U.S. Department of Justice, DNA Initiative
Content and Interactivity
The effective use of forensic DNA relies on many disciplines understanding how it is found and used and affects a case—which takes an understanding of scientific and statistical concepts unfamiliar to many target audiences. DNA.gov presents: - Online training demonstrates concepts for Officers of the Courts and Police - Interactions that engage users in learning—See mtDNA vs. nuclear DNA (login as Guest, Pword is test). - Animations demonstrating complex concepts—How mitochondrial DNA is inherited - Video showing real-world scenarios—See Expert Witness testimony - Glossary terms linked from throughout the site.
Design, Usability and Accessibility
Pages are in CMS templates that force consistent search and navigation while expanding relevant navigation elements (dna.gov/basics). Exceptions are ‘audience’ pages that target important groups, while still showing major navigation and search (dna.gov/audiences). Pages are presented content based on how users interact with the justice system (dna.gov/uses), what users can get (dna.gov/lab_services), and content important to many users (dna.gov/basics). The site’s Google appliance provides fast relevant searches consistent with user expectations. Search combined with a real-time dynamic sitemap gives users multiple paths to any content. DNA.gov uses a CMS designed under government direction with 508 compliance considered from the outset.
Evaluation and Metrics
We gather data and user input through: - Focus groups to determine audience needs - Usability testing to determine effectiveness - Survey input to determine satisfaction - Feedback elicited throughout the to address individual issues and ideas - Monitor usage statistics to identify underused pages and general interest - Monitor users registered for training course In reaction, we have: - Moved to an open-source CMS to ease diverse content contribution - Included consistent navigation that reveals related content - Added more technical content for scientists - Created pages for law/ policymakers - Broke large files into navigable pages.
Wildcard Category
DNA.gov is generated by an open-source CMS that allows subject experts easily to create, manage, and reuse content. The Web interface allows multiple contributors to create content and structured learning. Example include: - The forthcoming Prosecutor’s Notebook was developed by government staff, a prominent association, and active practitioners - Officers of the Court training was developed by a technical expert and reviewed in real-time by prosecutors and judges The ability of the CMS tool to author and manage both traditional and training content saves training time for experts who have direct but controlled access to the site.
