Web of social solutions, advice and support
Written 26.01.06 by: Jonathan Briggs
In the past we turned to neighbours and experts to deal with our financial, consumer, medical and other problems. Today we are increasingly likely to turn to the Web, email and online chat.
BBC News reports an American study that shows that the Internet is becoming the chosen source of support, advice and information for dealing with life's issues large and small.
Whether it is seeking out information on a health problem, buyer's guides for goods or a friendly second opinion, the web and its associated technologies provide many of us with effective support.
This has important implications both for those organisations that offer advice and for companies selling online.
Instead of simply being a brochure signposting visitors to offline support or a catalogue of products, visitors are increasingly looking for opinions, advice and decision making tools.
This trend is demonstrated in the design conversations we are having with our clients. We have worked with The Princess Royal Trust for Carers for example to turn their previous brochure site with a small forum into a major information resource and integrated community.
Similarly we have worked with the Advice Services Alliance to build Advice Now: a site that offers practical independent legal advice in plain straightforward English.
As we all use the Internet more our expectations of what sites offer grows. Can you think of ways of improving the support and advice your site offers? Come and talk to us.