The City of Reno’s website, Reno.gov, has been awarded web design accolades by three national marketing and graphic design organizations: Hermes Creative Awards, Creativity International Award, and American Web Design Award.
Reno.Gov was recently awarded:
- A Platinum Award in the Website Overall/Government category by Hermes Creative Awards.
- An Honorable Mention by Creativity International Award in the category of Website – Public Service or Non-Profit.
- An American Web Design Award by Graphic Design USA.
- In addition, Reno.Gov was nominated for a Reno-Tahoe American Marketing Association Ace Award in the Best in Web & Digital Marketing category.
The Reno.gov website, developed by Vision Internet and City of Reno staff, was redesigned throughout Fall 2013 and officially launched in December 2013 in support of one of Reno City Council’s priorities to enhance communications and community engagement. Vision Internet’s innovative government content management system allows users to easily add and edit content.
There are a number of design features that positively alter both the look and usability of Reno.gov. A feature located in the middle of the homepage allows residents to easily search and discover pages of interest. Navigation tabs simplify page discovery and encourage residents to “Get Involved” and help visitors learn more “About Reno.”
Another new feature is the backdrop of beautiful images across the entire site. These images are provided by local photographers from around the community and are submitted via email or the #renolens hashtag on social media. Deanna Gescheider, Director of the Office of Communications and Community Engagement for the City of Reno, says the design features are an interactive way to keep the website looking fresh, and to entice citizens.
“One of the main goals of the website redesign was to encourage citizen engagement,” Gescheider says. “Anyone who visits our website will find that we’ve made it simple and convenient for residents to stay informed and participate in their neighborhoods, their community, and their local government.”
Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing, and design of traditional materials and programs and emerging technologies. Entries come from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, graphic design shops, production companies, web and digital creators, and freelancers.
Winners of the Creativity International Award competition represent 22 countries, three Canadian Provinces, and 25 states. Reno.Gov was considered by judges to be an example of outstanding creativity and design.
Graphic Design USA is an annual showcase of the power of design to enhance websites and online communications.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Vision Internet is a national leader in government website development with more than 500 government, nonprofit and education clients in the U.S. and Canada. The company creates cost-effective solutions that increase government efficiency, transparency and interactive communications with citizens. Over the past 18 years, the company has earned hundreds of prestigious awards for its unique websites. In 2013, Vision Internet launched the visionCMSTM content management system developed with feedback from hundreds of municipal clients.
