Modernized Online Registration

1. Project Overview

Client: Caronport Recreation Board
Role/Contributions: Web Designer and Developer
Duration: 5 months

Project Summary

The Caronport Recreation Board needed a modernized system to handle program registrations, reduce administrative burden, and improve communication with participants. I designed and developed a custom website that enabled online registration, streamlined payment collection, and provided a central hub for program updates and community engagement.

2. The Problem

The Caronport Recreation Board faced significant challenges in managing program registrations. Their previous system relied on manual processes, including paper forms, cash or cheque payments, and in-person registrations. This created inefficiencies for both administrators and participants.

Challenges

Manual registration processes were time-intensive and error-prone.
Payment collection required tracking cheques and cash manually, leading to delays.
Communication about programs and schedules was inconsistent, often relying on word-of-mouth or email threads.

Goals

Move all program registrations online for greater efficiency and accuracy.
Enable secure online payments for registrations to reduce manual handling.
Provide a user-friendly platform for sharing program information and updates.

3. Research & Discovery

Research Methods

Conducted interviews with board members to understand their needs and pain points.
Analyzed common issues with the previous manual system, including bottlenecks and error sources.
Reviewed similar platforms to identify best practices for online program registration systems.

Insights

Board members spent hours organizing registrations and tracking payments, which was unsustainable as program demand grew.
Participants valued simplicity and convenience in registration processes.
A centralized, self-serve platform was critical to meeting the board’s needs and improving participant satisfaction.

4. Strategy

Design Recommendations

I proposed a centralized website with integrated online registration and payment features, a clear and intuitive layout, and a mobile-friendly design to accommodate participants on various devices. Even though my plan cost significantly more than other options they considered, the board decided to go with my plan because of the researched-informed approach to solving their issues.

Design Process

Created wireframes to map user flows for administrators and participants.
Shared prototypes with the board for feedback to ensure alignment with their needs.
Iterated based on feedback to refine navigation, registration forms, and payment workflows.

Design Priorities

Ease of Use: Simple registration forms with clear instructions.
Payment Integration: Secure online payments via Stripe to streamline financial processes.
Community Engagement: A dedicated section for program updates, schedules, and announcements.

5. Implementation

How It Was Built

I built the system on a custom platform to be able to handle Caronport Recreation Board's specific needs. I integrated Stripe for secure online payments and leveraged responsive design principles to ensure the platform worked seamlessly on mobile devices.

Launch & Delivery

Delivered a fully functional website with registration and payment capabilities.
Trained board members on how to manage the system, including adding new programs and monitoring registrations.
Led a website training workshop for program coordinators.

6. Results & Impact

Outcome

The Caronport Recreation Board successfully transitioned to an online registration system, significantly reducing administrative overhead and improving participant confidence and engagement.

Key Metrics

Time Savings: Reduced registration processing time by over 70%.
Participant Engagement: Increased registration numbers due to the ease of use.
Efficiency Gains: Eliminated manual payment tracking with integrated online payments.

7. Reflections

This project was a rewarding opportunity to help a local community organization modernize their processes. Seeing the board’s enthusiasm for the new system and hearing positive feedback from participants, it was a pleasure to help them realize a more engaging and empowering way to serve the community.

Working with Luke has made all the difference in the world. We have seen an amazed reaction to our registration capabilities for our recreation programs. I am proud of the professional and accountable way we are able to work with our coordinators and participants.

— Loree Buck (Caronport Recreation Board)

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