.


Problem

In today's digital age, Powhatan County still relies on paper forms and face-to-face interactions for permits and inspections, making the process inefficient.




Solution

Create an online system for permit applications. This portal would simplify forms, speed up processes, and give users control over their projects.


Solution

Create an online system for permit applications. This portal would simplify forms, speed up processes, and give users control over their projects.


Solution

Create an online system for permit applications. This portal would simplify forms, speed up processes, and give users control over their projects.


Hypothesis

Switching to an online system could ease frustrations and cut costs for the county.

Hypothesis

Switching to an online system could ease frustrations and cut costs for the county.


User Insights

To find out what users wanted, we talked to contractors and homeowners. They desired:


  • Simpler, step-by-step processes


  • Intuitive, human-like interactions


  • Access to live help


  • A desktop site for anytime access



User Insights

To find out what users wanted, we talked to contractors and homeowners. They desired:


  • Simpler, step-by-step processes


  • Intuitive, human-like interactions


  • Access to live help


  • A desktop site for anytime access



User Insights

To find out what users wanted, we talked to contractors and homeowners. They desired:


  • Simpler, step-by-step processes


  • Intuitive, human-like interactions


  • Access to live help


  • A desktop site for anytime access





Designing the Portal


We created a desktop site that:


  • Broke down long forms into simple steps


  • Used clear language for all users


  • Included tooltips and live chat for instant help


  • Allowed users to contact a real person if needed


Designing the Portal


We created a desktop site that:


  • Broke down long forms into simple steps


  • Used clear language for all users


  • Included tooltips and live chat for instant help


  • Allowed users to contact a real person if needed


Designing the Portal


We created a desktop site that:


  • Broke down long forms into simple steps


  • Used clear language for all users


  • Included tooltips and live chat for instant help


  • Allowed users to contact a real person if needed



Testing Usability

We tested the portal with users of all ages.

  • Users found it easy to navigate


  • Users appreciated the auto-saving feature


  • Users liked having immediate access to help through tooltips and live agents


Testing Usability

We tested the portal with users of all ages.

  • Users found it easy to navigate


  • Users appreciated the auto-saving feature


  • Users liked having immediate access to help through tooltips and live agents


Testing Usability

We tested the portal with users of all ages.

  • Users found it easy to navigate


  • Users appreciated the auto-saving feature


  • Users liked having immediate access to help through tooltips and live agents

Results

The new system led to:


  • A 40% increase in online applications


  • A 30% decrease in in-person visits


  • $50,000 annual savings for Powhatan County

Results

The new system led to:


  • A 40% increase in online applications


  • A 30% decrease in in-person visits


  • $50,000 annual savings for Powhatan County

Results

The new system led to:


  • A 40% increase in online applications


  • A 30% decrease in in-person visits


  • $50,000 annual savings for Powhatan County


Looking Ahead

While we couldn't add every feature due to time constraints, future improvements could include FAQ pages and mobile alerts. More usability tests will help refine the system further.

View Prototype



Looking Ahead

While we couldn't add every feature due to time constraints, future improvements could include FAQ pages and mobile alerts. More usability tests will help refine the system further.

View Prototype


©2024 Daniel Rosenfarb