NOCG
web / print
2011 - present
- Web
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NOCG (Naval Outdoor Centre Germany) is an adventurous training centre, for the Royal Navy, based in Bavaria.
The unit had no web presence and information was needed online for participants looking to take part in activities, along with families who would be stationed there.
The website has evolved over the years with the current version being built with Bootstrap. The pages provide a wealth of information about NOCG, history, contact, activities, what to bring, along with an availability calendar and online booking form.
From the outset I strongly recommended adding a booking form to the site and outlined the many benefits. I also suggested automated emails to further streamline the booking process. Upon submission of the booking form a copy of the booking is sent to the clerk, confirmation is sent to the applicant and notice of application is sent to the relevant commanding officer. I presented all ideas to both the Commanding Officer and his 2IC and both took onboard all my suggestions.
To begin I created user flows and wireframes to give a clear understanding of the site structure and layout of pages. For the aesthetics of the site I looked to the design of the main Royal Navy website. Even though NOCG has a separate website it is still part of the RN. I felt it was a good idea to 'loosely' apply design and layout elements creating some cohension and familiarity.
During the process one of the main concerns flagged was that potential participants would be looking at the site from their mobile devices when away on exercise. This meant the site had to be responsive and work well on small screens. With this in mind attention was given to the booking form in particular to make sure it was simple and easy to complete on a phone sized screen.
Many of the scenic images found on the website were supplied by the Bad Hindelang Town Council, where NOCG is based. I liaised with the council (in my best German!) to gain permission and access to their gallery where I was able to download images without watermarks.
I continue to work on the site periodically, but the calendar has been created so that it can be updated inhouse by the NOCG clerk from the within a password protected backend admin area.
At some point in the future the NOCG pages will be integrated into the main RN website. I have already be asked to act in a consultancy/support role for NOCG with the main RN web team when that time comes.
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The NOCG requested a guidebook that could be handed out to visitors. I designed a 100 page A5 booklet providing activity information available in the area covering all seasons. The brief was for a 'coffee table' style booklet with a 'glossy photo' feel. I worked closely with the Petty Officer who was in charge of the project communicating frequently regarding progress. I gathered all information sent, organised into sections and presented the content in a consistent manner with photos that complimented the text. I sourced a printer in the UK, provided costs and arranged for delivery to a military establishment. I then made arrangements with military personnel travelling to NOCG to deliver the 1000 copies to Bavaria.
