How the community wants Planet 4 to be
A few key takeaways from Focus Groups with Greenpeace website managers
To integrate and complement the information gathered with the surveys of the Discovery Phase, we run face-to-face (webcam-to-webcam) Focus Groups, reaching out to 57 colleagues in charge of Greenpeace websites across 34 countries.
As it reads in the full interview script, the objectives of this work stream were to assess efforts and requirements for implementations, identify Wordpress “Superpowers” and training needs, and explore integration, multi-language and specific prerequisites. On a more personal level, it was a good chance to get to know fellows we never talked to, or only did via email or Skype.
Each session was inspiring. The creativity, passion and attention to details that our colleagues put in their work is simply astonishing. What struck the most, however, is the sense of community that unites Greenpeace web folks: each and every interviewee mentioned the word “sharing”, be it for code, talent, plugins, solutions or best practices. The wider adoption of WordPress is seen as an opportunity to work more effectively and boost both web content and features’ outreach.
The inputs we gathered in the Focus Groups will deeply affect both design and development, help shaping implementation plans and guide integrations and choice of functionalities. A few key takeaways, nonetheless, can be shared right away:
“We want it yesterday”
Everyone is pretty excited about what Planet 4 will look like, but most of all quite impatient to see it and have it. The general vibe is that Planet 3 is not a next-generation engagement system, actually not even a current-generation one. That’s the main reason why a few offices dropped it and microsites are overproliferating. Once the pilot sites of Greenpeace International and SaveTheArctic will be launched, efforts in supporting, enabling and facilitating migrations will have to be total. We will have to learn quickly from successes and failures, because Planet 4 cannot wait.
“We need it slick and efficient”
Common view is that there should be no rocket science behind how content will be published in Planet 4 and replicated across instances. If adopted, workflows should remain at the very basics, permissions be straightforward and automation facilitate the role of web managers. The new Greenpeace.org doesn’t need any unnecessary complexity to drive people to action.
“We want to go as far as we can, and help others go even further”
Simple processes and ways of working on one side, enhanced technical independence on the other. Staff and volunteers want to take the initiative, making websites relevant to local realities, developing plugins and features or integrating new technologies. As mentioned before, the key trick is that offices with more capacity are willing to share back common components so that the whole community can benefit from them.
To see the Focus Groups’ outcomes turning into reality, you will have to wait until the first prototypes, roll out proposals and training material will be ready. In the meantime, you can enjoy a few quotes below, comment all the way at the bottom, tweet your thoughts at #GPP4 and let us thank everyone we met for their time, patience and passion.
“Can we have it now? Like, before GPI?”
“What is fundamental is good communication and constant interaction among Planet 4 users, it’s one Greenpeace, in the end.”
“We should try to use external Microsites if a project is within a broader coalition or movement.”
“Main benefit: More freedom in terms of customisation.
Main concern: More freedom in terms of customisation.”“You have no idea about the massive talent that is out there. Give them the right tool, and you’ll see”.
