Project Case Studies
User research helps us be more certain in our work, preventing us from building the wrong thing, allowing us to design and strategize with more accuracy. We understand that not every project allows enough time or the budget for perpetual exploration.
Examples of how we scale research to meet the the client's needs and budget:
Work closely with support teams
Being OK with rapid turnarounds
Embracing small samples
Balancing evaluative and generative research efforts
Center for Independence (CFI)
New Trends, Big Changes
The Center for Independence hired us to redesign their website and marketing materials. Their first site, launched in 2010, became outdated quickly with the accelerated adaptation of mobile technology. Also, CFI continued to grow and expand rapidly requiring an urgency to present their brand more professionally and with better consistency.
The Result
After top task analysis, journey mapping, rebranding and prototyping the new website was completed. The new site, using WordPress and a premium theme, is accessible, mobile friendly and built on a maturity model allowing it to expand gracefully.
Services
View the entire Mood Board on InVision
Graybill Bartz & Associates (GBA)
A 21st Century Makeover
Graybill Bartz has been an Investment Advisory firm since 1969. Recently, the firm came under new management and moved into a uniquely modern building. To align with this growth, GBA needed to bring its web presence into the 21st century.
The Result
At the beginning of 2018 we started the process of examining and reworking their story. After the content was collected we built the mobile friendly site in WordPress, using a premium theme, by rapid prototyping and design sprints. The new site is clean and modern reflecting the firm's rebranding and message.
Services
- Persona Journey Mapping
- Site mapping/Wireframing
- UX Design / Prototyping
- WordPress Website Design/Development
- Ongoing Site Maintenance
- Printed media: Company booklet
View the entire Mood Board on InVision
Belfast Historical Society & Museum
Local History & Beyond
The Belfast Museum initially believed that they were only relevant locally in Belfast, Maine, with their former site serving this purpose. During our conversations it became clear that Belfast's history went beyond Maine and was also a participant in world history. Their new site needed to reflect this and be updated to be mobile friendly.
The Result
Working one-on-one with the organization's president, we assessed the hierarchy of information to be presented so that visitors to the area could fully grasp Belfast's past and present. Visiting the museum campus, monthly lectures, and annual exhibits have improved visibility. In addition, membership has doubled after we implemented an easy, online sign-up system.
Services
- Persona Journey Mapping
- Site mapping/Wireframing
- UX Design / Prototyping
- WordPress Website Design/Development
- Ongoing Site Maintenance
View the entire Mood Board on InVision
Left Bank Books (LBB)
New England Independent
Left Bank Books opened in Searsport, Maine in 2004. Their first website was a one-page online brochure. The store's charm and great customer service led to steady growth, and the store became a tourist destination. After moving to a larger space in Belfast, Maine, the shop began to attract famous authors for book signings and talks. Now a community hub, a new website featuring the shop's appeal, services and events was badly needed.
The Result
Delivered right before Christmas 2018, the new site now mirrors the store's ambience and the amazing shopping experience there. Simple and easy to navigate, site traffic has surged, as has business. Appearances from nationally acclaimed authors have doubled and the owners have had to hire additional employees.
Services
- Persona Journey Mapping
- Site mapping/Wireframing
- UX Design / Prototyping
- Touchpoint Marketing Strategy
- WordPress Website Design/Development
- Ongoing Site Maintenance
View the entire Mood Board on InVision
Teaching Together Chicago (TTC)
How Soon Can We Launch?
Teaching Together Chicago began as a new faith-based work initiative. The stakeholders had an opportunity to present the idea to the Chicago Archdioceses and they needed a quick launch. The only content we had to go on was a guidebook and some photos. Working by iteration sprints we tested potential solutions to the challenge. The goal was to create a high-fidelity prototype web site and go live.
The Result
When TTC presented the site to the Chicago Archdioceses, they immediately gave permission to use their seal as a stamp of approval on the site. As a result, the program went from 3 participants to over 70. Along with the website, Teaching Together Chicago has greatly expanded and intends to launch in additional cities.
Services
- Persona Journey Mapping
- Site mapping/Wireframing
- UX Design / Prototyping
- WordPress Website Design/Development
- Ongoing Site Maintenance
Dry boarding ideas defined the site's ux/ui quickly.