Modernizing 836m.org for Enhanced User Experience and Brand Identity

Challenge:

836M.org, a hub for screenings, public art, performances, and gallery shows, needed a website overhaul. The existing site was not user-friendly, and had poor SEO, and the in-house team found it difficult to update content, limiting the site's effectiveness and relevance.

Our Objectives:

  • Modernize the website for a seamless user experience.

  • Improve SEO to increase visibility and reach.

  • Equip the in-house team to manage and update the site independently.

  • Extend the brand identity with a specialized font and enhanced color palette.

  • Make the site accessible and translate into multiple languages.

836M has an interesting logo that has no holes. We ran with that and found a bespoke font to give the website more personality and created a color scheme to differentiate the type of art that 835M offers.

This is one of my favorite sections to showcase all the Murals.

Examples of pages…

What we did:

  1. User-Centric Design:

    • Conducted user research to understand the needs and behaviors of the audience.

    • Developed an intuitive navigation structure, making it easy for visitors to explore events, exhibitions, and other content.

    • Implemented responsive design to ensure a seamless experience across all devices.

    2. SEO Enhancement:

    • Optimized the website's content, metadata, and images to improve search engine rankings.

    • Enhanced the site's load speed and mobile performance, key factors for better SEO.

    3. In-House Management:

    • Integrated a user-friendly content management system (CMS) allowing the in-house team to update and manage content with ease.

    • Provided training sessions and documentation to ensure the team could efficiently handle routine updates and content uploads.

    4. Brand Extension:

    • Collaborated with the client to develop a specialized font that captures the essence of 836M's artistic spirit, adding personality and uniqueness to the brand.

    • Refreshed the color palette to be more vibrant and reflective of the gallery's dynamic offerings.

    • Applied these brand elements consistently across the website to create a cohesive and engaging visual identity.

Results:
The redesigned 836M.org website has been a significant success, receiving positive feedback from users for its improved navigation and visual appeal. The enhanced SEO has led to increased traffic and visibility. Most importantly, the in-house team now confidently manages the site, ensuring it stays current and engaging for all visitors. The specialized font and updated color scheme have strengthened the gallery's brand identity, making a lasting impression on the community and visitors alike.


The modernization of 836M.org not only improved the user experience and SEO but also empowered the in-house team and reinforced the gallery's brand. This project highlights the importance of a user-centered approach, effective SEO practices, and strong brand identity in creating a successful and sustainable online presence for non-profit art institutions.