New Website Information

Why did DSPS redesign its website?

• Thousands of users visit our website each day, making it the department's primary online communication tool. The new DSPS website – at safety.wi.gov - offers easier navigation and an overall improved user experience for our new users and regulars. As part of the website redesign, we also audited pages to make sure information moving to the new site is updated.

What advantages does the new website offer?

As part of the transition, DSPS conducted a content optimization effort - updating, organizing and consolidating information to create a more efficient user experience. The new site:

• Improves compatibility with mobile devices.

• Enhances search functionality on the primary pages for professions, programs and boards.

• Strengthens compliance with federal accessibility (ADA) requirements.

• Reinforces brand consistency to improve user experience.

• Streamlines navigation.

My bookmark links are broken. What do I do?

• DSPS has redirected a majority of links to pages or documents that you previously have bookmarked. However, with a new site, links can still be broken. 

• If this occurs, you should receive a "404 Page Error" message that redirects to our new homepage. From there, you can navigate to the information you need and bookmark the new page.

Where are the A-Z Lists?

A-Z lists are now in two locations:

• The first location is in the quick links tab at the top of every page on the website

  • Licensed Professionals - A-Z Professions List

  • Public Safety Programs - A-Z Programs List

  • Boards and Councils - A-Z Boards and Councils List

• The second location is in the hamburger menu located in the top right corner of every page. 

Professions A-Z List Navigation

What view is best for my mobile device to look at the site?

• We recommend that you use landscape view to best experience the site on your phone or tablet. 

On what platform are you hosting the new website?

• DSPS strategically selected Umbraco CMS. It is a flexible, scalable, and future-ready digital platform. Umbraco provides a high degree of customization and integration with other systems, which helps us meet the diverse needs of each DSPS division while maintaining enterprise-level consistency. The platform’s intuitive interface helps staff to efficiently manage content. Umbraco offers the scalability to ensure our department’s website can evolve with organizational priorities and user expectations.

How will the long-term quality of the website be sustained?

• DSPS has established website style guidelines and a governance framework to ensure consistency, quality and accessibility across all new content. Standardized templates have been implemented to deliver a cohesive look and feel while leveraging the flexibility of the Umbraco platform. To support continuous improvement, the department intends to gather and evaluate feedback from staff and stakeholders annually, using these insights to inform ongoing enhancements to the site.

What information was used in making decisions about the new website?

• DSPS reviewed data on page views as a means of being intentional about layout and navigation. The department also engaged internal subject matter experts to help build an effective content strategy and user experience. Finally, the department weighed feedback from a group of external stakeholders who regularly visit our website.

• DSPS will weigh feedback from stakeholders about usability when considering future updates to this website. If you have questions or feedback about the website, please leave it for the DSPS Communications Director at DSPSNewsroom@wisconsin.gov

Do you have an AI tool on the website?

• Coming in October, we expect to add an AI Agent tool to the website to help users find the information they need.

How can I provide my feedback on the website?

• If you have questions or feedback about the website, please leave it for the DSPS Communications Director at DSPSNewsroom@wisconsin.gov