New York, NY, May 18, 2004 - Swandivedigital, a design and communications agency, today announced the launch of a newly designed website for The Markle Foundation (http://www.markle.org), a leading non-profit Foundation that uses technology to address critical public needs.

The new website, offering visitors an informative, easy-to-use and engaging experience, reflects a recent major streamlining and shift in Foundation focus and operational structure. Two Program areas, Health and National Security have replaced Policy for a Networked Society, Information Technologies for Better Health and Interactive Media for Children. Additionally, the Foundation has moved away from a grantmaking-based operational model towards an approach that favors in-house high level strategic partnerships and research.

"The Markle Foundation is a flexible organization with a proven track record of focusing on and confronting the most pressing information and communications technology-related social issues of the day," noted swandivedigital Founder and Creative Director Brian Reisinger, "So when they come out and let it be known that this or that issue is something that society should be addressing, people really stop and take note. Call it brand extension for non-profits, if you will."

The site is designed in accordance with best practice usability standards and features an intuitive navigation structure and revamped search functionality. The site is also coded for universal accessibilty in conformance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology — a particularly important consideration given the organization's present focus on health-related information technology issues.

Also notable is that for the very first time, the Foundation's extensive body of original research is made easily available to partners, policy experts, academia and the interested general public. "From an information design perspective that presented a major challenge," Reisinger continued, "because the depth and breadth of their research output is truly phenomenal. One of our major goals was to let site visitors know instantly what the organization is doing now while still providing easy access to information related to what the Foundation did before."

Added swandivedigital Senior Producer, Raphie Frank, "The Markle Foundation's own research has indicated that over 60% of all Internet users consider 'library' as the defining metaphor for the Internet. In other words, people go online predominantly to find information. That the Foundation charged us with helping them make their own information accessible online was a task that we were proud to be associated with. It's a bit like being an architect and having another architect ask you to design their house."

About the Markle Foundation
Emerging information and communication technologies possess enormous potential to improve people's lives. The Markle Foundation works to realize this potential and to accelerate the use of these technologies to address critical public needs, at present principally in the areas of healthcare and national security. The Markle Foundation's overarching goal in the health area is to accelerate the rate at which information technology enables consumers and the health system that supports them to improve health and healthcare. The Foundation's goal is to ensure that the extraordinary potential of 21st century information technology to improve the health and healthcare of each citizen is translated into everyday use as quickly and as effectively as possible. For more information, see www.markle.org.

About Section 508
In 1998, Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to require Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology, to make available new opportunities for people with disabilities, and to encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals. While this law applies only to Federal agencies, it sets the de facto standard for universal accessibility. See www.section508.gov for more information.

About swandivedigital
Swandivedigital (www.swandive.com) is a next-wave convergence design and marketing communications agency specializing in brand conception and evolution, interactive design, and integrated marketing materials for online and offline campaigns. Swandivedigital's clients include emerging businesses seeking a distinct look, existing companies looking to "graduate" to the next level, and Fortune 500 companies with unique goals.

The swandivedigital mission: "Great design... on purpose" is based on the agency's belief that good design is fundamentally about effective communication - the intentional structuring of clear, aesthetically appropriate, persuasive visual and editorial messages to successfully advance social, personal or business goals.

For more information, please contact:
Raphie Frank, Senior Producer | 917.202.2610

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