Fig Leaf worked with the AAO Web committee to generate and select a new design created by Fig Leaf. Fig Leaf held a detailed creative session with the AAO Web committee and used the information learned to create a new site map and design composites (mockups). Once the final design composite was agreed upon and the design elements were completed, Fig Leaf implemented the design within a new Content Management System (CMS).
The AAO had extensive functionality requirements. Fig Leaf worked with the Web committee to gather requirements and specify the manner in which Fig Leaf’s team would ensure the AAO’s functionality requirements were met. Fig Leaf chose to use custom programming to tightly integrate with the organizations chosen CMS. The new functionality added to the site by the Fig Leaf team included:
- Related Articles -- Content Contributors are able to categorize pages and call upon a related articles script. Once instantiated on a page the related articles are determined dynamically and displayed in a related articles column. The system automatically determines which pages should be shown.
- Custom Metadata -- breadcrumbs, pictures, right/left column, email to a friend, printer friendly functionality
- Calendar System – Fig Leaf tied the CMS into a 3rd party calendaring system to pull events from and display the next eight upcoming AAO events.
- Single Sign-on – Fig Leaf implemented single sign-on functionality so that an authenticated user can switch from one application to another without having to login multiple times. In addition, Fig Leaf implemented a unified look and feel for all of the integrated applications (FuseTalk, Powered Calendar, iMIS e-series, etc.).
- Forums – Because the AAO has thousands of members, Fig Leaf heavily modified the Forums software to allow AAO members to search and locate other members based on criteria the user specifies. Discussions are pulled from the forums area and the top several forums are shown on the member home page. This entices new members and less frequent visitors to visit the forum section so that they may be come more deeply involved in the site.
- Site Registration – Fig Leaf built a custom registration for non-members to register on the site to become a member. In addition, Fig Leaf built the system to allow members to request automated password hints. Once authenticated to the site, the user can subscribe to newsletters and published lists (new and young members online). Administrators can send targeted text or HTML email using Fig Leaf’s WYSIMail software to specific members or groups of members based on their opt-in preferences. Users are able to set preferences for what they want to receive from email newsletters and can opt-out from individual newsletter groups at anytime.
- Custom Login Screen – Fig Leaf created a custom login screen so that the login page has the same graphical look and feel of the rest of the site.
- Profile Section – Information is gathered at the time of login to create the member’s profile page. The member is given access to a Free.Mail account and important profile information is displayed in the profile section and in a Yahoo profile for the user, including information on whether membership dues are due.
- Standard Search – Fig Leaf implemented the standard Verity search that is provided by the CMS vendor.
- Rich Menu System – Fig Leaf created a multi-level fly-out menu to enable site visitors to quickly find the information they are looking for.
