How the FEC tackled intercepts without implementing JavaScript

How the FEC used Ethnio for in-context feedback to improve website features – without writing a single line of code.

The Federal Election Commission wanted to test new features on their website using a screener. But they wanted to find a way to intercept visitors and also leverage their existing feedback drawer for that intercept. The question was, since they already had a mechanism for feedback, a place where they could already control content, could they use this and screen respondents?

Please note this was originally published on GitHub.

Solution

Using Ethnio, the FEC could easily take advantage of their current feedback drawer, customizing a sign up button and description that naturally sent visitors to their screener.

With Ethnio they had complete control over the design, appearance, and placement of the intercept and screener. This meant the FEC could easily apply their own colors, styles and logo to each, fully integrating the screener into their web experience.

To make it even better, with customizable templates, they were not bound to one style or format and could make adjustments for their specific need and set of screener questions.

Ethnio also worked to prevent against the possibility of any repeat interfaces appearing for the same visitor. This way they didn’t have to worry about bombarding anyone, disrupting their experience, or turning someone off all together. With the help of cookies, Ethnio made sure their users could only see each popup once.

With Ethnio they had complete control over the design, appearance, and placement of the intercept and screener. This meant the FEC could easily apply their own colors, styles and logo to each, fully integrating the screener into their web experience.

To make it even better, with customizable templates, they were not bound to one style or format and could make adjustments for their specific need and set of screener questions.

Ethnio also worked to prevent against the possibility of any repeat interfaces appearing for the same visitor. This way they didn’t have to worry about bombarding anyone, disrupting their experience, or turning someone off all together. With the help of cookies, Ethnio made sure their users could only see each popup once.

Mobile EthnioMobile issues

There were some concerns about how the Ethnio screener might display on mobile against the feedback drawer. Would it overlay on top of the drawer?

This was not a problem. Because the sign up button sent users to a separate tab, displaying the screener in a new and responsive page, they didn’t have to worry about any overlapping issues. This also removed unnecessary and distracting links and producing higher conversion rates from visitors that clicked through.

The Outcome

Having the ability to add an intercept and integrate Ethnio into the feedback drawer revealed just how adaptable this research tool can be in any product ecosystem. As a result, The FEC were able to collect more feedback at more touchpoints and push their product testing into extra layers of the website.

Testing these features was essential in helping the FEC meet their goals and make information on the democratic process more accessible for everyone.

You can read more on Github about the details.

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