After months of behind-the-scenes work and pilot testing, with a click of a keystroke, it went live—the newly designed SAE International website.
Having debuted in early June, the new site offers more than just cosmetic changes. Yes, the look is different; and yes, the design is different. But most importantly, the functionality is different—and better.
Bill Cariello, SAE’s Manager of Web Strategy and Operations, oversaw the process of evaluating and determining what features and capabilities the new site should have.
“Regardless of what was being discussed, the conversation always came back to SAE’s most important constituent: the member," Cariello said. "SAE International’s new website is designed, first and foremost, with our members and customers in mind."
He noted that the site "brings together all that SAE International has to offer, yet still enables users to customize their navigation to best fit their professional needs."
When you visit www.sae.org, you will notice it is nimble, easy to use, and showcases the programs, products, and services that have come to define SAE International as a leader in mobility engineering. In addition, your search time will be reduced through an interface that provides enhanced searching capabilities with content from SAE International’s award-winning engineering magazines, along with full integration with SAE’s social media.
You will have the option to choose from one of three industry tabs—Aerospace, Automotive, or Commercial Vehicle. Once you have selected the industry sector of your choice, you will find the latest news, articles, papers, standards, and events for that particular segment.
In addition, you can identify yourself as “professional” or “student” and then quickly select the activities in which you want to engage, including submitting a paper, joining a discussion, looking for a job, or joining SAE International.
Technical interest drop-down menus help to speed access to the resources you need. Also, you will find a more customized MySAE function that delivers more customized content.
“To ensure we obtained our members and visitors’ improvement opportunities, we did extensive information gathering prior to redesigning the new site,” Cariello said. “We used a website feedback survey service and also completed an internal process that included interview of members and customers. What we found is that members and visitors to the old website felt the navigation and certain online functions—such as renewing membership—could be challenging. The new website addresses these needs and makes the online experience better for all who use the site.”
More improvements are planned; as the year goes on, SAE plans to unveil a members-only site called “EngineerXchange.” This site will enable you to communicate with other SAE International members around the world; post messages on your profile pages; join online groups; submit content and suggestions for future SAE International content; view and comment on industry and engineering information; and participate in blogs, surveys, and polls.
Visit the newly designed site today at www.sae.org. And, we welcome your feedback on the site. To offer your thoughts and suggestions, e-mail customerservice@sae.org or call 877-606-7323 (U.S. and Canada only) or 724-776-4970 (outside U.S. and Canada).
David L. Schutt, SAE Chief Executive Officer