This site offers users a wealth of information about the chemical engineering community, including a comprehensive description of the IChemE and its aims and visions for the future.
The homepage is well presented and its design, with limited amounts of colour, ensures that users are not distracted from the site’s main features.
Layout is uncluttered and latest news is displayed prominently, with industry events that follow. A media directory, with clearly labelled links to industry publications, can found on the left hand side of the page, making navigation around the site simple.
Separate, yet related sites such as whynotchemeng and tcetoday, which relate to more specific aspects of the IChemE, can also be selected from the left hand menu. Had these sites appeared in a new window when selected, greater clarity could have been achieved in illustrating movement from one site to another for users. Opening new sites in the same window reduces this clarity slightly, but not enough to cause significant problems for the users.
The content of the site is extensive. Users can access an array of information, from membership with the institution and Chartership, to journals and other publications specifically for the process industry.
Careers advice is also available and is, of course, tailored precisely to the chemical engineering profession. This section of the site offers guidance about taking advantage of opportunities that exist, as well as job hunting tips.
Contact details are available, should users require further information.
A shop that enables site users to purchase the latest copies of relevant literature is another feature of the site. Instant access to process engineering publications allows professionals to consider their next purchase at a convenient online location; they will be visiting the site on a regular basis as a member of the IChemE and the online shop ensure that it can satisfy many of their requirements as an engineering professional.
Members can also access a secure section of the site by using their membership/reference number and a password.
Overall, the site is successful in offering an extensive amount of information to chemical engineering professionals. Straight forward navigation as well as a clean, crisp design enhance user experience. It is the portal at which users can search for the answer to any questions they may have about their profession and, for this reason, should be added to the ‘favourites’ list of any chemical engineer.
Disclaimer: this web site review reflects the opinions of one NES recruitment consultant and not necessarily those of the NES Group. It is intended for informational purposes only and not a recommendation or endorsement of the site.