Searching and registering for activities are the most frequently performed functions on our website; therefore, we have spent quite a bit of time examining the current functionality to determine what can be added or improved to meet your needs.
Let’s start with the search.
Currently, the View Schedule page is the primary place to search for activities. The page displays upcoming activities in a calendar or list format, one month at a time. As well, you can use the search function (“Show Search”) to limit the activities displayed on the page by category (i.e., Intellectual Pursuits) or words found in the title or description. It is a particularly good place to search if you know what you’re searching for.
But what if you don’t know what you’re searching for? What if you just want to browse?
To give you browsing capabilities, we’re adding a directory of activities – like an online version of the printed program, only different. The directory is divided into category pages, each containing a full list of activities and the information you need to make a selection. I’ve included a sample of the new Health & Fitness page at the bottom of this post.
Now we come to registration.
When we surveyed members on why they don’t register for courses online, the most common responses were “I prefer interacting with people than machines” and “I can never remember my user ID and password.”
With regards to the former, that’s okay with us; we’re happy to help you register in person.
As for the latter, sorry but there’s nothing we can do about that. To register, you must log in. It’s the only way we know that you’re a member. It also saves you time. Without logging in, you’d need to enter your name and contact information every time you register for an activity. Logging in is a lot less work. If you need help with logging in, take a look at our Member Login guide.
As always, please share your thoughts below.
