Migrating to Wagtail wasn't just a tech upgrade; it sparked a transformation. Through strategic content decisions, we turned Development Initiatives' website into a dynamic brand asset. Now, it's not just a data repository but a trusted source for aid and humanitarian insights, boasting rich, interactive content. Let's delve into the challenges and solutions that fueled this impressive evolution.
Development Initiatives (DI) is a global organisation harnessing the power of data and evidence to end poverty, reduce inequality and increase resilience. DI's purpose is to apply the power of data and evidence to build sustainable solutions that create an equitable and resilient world.
The Challenge
Development Initiatives (DI) faced a double-edged challenge with their WordPress-based website. Not only was the platform lagging behind in updates, but it also lacked the capabilities needed to craft the engaging, interactive content DI envisioned for their blog and resource pages. The quest for more control over their content led DI to seek an alternative, and the answer was Wagtail.
Choosing Wagtail was a strategic move, but the transition wasn't without its hurdles. Migrating data from the WordPress site presented a technical challenge, albeit one that was effectively addressed with Wagtail's robust documentation. In overcoming these obstacles, we laid the groundwork for a website transformation that would elevate DI's digital presence. Let's explore the solutions that made this shift seamless.
The Solution & My Role in it
As the lead developer of a vibrant, recently assembled team, our mission was clear: transform HTML designs into a fully functional, content-managed website using Wagtail. Embracing an agile methodology, we tackled the challenge page by page, ensuring both organization and momentum.
Despite being a newly formed team, our synergy was impressive. Each team member, a recent hire, contributed to the collective success. My role as the lead developer involved not just coding but orchestrating the process. I ensured everyone grasped their tasks, breaking them into manageable chunks and distributing them efficiently.
Despite being our first encounter with Wagtail, the learning curve felt surprisingly smooth, especially for me, coming from a JavaScript background. This transition wasn't just about building a website; it was about fostering collaboration within a new team and turning that synergy into a great product.
