After rebuilding the DZS websites into an easy-to-manage WordPress multisite, I started looking for ways to leverage site to save time and enhance the guest experience. One huge improvement was connecting the Zoo’s interactive map to the website for automatic updates.
- Before, the ‘interactive’ map was a PDF on the website website, and a there was a mobile app with a map that got it’s data from a separate source. We had to pay hourly to have that map updated, while updating the PDF in-house, which combined into a great expense.
- WordPress had just released it REST API, so I worked with an off-the-shelf map vendor to co-develop a connection to the API
The end result was a single-source beautiful map that works well on any device. It automatically pulls in the most up to date text and photo information on all zoo animals, attractions, and dining locations with no work at all.
Skills used: UI/UX design, prototyping, web development, developer management, product management