Welcome! This website is as an in-depth resource center for Context Sensitive
Solutions - it contains compiled readings, contacts, case studies, and images
pertaining to different aspects of CSS. There are several ways to access these
resources:
Browsing: The topic tree takes
you on a guided tour through the different areas of CSS. From each topic,
you'll be presented with the most relevant resources (case studies, images,
readings, etc.) for that topic. In addition to topics, you can browse the
Case Studies and Images
sections.
<- Filtering: When viewing lists of
images & case studies (and coming soon, readings and people &
organizations), you are able to narrow results by "filtering"
based on selected criteria. For example, when viewing case
studies, you can filter by Physical Setting, Design Element, CSS Context,
State, etc. Your filter options are located on the right side of the list
page.
Clicking Attributes: -> In addition to using filtering to narrow your results, you can
click on any highlighted attributes to see more items (case studies, images,
readings, etc.) that share that attribute. For example, when looking at
a case study, you can click any of the design elements to see a list of
other case studies that use that element. Any attribute that is lit up in
blue is clickable.
Searching: You may also search our databases
directly. The most straightforward approach is to use the basic keyword
search box, at the top of each page. You may also search specifically for
certain types of content, using the custom search areas on the homepage.
The Resource Bank: When you're viewing a
topic or searching by keyword, all the relevant content on the site can
be accessed by clicking on the Resource Bank on the left margin. The numbers
in parentheses show the total number of relevant results.
The Resource Bank is organized by type of content:
CSS Network: people & organizations involved in CSS
Case Studies: full and “mini” case studies of CSS
in practice
Images: photographs of places & elements relevant to CSS
Topics: from the topic tree
What does "soft launch" mean?
In its current state, the site is fully functional for browsing topics and
keyword searching; it also has a large number of documents, case studies, and
images in its databases. (For more information on how to use the site, see Getting
Started)
In the first few weeks after soft launch we will be adding significant number of resources
to the site, as we transfer entries from the temporary databases we’ve
been using since December to the final site. Over the next 6 months, we’ll
be working hard to expand and refine the site’s features and content base,
based on the Working Group’s input.
As the site is being developed, there’s still the possibility of unforeseen
bugs in the display or rough patches in the content – please bear with
us in these cases and know that we expect such things at this point in the process.
On the other hand, it would help us if you sent us an email pointing out those
bugs, along with your feedback on usability, features, design, and content.
Your feedback is crucial to the successful development of the site, so don’t
be shy. Click here to send feedback.
Other features to look forward to as the site grows:
State Profiles: Based on DOT questionairres sent out in
February 2004. See a sample
News & Events: CSS news, nationwide
Advanced searching: more targeted searching, especially
for case studies. Find exactly what you’re looking for.
Toolbox: Save items in your “toolbox” as you
navigate the site. Use it to keep track of readings, case studies, and images
that you’ll want to save for next time.
User contributions: Discussion forums and features to permit
user-contributed content will help keep the site fresh with new information,
experiences, and activity. In most cases, user contributions will be sent
to us for review so that we can decide if it should be posted on the site
or not. We will work with FHWA to develop a set of criteria to make these
decisions.
Feedback
In order to improve the site’s usability, plan new features, and track
down any lingering bugs, we look forward to your feedback as the initial users.
If, as you use the site, you come across anything you like, hate, or find confusing,
please let us know. A few things to look out for:
Usability and Design: are things where you'd expect them to be? Is
it easy to move through the site? Are there times where you lose your place
or can't find what you're looking for?
Features: what else do you find yourself wanting to do here, that
you currently can't?
Quality Control: We are in the process of adding to and refining
our data; please inform us of any corrections or additions you may have.
To send feedback:
From any page, click on the button to send your feedback for that page.
