S8080 Blog

After comprehensive scoping, design, development and usability testing, S8080 has proudly launched http://www.rydercupwales2010.com/.

The new website outlines the benefits and opportunities that the third biggest sporting event in the world will bring-and is already bringing -to Wales.

S8080 creative director, Chris Cowell, said “Our design team have really pushed the boundaries of accessible design with the Ryder Cup Wales 2010 site. We have worked incredibly hard to develop a fantastic looking site, backed up by a rigorous user testing phase that meets and exceeds accessibility guidelines.”

Matt Howard, S8080 technical director, said “The whole alignment and information architecture phase was incredibly in-depth. We have developed a process that defines the key users of any particular website and plots a journey through the site that will give them maximum benefit. Of course people are free to browse, but on the whole, they are time poor and want instant access to the areas that are important to them.

We have officially built the website to WAI AA standard, but over 90% of the pages are actually AAA. Our experience in building accessible websites for major public sector clients, including the Cabinet Office, ACAS and DTI has seen us working to strict government guidelines. Our design and accessibility teams have worked closely and developed some cutting edge techniques for producing pages and content that everyone can enjoy.”

S8080 is celebrating after winning a contract to design and produce the website for Ryder Cup Wales 2010 Ltd.

The Ryder Cup is considered by many as the third biggest sporting event in the world and S8080 has been tasked with building and developing a first-class website which will outline the benefits and opportunities the tournament is bringing to Wales.

Rob Holt, chief executive of Ryder Cup Wales, said: “The Ryder Cup is a world-class, global event which offers Wales a window to the world. There is already an incredible interest in the 2010 event. That interest will grow before, during and especially after next year’s Ryder Cup when, after the last putt is sunk, Wales becomes the next European host destination.

The new website will be a vital tool in helping meet that interest, not just in the event itself but in Wales as a tourism, business and leisure destination.”

The contract with Ryder Cup Wales 2010 involves the branding, design and development of the website which will eventually allow Ryder Cup Wales to manage the content of the site themselves while S8080 continue to update and enhance the structure and functions during the term of the contract.

Andy Mogridge, Sales Manager for S8080, said: “We are really excited about winning this contract. We put a lot of effort into getting it and I’m sure it will open up many other opportunities and avenues for us to work with other sectors. From our perspective, this will be one of the highest profile sites we have developed and once it’s up and running, it will help raise the profile of S8080.

The design and architecture of the site is being thoroughly tested so the key messages are delivered and are easily accessible, but the website will be an ever-evolving entity and there are numerous possibilities for it with plenty of scope for future functions to be added. The site is part of showing that Ryder Cup Wales presents a whole host of opportunities for us as the host nation and that golf is a game for everybody, with more women and youngsters getting involved than ever before.

Ryder Cup Wales is not just a one-off event - it’s all encompassing and is Wales’ best chance to raise its profile on a global stage.”

Rob Holt added: “We are delighted to have such an innovative, home-grown company such as S8080 involved with Ryder Cup Wales 2010. It emphasises just how important the 2010 Ryder Cup is proving for businesses across Wales.”