– It was simply time

Instead of dragging old content into a new design, Lillehammer started fresh. Only a handful of texts were copied directly.

Martine Årebråt Markussen
Web Editor in Lillehammer

– We needed new websites because the ones we had were really old. We hadn’t had a facelift there in about ten years, and the content was at least as old

The process had clear benefits:

• Correct, updated content ensured by subject experts
• Greater awareness of how language and structure affect users
• Stronger organizational ownership of the website
• Better long-term maintenance by those who helped create the content

Easier for everyone—both on and behind the screen

The goal was simple: make it easier for citizens to find information. And it worked.

Before and after surveys showed dramatic results:

– Visitors are far more satisfied, both with the content and with how easy it is to navigate. We went from about one in four being happy with the site, to three in four today. That’s a 200% increase in user satisfaction!

Better tools = better content

Switching to ACOS CMS also changed daily work for editors.

– We have what we call ‘web contacts’—colleagues out in the services who update content. In the past, I often got questions about the publishing tool itself, because they needed technical help. Now those requests have dropped, and the questions I get today are much more about how we can improve the content. The technical side they just understand now

– We could never have done this alone

Behind the new website was a well-run joint project with ACOS, also involving Gausdal and Øyer municipalities. 

ACOS contributed from start to finish with:

• Concept development and implementation
• Web design, structure, and templates
• Project management and coordination
• Content consulting to kickstart production
• Expert testing on universal design and accessibility compliance
• Technical testing and documentation
• Training and materials for editors

– The collaboration with ACOS was excellent. Honestly, we could never have achieved half of this without the guidance from their project leader and experts. Everyone contributed to the great website we have today.

And Martine has one clear recommendation for others facing the same challenges:

Martine Årebråt Markussen

If you’re considering ACOS CMS, my advice is simple: go for it—you won’t regret it.

The experience from Lillehammer shows that if you’re willing to start fresh, involve experts, and build with users at the cente, you can end up with a website that people not only use, but actually enjoy.

Not bad, if we may say so ourselves! 🚀✨