‘Cimex was set the challenging task of creating a site that would balance creativity, accessibility and security.’
The people decide
13 December 2007
In June 2005 the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) and ITV announced a competition to find the winner of a £50 million National Lottery grant, the largest single award decided by a public vote. The search commenced for a groundbreaking project that would inspire communities to revitalise the areas where they live.
In October, BIG shortlisted four projects of national significance which went head to head in a bid to win the massive £50 million grant, as voted by the UK public.
Cimex collaborated with BIG on a website that would, not only house a credible voting system, but which would also represent the vision of each project accurately and responsibly.
Huw Thomas, Deputy Director of Communications and Marketing said: “Cimex was set the challenging task of creating a site that would balance creativity, accessibility and security. We were delighted that Cimex was able to bring the projects’ detailed plans to life in a style that complemented the exciting televisual element of the competition, whilst maintaining the high level of security necessary for awarding a large grant of public money.”
The website www.thepeoples50million.org.uk became the focal point for providing the public with a high level of detail about each of the projects so that informed decisions could be made about voting.
The website contributed to the project exposure on ITV news and ensured that the public had the opportunity to engage with the four shortlisted projects in more detail.
Cimex was responsible for the technology, design, hosting and maintenance of the site. Site features included a secure and easy-to-use online voting system; video content on each project; an interactive discussion forum for the public to voice their opinion; up-to-date news on each project; a pledge wall and a ‘spread the word’ functionality where site visitors could elicit the interest and support of their friends on the project of their choice.
Sustrans: Connect2 was voted the winner of the Big Lottery Fund £50 million prize. Sustrans: Connect2 is a UK-wide project that will create new cycling and walking routes to improve local travel in 79 communities across the country.
Commented David Hockin, “We are proud to be associated with a project that is not only entertaining, but also ethical and future-focused.”