Portfolio

Client:

Charlotte Art League

Client Industry:

Non-Profit

Project Goals:

• Update the visual design to better represent CAL’s identity as a community arts resource
• Integrate the site with overall marketing efforts
• Provide staff ability to directly update content

My Roles:

Visual design, WordPress development, end-user training

Process:

Prior to beginning any design work, I conducted a survey of CAL members and patrons to gain insight into how they viewed the organization and how the website could do a better job of serving their needs. Althought the general architecture of the site had already been pre-determined by the client, I obtained approval to add content areas to the home page (upcoming events, classes) that would help surface content that the survey had revealed as being important to CAL users. Visual elements were designed to lend a modern-yet-fun vibe that reflected the organization’s status as an accessible, all ages and backgrounds arts venue.

Coinciding with the launch of the redesigned site, I conducted a workshop for CAL’s content editors to train them in how to use WordPress as a content management system. Each participant was provided with a printed guide containing an overview of WordPress’ functionality, along with hands-on examples that the participants were able to work through in the guided workshop.

Challenges:

Balancing the needs of competing visions that existed within CAL as to what the site needed to focus on was crucial to the site’s success. Consistent and frequent communication went a long way toward assuring stakeholders that their concerns were being addressed. Demos of the site prototype along with presentations of the site while in progress also helped to demonstrate that the site would address the range of needs and ensured buy-in throughout the project lifecycle.