NYC Archaeology Repository

LPC briefed Keepthinking with developing a new website using the nyc.gov portal guidelines as its template and integrated as seamlessly as possible. The main goal was to enable searching the archaeological collections database, with the search functions appealing to specialists both within and outside of the city and to have changing online exhibitions that feature artefacts with a narrative.

A fully responsive website and an important educational tool that can be used to explore the exciting discoveries New York City archaeology has made. Online exhibitions (where we bring together objects from the collections and provide a narrative) appeal to the general public and an overview of boroughs appeals to locals and the press.

The previous iteration of the website did not function well as information was nested and hard to access, so our first steps were reworking the information architecture to establish clear hierarchies. Points of focus were enhancing the user journeys by leading the users to further information in the context of the sites while enabling them to enter different archaeological sites, projects and events throughout the journey. Interactive features to increase user engagement were built, such as maps and quizzes.

On a single project page, visitors can find excavation images as well as information about the organisations and people involved, while a list of objects found is also available. The interactive map gives access to all archaeological sites and their corresponding projects.

Quizzes have been developed to test visitors' knowledge in a fun and interactive way. Quizzes are used as a method for referencing archival material providing users with windows to explore content available on the repository.

The collection search page has been designed with multiple users in mind. A simple search option allows searching by keyword for users looking to browse the collections, whilst more specific searches made by advanced users such as archaeologists and experts can be performed through a comprehensive search engine.