A recent blog examined five signs that your Call for Sites consultation process could be improved. Now, we’re sharing four ways you can improve the user experience.

Give due warning

Failure to tell people what to expect of them can result in user frustration, this is especially true if you can’t scroll through an online form to see what’s coming later! If someone can only apply by uploading an annotated 1:1250 OS map as a PDF, warn them before they start their submission.

Allow users a break

Completing an online Call for Sites form may take longer than someone thinks or require more information than they have to hand. A ‘save’ function will allow users to complete the form at their convenience.

Use fresh eyes

Ensure your online application form is tested by someone who hasn’t seen it before. They’ll soon point out little annoyances, like being provided with a postcode look-up after they’ve spent time typing in an address. 

Make your Call for Sites consultation process simple

Of the ten council websites we recently surveyed, three used an interactive map. The remaining seven put the onus on the user to find and annotate a suitable map, sometimes with very little guidance as to what would be acceptable. 

Using an interactive map will enable your users to create accurate site location maps in seconds. You can also opt to pre-populate forms with relevant information, such as the area of the proposed site. 

Want to know more?

Read our Dudley MBC case study to find out how our interactive mapping makes the Call for Sites process easier for applicants and Planning Officers. Alternatively, contact us to explore how we can help you streamline your consultation process.