Creating the platforms to see nature thrive
Problem
First, the Rare team needed to create a platform for its Solution Search contest to make it more globally accessible and streamline the entry and judging process. They also wanted the platform to drive users to the BE.Center Resource library. At the same time, the BE.Center Resource library needed to become the go-to learning hub in the environmental field, encourage users to engage and connect and build capacity for practitioners.
Ultimately, both projects had similar goals for the organization. These included continuing to position themselves as global thought leaders, grow climate-smart agriculture in Colombia and China, build US programs on climate and behavior and make Behavior Centered Design the norm in the environmental field.
Solution
Our goal was to not only help Rare build what they needed on both platforms but also to empower their team of content administrators to easily change content and create an amazing user experience (UX). So, we looked at what was most convenient for each project and built the Solution Search contest site on Drupal 8, and the BE.Center Resource Library on WordPress.
A contest platform for all
The contest functionality is based around four phases that mainstream the whole process.
- Enter: Interested contestants can create an account in Drupal, and submit their entries
- Judging: There is a unique 'Judge' role that allows these users to review entries and mark entries as 'finalists'. They can also download a PDF of all the entries to review.
- Voting: Users can vote for their favorite entry once every 24 hours during the open voting period. This functionality is built directly in Drupal, instead of using 3rd party voting app.
- Sharing and promoting: Allows the platform to feature winners on the homepage and contest detail page.
The site also includes case studies from past entries to encourage more entries and a page focused on “impact”, which looks to attract potential sponsors and partners.
Behavior change = Environmental conservation
The BE.Center Resource library provides resources for behavioral scientists and those working at the forefront of environmental challenges, but it also serves as a network to connect them to academic and research institutions. Users are encouraged to create an account or login to gain access to all resources; this way, they can also comment on the articles provided, which creates an oath for knowledge sharing between them.
