Ngaanyatjarra Lands School
From locked-out to logged-in: a self-managed school website built for remote WA communities and staff.
Empowering remote education
through digital independence
Serving some of WA's most remote communities, Ngaanyatjarra Lands School recognised an opportunity to transform how they connect with families and staff across vast distances. The school envisioned a future where their team could manage digital communications independently, ensuring timely updates reached their remote community without delays or dependencies.
Lab 385 saw the potential to create more than just a website. This was an opportunity to empower educational staff in remote Australia with tools designed specifically for their unique context. The vision extended beyond technical solutions to building genuine digital confidence among school administrators.
The transformation opportunity aligned perfectly with the school's commitment to self-determination and community empowerment. By creating systems that school staff could truly own and operate, the project would demonstrate how thoughtful technology design can bridge vast geographical distances while respecting local autonomy.
Mobile-First Access
Enabling families to connect via phones in low-bandwidth remote areas.
Staff Empowerment
Building confidence through plain English training and ongoing support.
Remote Communities
Designing for unique geographical and connectivity challenges.
Building for Independence
Lab 385 approached the project with a clear philosophy: build for the people who will use it, not just for launch day. This principle guided every decision, ensuring the school received not just a website, but a sustainable digital solution they could confidently manage.
Understanding Context
- Remote community needs assessment
- Connectivity and bandwidth analysis
- Staff capability mapping
- Multi-campus requirements gathering
User-Centred Design
- Mobile-first responsive approach
- Low-bandwidth optimisation
- Clear navigation structure
- Accessibility standards compliance
Simplified Backend
- Intuitive content management setup
- Role-specific campus access
- Plain English interfaces
- Automated backup systems
Knowledge Transfer
- Tailored staff training sessions
- PDF handover guides creation
- Video tutorials development
- Ongoing support framework
Technology That Empowers
Lab 385 delivered a comprehensive transformation that gave Ngaanyatjarra Lands School true ownership of their digital presence, creating sustainable independence through thoughtful design.
Mobile Excellence
Low-bandwidth design ensuring families can access information on any device
Clear Documentation
Plain English guides and video tutorials for confident management
Campus Management
Role-specific access enabling each campus to manage their content
Speed Optimisation
62% faster page loads for seamless access in remote locations
Staff Training
Tailored sessions building confidence for independent management
Flexible Support
Teaching-focused assistance emphasising skill building over dependency