The large user platform did not see much engagement before, and the number of visitors was limited. Due to no collaborative space, the users treated it as an archive platform rather than a networking one.
Project Overview
Connect 2 Dialogue is a global platform that simplifies networking among people of diverse faiths, religions, and cultures. Formerly known as the ‘Dialogue Knowledge Hub’, it is a non-profit organization that hosts religious leaders, educators, civil society representatives, and policymakers, offering them directories, resources, event invitations, and learning materials related to Interreligious Dialogue (IRD).
DRC Systems was assigned the objective of creating a global digital community by redesigning and repurposing their website to turn it into a fully functional networking platform. This revamp included providing features such as profile creation, content creation, thematic webinars, dialogue voices, promising practices, and statements for Peaceful Coexistence.
Key Objectives
The primary objective of the project was to develop and relaunch a refurbished version of the platform, offering accessible and structured directories with intuitive data presentation tools for a user-friendly experience. Some other objectives included:
- Support knowledge exchange and experience in the Interreligious Dialogue (IRD) field by refining access to online directories, databases, and resources.
- Build an open-source platform that is organized, easily navigable, and visually appealing to share information like research, events, and insights with the IRD community.
- Create a dedicated online platform where the members of the IRD community can connect, network, and collaborate conveniently in team activities.
Key Challenges
Connect 2 Dialogue faced multiple challenges when it came to expanding its IRD community online:
Low user engagement
Data management complexities
Content used to be maintained with external tools like Google Docs, which created website integration scalability issues.
Lack of networking
The system had no networking features like building connections, sharing messages, or creating interest groups, which reduced the sense of community.
Neglected tools and directories
Valuable directories such as ‘Who is Who’ and the ‘Peace Map’ were static in use due to limited visibility and interactive items that can increase user engagement or allow exploration.
Solutions We Offered
To provide optimal solutions and a complete website revamp, the modifications were done through WordPress.
User Experience and Display
- We built a user-friendly interface for the platform on WordPress to make sure that it is accessible across devices like desktops, mobile devices, and laptops.
- We also tested and rendered the platform for cross-browser compatibility so it works consistently on different browsers.
Network Directory Management
- We developed a custom module through WordPress, aligning with the client’s needs to manage users and organizational profiles with advanced filters based on country, region, interest, or affiliation.
Activity Tracking and Notifications
- User actions like profile updating, content publishing, or sending connection requests were tracked with PHP on WordPress to monitor platform activity.
- Notifications were incorporated in the platform to alert users about major activities, group invites, network updates, and return visits using PHP on WordPress.
Internal Messaging System
- We developed a module on WordPress where users can send and receive private messages from the platform itself without any reliance on external tools.
Geolocation and Visual Mapping
- We integrated Google Maps into the platform to display the locations of the organizations and the individuals mentioned in the directories.
- Users can also search for other contacts based on the region or city, and also look at user profiles through the database storage benefit of MySQL.
Workflow and Release Management
- A structured Git workflow was used for version control with tagging for major updates and releases.
- This allowed safe deployments for the DevOps team to track changes, roll back versions, and maintain code consistency across multiple environments.
Tech Stack
MySQL
WordPress
Google Maps Integration
Features and Modules
DRC Systems provided a bunch of features and modules to the client. Let us take a look at a few of them:
Interactive directory map
- Visual representation of organizations and individual across the globe with a map interface with custom markers and filters based on the area of their work, organization type, and location.
User profiles
- Customizable profiles with fields for personal and professional details, photos, areas of interest, and tags, along with role-based access for individuals and companies in the Who is Who directory.
My Network
- Users can connect with other individuals, view mutual contacts, and maintain their personal network like in LinkedIn. Suggestions are displayed on their profile based on shared interests, locations, and work areas.
Interest groups
- Group-based modules like Facebook Groups helped them to join topic-based communities with interactive elements like discussion threads, event threads, and content posting within groups.
Messaging portal
- An Internal messaging system was provided so individuals can initiate conversations, as their inbox will also retain conversation history in the user dashboard.
Multimedia Integration
- Video, photos, and infographics support for a diverse resource catalog. We also offered integration with platforms like Vimeo and YouTube for better playback.
Conclusion
This project improved the interaction and engagement between the global faith communities of the world. By refurbishing the entire platform into a feature-rich networking space, DRC Systems transformed the client’s organization from a storage space to an active digital community. We made an accessible and scalable, meaningful platform for the IRD community that allowed resource sharing, connection building, and ongoing dialogue.
Interactive Peace map with Directory and filter
Profiles and messages to be sent to connections
Database Directory
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