The Office of the President on the morning of June 28 held a press conference to introduce its brand new website. Presidential Office Spokesman Lo Chih-chiang presided over the press conference and the Department of Public Affairs introduced and displayed the features of the new website, as well as the content that can be accessed.
Spokesman Lo stated that the switchover from the existing website to the new one will take place between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning, after which the new website will formally go into operation. Besides Chinese and English versions, the new website will also offer children's and mobile phone versions. The new website will feature pages that have a more artistic design, and will include more color and pictures. The content of the website will also be enhanced, creating a more dynamic feel. The front page will feature several slideshows, increasing the visual effect upon entering the website, he said.
Spokesman Lo said that the new website has been designed with users in mind. For instance, the front page menu better reflects the viewing habits of web users. At the same time, he said, it unveils various convenience services provided to the public, such as online booking of tours of the Presidential Building. Meanwhile, the Presidential Office Email Box offers persons sending emails the ability to confirm that letters have been sent, received, and are being processed. The new website is also extremely printer friendly.
Besides the new interface and the services for the public, Spokesman Lo pointed out that the revised website has quite a bit of new content, such as "Spotlight issues" and "Reports to the people." These enable people who frequent the website to quickly understand the administrative policies and focus of the president. The children's version features a new look as well. The design of this site is especially lively. In addition, a variety of activities will be held from time to time to increase interaction between the website and children.
Spokesman Lo said that quite a bit of effort has gone into producing the new website. Given the rapid changes in website operation, the new website will feature a special column for one month during which users are invited to provide their suggestions and comments. If a suggestion is adopted, the Office of the President will provide a gift to the user in recognition of his or her insightful contribution.
Spokesman Lo said that this revision of the website is the largest one made by the Office of the President in the past decade. While the existing site was satisfactory, he said, there is always room for improvement. He noted that changes have been made with user-friendliness in mind. Spokesman Lo expressed his hopes that everyone will provide suggestions that can be used as reference to further enhance the new website.