This tool was created by the World Resources Institute for putting together a database on IT and Development projects. The project is supported by Microsoft and by Infodev, an initiative of the World Bank. In addition to their online database, Digital Dividends has a downloadable application, an interactive application called 'Project Finder' which has all the information currently available online, but through a more graphics intensive, GIS-mapped interface.

#1 Digital Dividend ProjectClearinghouse Screen and Output

Strengths:

• Large existing database of projects
• The project is backed by very prominent industry entities, sponsors
• Interactive menu, perceptive understanding of the IT and Development field, reflected in categorization
• Thoughtful display of projects - designers allowed for user space to add information on existing projects
• Allows users to browse external documents and discuss a project online through chat
• There is an interface to add new projects, but it needs registration by user first
• Categories well arranged, but medium learning curve. Not instantly intuitive what is the process for selecting projects
• Comprehensive basic information on projects (Basic summaries, Complete contact information)
• Good use of regional classification of projects

Weaknesses:

• Very untidy front page, not clear what the goal of the site is
• No clear explanation to user that there is a searchable database
• Front page link to projects is obscured behind other information
• Non-intuitive front page links such as "ideas", "resource clearinghouse" "project marketplace" which each need a user to click into for an idea of what they include
• Consistent waste of space throughout the site - most pages need scrolling
• Advertisements take up too much space on the page
• Very poor classification of projects, despite good categories - many relevant projects do not show up in appropriate categories
• Slow and graphics-heavy interface
• Redundant features on front page, tries to be a portal, but could do perfectly well as a database (e.g. Case Studies, an internally linked resource is also posted on the front page of the site - also three different links lead to the same resource of searching for projects)
• Despite large database, no evidence of critical mass of contributing users
• Very low user input/reviews/interactivity on project pages within the database, registration process a possible deterrent

Competitive Analysis Summary

Good Features:

• Excellent basic information on projects
• Good database structure for long-term expansion
• Key relationships with organizations that provide content and market recognition

Mistakes to Avoid:

• Keep front page very simple, search objective should be clear at the very first interface with user
• Do not try to be a portal, stick to being a good repository
• Do not underrate importance of indexing the projects well, so that projects of use to the searcher are not lost
• Making poor use of space
• Using more graphics than necessary
• Using pop-ups to display information, frames or tables may be a better approach
• Creating multi-tiered information access system is not intuitive to searchers