Remedy findability issues and refresh design in a short timeline

The University of Tulsa approached Digital Wave to help modernize its overall web presence. But their family of sites had a fatal flaw: users were struggling to both navigate and search for what they wanted. Because findability is such a critical aspect of web user experience, Digital Wave wanted to act quickly. We developed a project strategy that addressed the navigational issues immediately, with an overall refresh alongside it – both in a fraction of the time of a full redevelopment.

​

So while behind-the-scenes content and architecture efforts surged forward, we rolled out incremental design updates, ensuring overall site consistency and design integrity along the way. An interim navigational schema was launched in July of 2022 with the first batch of design updates.

​

Continuing to iterate on this foundation, we conducted user research in the Fall of 2023 to see how prospective students responded to a prototype of the "Explore Programs" tool. We also led a deeper dive into the content hierarchy and menu structure embodied in the new visual architecture, launched in early 2024 (see: Utulsa.edu)

Bring clarity and community when users need it most

National Brain Tumor Society was eager to create a new website, unifying the content of two major presences, and timed with the release of new institutional branding. Essential to the mission was creating a welcoming environment and effortless user experience to provide not only information, but also support and community for people impacted by brain tumors.

Digital Wave helped them integrate two distinct websites into one unified experience, embracing the needs of multiple distinct user types with targeted content and functionality, such as patients, families, media, and research funders.

The website was built out and populated in the WordPress CMS, and went live in the summer of 2022. Since launch, the site has received two awards: 2023 eHealthcare Distinction Awards for best overall healthcare association site, and the 2022 Mobile Web Award for Outstanding Mobile Healthcare website. (see: braintumor.org)