Brand identity and community website design for an online resource helping over 50′s get the most out of the internet
With such altruistic goals this project was a pleasure to work on from the very beginning. We we’re approached with a great idea that was designed to really give back to the local community, the project already had a clear vision and a catchy name but needed a strong brand identity and website to realise its ambitions.
Branding
While the meat and bones of this project was a web based directory system the brand identity and visual style was a key factor in the projects success – even the most useful website will struggle to attract visitors if it has a clunky design and is difficult to use, especially considering the primary target audience are still taking their first steps on the internet.
This mascot literally gives the company a friendly and welcoming face
The final logo design takes the form of a friendly anthropomorphic cartoon computer screen rendered in a light blue colour palette and juxtaposed against the company name in a soft, rounded typeface. This mascot literally gives the company a welcoming face in line with the projects goals – making computers and the internet more accessible to a demographic which may traditionally be intimidated by these technologies.
Website design
The website design follows a similar design philosophy with bright colours, rounded edges and large, easy to read fonts. The various sections are clearly divided by colour and feature multiple navigation routes to any given area to minimise the chances of getting lost, along with a convenient text re-sizer option and prominent support links should they require help.
The customised CMS allows the Silver Surfers Club team to easily update the website – no technical knowledge is required
All of this is built on a highly customised CMS installation which allows the Silver Surfers Club team to easily update the website with helpful articles and list of services which may be useful for their users.
There is also an in-depth subscription model which allows businesses to promote their products or services to the Silver Surfers Club community along with a system which awards significant discounts to businesses which offer special offers for Silver Surfers Club users. These offers can take the form of a coupon that appears on business listings, allowing visitors to print and cut it out for redemption at local stores and businesses.
Silver Surfers Club has received a great reception since going live, with endorsements from numerous local authorities and features in both the local press and on the radio.
