Designing beautiful & effective sites for non profits

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    Designing beautiful & effective sites for non profits - Presentation Transcript

    1. Eve Simon, Beaconfire Consulting One World Workshop June 24 th , 2009
      • Designing Beautiful & Effective Web Sites for Non Profits
    2. Who am I & why should you care?
      • Nearly 14 years design experience in both corporate & non profit worlds.
      • Creative Director at Beaconfire Consulting, working only w/non profits.
      • I think well executed websites will be the future of non profits on the web.
      • I love creating visually impactful, mission-focused websites.
      • I really believe great design can change the world.
    3. Great design – the holy grail
      • Is it really that hard to achieve? Myths debunked.
    4. Debunked Myth #1: Design is universal
      • The basic tenets of design ARE universal across mediums BUT…
      • Don’t forget that here is a significant difference between art and design.
      • You can create stunning visuals that reflect your emotions or feelings by themselves
      • but to design effectively, project requirements must override personal preference.
    5. Debunked Myth #2: All organizations want the same thing
      • There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to good web design.
      • Custom solutions are needed to address unique needs of every organization.
      • The catch is how to solve similar engagement design challenges in new ways
      • Design best practices can be your friend, but should never be your crutch.
    6. Debunked Myth #3: A site should reflect an organization’s structure
      • While it’s important for a site to take structure into account, it’s the user that matters
      • Designing towards who the site is for, not who is footing the bill, is critical to success
      • Internal politics are of no consequence to your audience, & should never impact them
      • A solid engagement & narrative focused info arch is the backbone to a great design
    7. Ok, then what’s the trick to great design?
      • It’s a process, not a silver bullet
    8. Start a dialogue
      • Avoid design by committee; be strong
      • Interview stakeholders so they feel included and listened to, but don’t let them derail your process
      • Brainstorm with your team about what people want, and don’t be afraid to pose a lot of questions
      • Don’t get stuck in org-speak; think like an outsider looking in
      • Be honest about likes & dislikes
      • Know you cannot please everyone
      • Challenge yourself to think unconventionally
      • Don’t over complicate
    9. Do Your Homework
      • Gather all design assets including logos, photos, style guide if there is one
      • Embrace the brand but identify areas of flexibility
      • Clearly define site goals and requirements.
      • Identify and prioritize engagement opportunities
      • Know the audience inside & out; prioritize multiple audiences
      • Objectively identify the pain points in the current site
      • Size up the competition’s web presence
    10. Don’t reinvent the wheel
      • Follow best practices where appropriate
        • Consistency
        • Usability
        • Typography
        • Page balance & eyetracking
        • Color & Contrast
      • The simplest solution is often the the best
      • Steal if you have to; Don’t hesitate to look where others have gone
      • Read “Don’t make me think” by Steve Krug
    11. Beat all expectations
      • Develop several entirely different designs, following same criteria/information
      • Never force a concept. If it feels like you have to explain it to your mother, throw it out and try again
      • Beware of visual stereotypes: forge new ground
      • Be picky – don’t just stop at “ok” or “close enough”
      • Offer an “embarrassment of riches”
      • Stay engaged and on message throughout the process – a site is more than a homepage, it’s your voice on the web.
    12. Not Just a Pretty Face
      • When mission & message combine
    13. American Lung Association
      • Before
    14. American Lung Association
      • After
    15. Wildlife Conservation Society
      • Before
    16. Wildlife Conservation Society
      • After
    17. INOVA Health System
      • Before
    18. INOVA Health System
      • After
    19. The Sum of the Parts
      • Specific design elements that make a difference for non profits
    20. Focus on action
    21. Tell the story with strong visual impact
    22. Design for the audience (even if its not your aesthetic)
    23. So what’s the secret sauce?
      • Always remember the difference between art and design
      • Plot out a process that will work for you and follow it no matter what
      • Remember that you can’t please everyone at your organization – aim to meet the needs of your audience
      • If you create something that’s beautiful that doesn’t further your organization’s mission or engage the audience, it’s not ultimately going to be effective
      • Trust your instincts and be willing to take risks
      • Fight for what you think is right
    24. Thank you!
      • (any questions?)

    + Beaconfire ConsultingBeaconfire Consulting, 5 months ago

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