From previous conversations, I assume that Five Oaks is under some difficulty and would need to gather new clientele. So I have looked at it as an outsider who might be looking for accommodations (and basically, as an Anglican from Montréal, I am indeed an outsider).
Who do you want to appeal with the website? Five Oaks may be a well-known name in high circles of the United Church, but is it well known outside of it? I guess from previous discussions that you want more activity, but should it be only from United-Church sponsored groups, from other churches, or for "civilian groups" that want to organize some kind of social/business event, or even for individuals who would like a weekend on their own away from the crowd?
Content wise, I learn more in the logo "Education and retreat center" than in anything else present on the first page. It might be old fashioned, but I like to see what's in it for me right in the splash screen, even before using the down arrow.
So I would probably put a bullet-point version of the content of the "Who we are" page (
Who-We-Are - Five Oaks Education and Retreat Centre) along with the address right on the main page so that right away, the reader would know that's a center in Paris (Ontario) open to
this kind of people and for
these kind of activities. On the other hand, I'm not sure the blurb about being an "affirming centre" has its place on the front page: if I were to go there on my own for a weekend, then it
may be nice to know that you'll respect the non-discrimination laws, but if I go as part of a group, then it's basically the group's policy that will decide on my inclusion there. If there is anything, the blurb on being an affirming centre might go on the "who may rent" page, in that my interpretation of it would be that you won't rent to a group that is opposed to same-sex marriage, for example.
As to the famous question "Why should I/our group go there?", I assume that for individuals you need to stress (pun intended) the relaxing environment. But for groups who want to use the facilities for a meeting, I think you need to use examples of what hotels and other meeting halls offer on their website (usually in a PDF document). Example of things missing:
– how far from downtown Paris, Brantford, Kitchener or London? (i.e. suitable or not for a marriage or for a day-long meeting?)
– possibility to use projection (computer system, projector and screen or tvs);
– blackboards, write-on boards, flip charts, etc.;
– microphones (in larger rooms);
– wi-fi (I know there is, but is the speed sufficient to broadcast live a Youtube video or access a remote database, for example);
– cell coverage;
– food : are menus fairly strict of does each group negotiate what they want?
– if it rains, is the ground messy or not? bathing or canoeing or cycling opportunities?
– Is it accessible for people with disabilities? By themselves or only with a valid helper? (I don't really want the legalese, but practical aspects. there is no use in having all these nice ramps if they end up in mudded-up trails.)
And because people are unimaginative, you may add examples of events that could be hosted there, especially for social events that are out of the typical group of users. For example, is it great for a marriage with 20 or 200 people?
Content wise, another part that confuses me is the
Oaten Institute. What's the difference between programs under "Programs and retreats" and programs under the Oaten Institute? If all programs are offered by the Oaten Institute, then all should come under the same header, and if it's a different body which happens to be located in the same place, then it should be expanded in a website of its own. In fact, it might be a very good way to present the content:
– what is Five Oaks
– What we offer:
Ready-made programs, activities and courses that either individuals or groups can come to(
Rentals and other uses: ex.: personal retreats, rentals for church events (which churches),
rentals for other group activities (ex.: corporate or other social events)
As far as design, others have suggested improvements. My pet peaves are:
– the big round buttons should have a link (most likely a summary page or the first link within);
– as I work with people in body shops and garages, we still have many clients using 1024 * 768 screens;
– it may be for historical reasons, but I don't think the website shrinks nicely on a phone. If it can't easily be done, I think you at least need a main page with basic information and address so that people who are lost on their way to Five Oaks can easily get it on their phone.
