Graphics.lk

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Entrepreneurship Development (EPM) of Industrial Development Board

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

The Industrial Development Board (IDB) is the leading government body in Sri Lanka, dedicated to fostering the growth and development of the industrial sector through strategic, technological, and commercial support.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Graphics.lk to accomplish?

• Developing the Official Website
• Developing the De-centralized system
• Developing LMS
• Developing Company Directory

SOLUTION

How did you find Graphics.lk?

Referral

Why did you select Graphics.lk over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Graphics.lk were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

• Website Design and Development:
  • Responsive Design: Create a visually appealing and responsive website that works seamlessly across devices (desktop, tablet, and mobile).
  • User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX): Design an intuitive interface that enhances user experience, making it easy to navigate and access information.
  • Content Management System (CMS): Implement a CMS that allows IDB staff to easily update content, manage documents, and post news and events.
• Functionality and Features:
  • Online Registration and Applications: Develop features for online registration for training programs, workshops, and events.
  • Industrial Information Portal: Provide a comprehensive portal where users can access industry-related data, reports, and guidelines.
  • Interactive Tools: Integrate tools such as calculators, forms, and search functionalities to assist users in finding relevant information.
  • Multilingual Support: Ensure the website supports multiple languages to cater to a diverse audience.
• Security and Compliance:
  • Data Protection: Implement robust security measures to protect user data and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
  • SSL Certification: Ensure the website is secure with SSL certification to protect information exchange.
  • Accessibility Compliance: Design the website to be accessible to users with disabilities, following international accessibility standards.
• SEO and Performance Optimization:
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize the website for search engines to increase visibility and reach.
  • Performance Optimization: Ensure fast load times, efficient code, and optimized images to improve user experience and site performance.
• Maintenance and Support:
  • Ongoing Maintenance: Provide regular updates, bug fixes, and improvements to ensure the website remains functional and up-to-date.
  • Technical Support: Offer ongoing technical support for any issues that may arise post-launch.
• Training and Documentation:
  • Staff Training: Train IDB staff on how to use the CMS, update content, and manage the website.
  • User Manuals: Provide detailed documentation and user manuals for ongoing reference.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• The newly designed website saw a significant increase in traffic, with a 40% rise in unique visitors within the first three months of launch.
• The introduction of interactive tools, online registration forms, and downloadable resources led to a 30% increase in user engagement, as measured by the number of completed forms and downloads.
• The responsive design ensured that over 60% of the users accessing the website via mobile devices experienced smooth navigation and quick load times.
• The website was designed to meet international accessibility standards, resulting in a 25% increase in accessibility scores, making it easier for users with disabilities to access information.
• The implementation of a robust CMS allowed IDB staff to easily update and manage content, reducing the time spent on website maintenance by 50%.
• The automation of the registration process for workshops and training programs led to a 35% reduction in manual processing time.
• The website achieved a higher ranking in search engine results, with a 20% improvement in organic search traffic, helping IDB reach a broader audience.
• Optimized performance resulted in an average page load time reduction of 2 seconds, enhancing user experience and contributing to a lower bounce rate.

The IDB website's success was recognized at the BestWeb.lk 2024 award ceremony, where it won the Overall Gold Award for Best Government Website. This prestigious accolade reflects the website’s excellence in design, functionality, and user experience.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The project management for the IDB web development project was highly efficient and well-structured. The team adhered to a clear timeline, delivering all items on time and within the agreed-upon schedule. They were responsive to our needs, quickly addressing any concerns or requests for changes. 

Regular updates and communication ensured that the project stayed on track, resulting in a successful launch that met all our expectations. Their professionalism and commitment were evident throughout the project, contributing significantly to the overall success.

What was your primary form of communication with Graphics.lk?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Graphics.lk's work on our website was notable for its user-centric design, comprehensive functionality, and integration of various services. Their achievement in winning multiple awards, including Best Government Website Gold and Best Education Website Bronze, highlights their excellence and innovation in web development. The mobile optimization further enhances user accessibility and experience.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Graphics.lk could have done differently?

Graphics.lk could improve the IDB website by enhancing accessibility features, increasing interactivity, optimizing performance, ensuring regular updates, and integrating user feedback. These steps could further boost user experience and website effectiveness.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of FINSED, a training firm. My company is a one-person band at the moment.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Graphics.lk?

My previous website used legacy software that didn’t allow me to update it. Therefore, I wanted to design a website that I would be able to edit myself as I needed to update content.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Graphics.lk developed a basic WordPress website that enabled me to edit content as I wished. I showed them my existing site and told them I wanted something similar to that. Then, I added requirements that they built as they went. 

The team gave me options for embedding the payment and order functionalities into the training courses. They put feedback forms for users to contact me and installed an SSL certificate on the site. The team also set up Google Analytics for me.

What is the team composition?

I worked with three people from Graphics.lk.

How did you come to work with Graphics.lk?

I found them through a recommendation from a friend who had worked with them. 

How much have you invested in them?

I spent less than $400 AUD (approximately $300 USD). 

What is the status of this engagement?

I worked with them in May 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Graphics.lk was very responsive to my needs. Although the new site doesn’t look as good as the old one, this one has newer technology. The goal was to have a basic website with decent functionality that enabled me to edit as I wished, and they delivered. I already had training leads, and with the updated content, I can market my new website more. 

Moreover, I appreciated that I could review the website on an ongoing basis through development. If I didn’t like the look of something, I would provide feedback via email or chat, and Graphics.lk would add content or amend the existing content. 

How did Graphics.lk perform from a project management standpoint?

They were pretty good at project management. I set the timeline, and they worked towards my deadlines. Our communication was all very casual through WhatsApp and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was impressed with Graphics.lk’s value for money and responsiveness. They were very helpful, even post-service. For example, I had a question this week about editing a particular section of the website, and they came back with specific instructions on how to edit what I needed to.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could have offered me more services when we first met instead of waiting for me to ask for what I needed. The team could have improved their service by suggesting things based on my type of business.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be specific with your requirements and timelines. In hindsight, I should have also asked them to advise me on whether there was a better type of website to set up for my business.