Squarespace-Compatible Newcomer Credit Finder with Advanced Search and Filters

Description: We seek an experienced web developer to create an interactive, user-friendly Newcomer Credit Finder tool. This digital resource will empower newcomers to Canada, including permanent residents, refugees, and international students, by simplifying access to tailored credit products such as credit cards, loans, and mortgages, fostering financial stability and independence. The tool will integrate seamlessly with our existing Squarespace website and prioritize ease of use, accessibility, and responsiveness. The goal is to create an informational directory where users can search and filter through credit products offered by banks, credit unions, and others, accessing detailed product information. Product detail pages will open in new tabs, allowing users to continue exploring additional options. Key Features: * Search and Filters: - Filters based on financial goals (e.g. build credit history, own a car), product type (e.g. credit card, mortgage), and eligibility (e.g. no credit history, 3 months bills payment). - Free-text search functionality. * Product Display: - Results are presented as visually appealing cards. - A single dynamic details screen displays the data for each product (no static individual pages for products). * Design: - Responsive design optimized for mobile, tablet, and desktop devices. - Visual style aligned with our brand (specifications, such as colours, fonts and assets like logos and images, will be provided). - Layout and functionality inspired by user-friendly examples such as the Canada Business Benefits Finder ([login to view URL]). * Data Integration: - Use Google Sheets for managing and updating the product directory (projected maximum of 1,000 records). - Data updates shall be performed manually or scheduled without requiring real-time synchronization. Updating data must be straightforward to ensure that non-technical users can manage the updates efficiently. * Hosting: Hosted on our Squarespace site with the flexibility to move it to a standalone domain if needed. * Accessibility and Analytics: - Compliance with WCAG 2.1 or similar accessibility standards. - Analytics should capture key user interactions, such as the number of searches, most used filters, click-through rates to product detail pages, and useful visualizations, e.g. user interaction heat maps. Technical Requirements: * Frontend: Responsive framework (e.g., React.js, Vue.js). * Backend: Integration with Google Sheets or similar data source. * Hosting: Initially hosted on Squarespace, with flexibility for standalone deployment if needed. * Security and Performance: Basic security measures and performance optimization for fast load times. * Testing: Cross-browser compatibility (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Edge). Additional Details: * The directory will start with ~110 products, with plans to scale up to 1,000 records over time. * The developer should provide a simple guide for managing data updates in Google Sheets and troubleshooting integration issues. * The tool’s primary function is informational, with product detail links opening in a new tab to allow users to continue browsing additional products. * Users will perform both free-text searches and structured filtering to explore products. Developers are encouraged to propose solutions to maximize functionality within Squarespace's constraints or suggest alternative platforms for optimal results. We welcome suggestions for improving user experience and efficiency while meeting the outlined requirements. Ideal Candidate: The ideal freelancer will have experience developing interactive tools compatible with Squarespace or similar platforms. Knowledge of responsive design, Google Sheets integration, and accessibility standards is essential. Familiarity with creating informational directories or tools is a plus. Budget: $500~$1,000 (negotiable based on experience and proposal). Timeline: The project, including development, testing, and implementation, to be delivered by February 20, 2025. Skills Needed: * Squarespace Integration * Website Design * Web Application Development * UX / User Experience * Basic Database Integration * Responsive Design * Cross-Browser and Platform Testing