The City of Melbourne - Council Website
Human-Centred & Data-Driven Design - Drupal Development - AWS-Managed Hosting and Security
In August 2024, Bliss Digital proudly launched the new City of Melbourne website, a flagship project exemplifying our expertise in human-centred design, data-driven innovation, and large-scale Drupal development. This project not only demonstrated our ability to deliver complex digital solutions under tight deadlines but also set a new standard for how local governments can leverage cutting-edge technology to better serve their communities.
The City of Melbourne needed a modern, intuitive, and fully integrated digital platform to enhance its online services for residents, businesses, and visitors. The goal was to create a website that streamlined user experiences, integrated seamlessly with the city’s existing IT infrastructure, and delivered optimal performance, scalability, and security. The project required the integration of numerous legacy systems and third-party services, all within a short delivery window.
Human-Centred and Data-Driven Design
Our process began with thorough user research, engaging key stakeholders, residents, and business owners to identify their needs. By combining insights from user personas, journey mapping, and web analytics, we designed a site that prioritises accessibility, ease of navigation, and efficiency. The design was tested with real users, ensuring that the platform met their needs, from accessing council services to exploring city initiatives. Data-driven insights guided every design decision, optimising user flows and content presentation for the best possible user experience.
Drupal Development and Seamless Integration
Built on Drupal 10, the site was designed for flexibility, security, and easy content management. Our team worked closely with the City of Melbourne’s IT department to ensure flawless integration with the council’s ecosystem, including third-party platforms. We collaborated with Council's IT team to develop custom APIs to bridge legacy systems with Drupal, enabling real-time data flow and ensuring up-to-date information for users.
AWS Hosting and Robust Security
The website is hosted on AWS, providing a secure, scalable, and high-performance environment capable of handling heavy traffic. Features like load balancing, disaster recovery, and automated backups ensure the site remains resilient and highly available. The platform also meets stringent government cybersecurity standards, ensuring ongoing protection and compliance.
Agile Delivery and Tight Deadlines
Using an Agile methodology, we delivered the project on time despite a tight deadline. Our iterative approach allowed for constant feedback and refinement, with two-week sprints ensuring transparency and adaptability. Regular sprint showcases and daily stand-ups with the City of Melbourne’s IT team kept the project on track, while ensuring alignment with the city’s goals.
Ongoing Optimisation and Support
Post-launch, Bliss Digital continues to manage and optimise the website, providing regular updates, performance improvements, and security monitoring. This ongoing partnership ensures the City of Melbourne’s digital platform remains responsive to evolving needs and emerging technologies.
A New Standard for Government Digital Projects
The City of Melbourne website is a benchmark in digital transformation for local governments. It exemplifies Bliss Digital’s commitment to delivering user-focused, data-driven, and technically robust solutions. This project sets a new precedent for how city services can be efficiently delivered through a seamless, modern digital platform.
