Best U.S. Think Tank Websites March 16, 2010

Posted by Todd Zeigler in Web 2.0, Website review

As part of my research for a project we are working on, I recently looked at the websites of around one hundred U.S.-based think tanks to see what the best practices are.  All and all, this was an inspiring set of websites and not nearly as extraordinary as the list of best university sites I put together recently, but there are a few that stood out.  Below is a list of the five best of the ones I looked at, in alphabetical order.

Aspen Institute

This site has a very cleanly designed homepage, and I really like there interactive top story feature.

aspen

Brookings Institute

The Brookings site, which borrows layout elements from the New York Times site, has been the gold standard for think tank sites for awhile in my opinion.  However, I think this same design has been in place for a few years and it needs to be modernized a bit.

brookings

Heritage Foundation

The Heritage Foundation launched a new version from the site in the last few days.  The new site is terrific, and in my opinion the best of the sites listed here.

heritage

Roosevelt Institute

Probably the most Web 2.0 and contemporary of the designs.

roosevelt

World Resources Institute

Just a really elegantly designed, easy to use site.  Love the details as you dive in.  My second  favorite.

world

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  1. Vote -1 Vote +1The Man I Love « On the Homefront - March 18th, 2010 at 1:44 pm

Comments

  1. Vote -1 Vote +1Ed F Bias - March 17th, 2010 at 4:08 pm

    Great information. I love the new Heritage site and their current direction. Their clean and professional work here has actually inspired me to finally upgrade to a paid membership.

    I will have to look at a few of the others you listed [especially, the Roosevelt Institute]. I do think they all are still missing a good use of community and membership feedback as an integrated part of their business model. If content is king; distribution and community are queen and prince; and almost entirely missed in many respects.

    I will have to take a look at your review of University sites as well.

  2. Vote -1 Vote +1Rob Bluey - March 17th, 2010 at 10:41 pm

    On behalf of Heritage, it’s an honor to be included on the list. Thank you for your kind words, Todd.

  3. Vote -1 Vote +1Todd Zeigler - March 18th, 2010 at 9:34 am

    Rob – congrats on the new site. I know how much work that was, and I think the result is quite good.

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