Named for Philosopher John Locke, The John Locke Foundation is an independent non-profit North Carolina research institute that seeks to transform government through their research, journalism and outreach programs. The institute was founded in 1990 as a non-profit think tank and has developed throughout the years to include extensive research as well as daily journalism published in the Carolina Journal as well as online assets; Carolina Journal Online, CJ TV, and CJ Radio.
Challenge
In 2001, the John Locke Foundation (JLF) contracted with DesignHammer to develop the first modern John Locke Foundation website built around a content management system, rather than static web pages. Nearly ten years after that launch, the John Locke Foundation wanted to shift the emphasis of their site to their research.
The JLF team was comfortable with the content management system originally developed by DesignHammer but needed additional functionality. JLF also desired better integration of their content with that of their sister sites. JLF turned to DesignHammer to update the design utilizing cutting edge tools to deliver the engaging experience today’s users expect.
Solution
In response, the DesignHammer team created a new user interface, putting the researchers and their content front and center. The new design pulls together the content from all of the JLF sites, letting users seamlessly access content from a range of related sites.
On the back-end, DesignHammer updated the codebase using the latest tools, and improved the organizational structure of the administrative systems to better allow for future growth and flexibility. The new system preserved the same look and feel so that the JLF team didn’t have to learn a new system.
Results
DesignHammer unveiled this dramatic update, with a new design, added features, and improved user experience. Visitors to the new site have taken notice: after the redesign, the average visitor spends 25% longer on the site! The redesign presents a fresh new look and boosts the site’s usability, bringing it up to date by incorporating social media features and including “Call to action” buttons to promote the foundation’s fundraising efforts.
“DesignHammer’s redesign of JohnLocke.org gave our flagship website a clean and modern look consistent with our news site, and gives our policy research findings much more visibility. ”
