--- Case study ---
Redesigning Bearface Theatres Digital Stage
Laura Jones
General Manager
The Bearface Theatre project aimed to create a dynamic and inclusive online presence that reflected their mission to inspire creativity and exploration through co-creative theatre programmes.
I managed the project end-to-end, from initial research and discovery to design execution and final onboarding. This included crafting a tailored style guide, selecting and customising a Squarespace template, and ensuring the final product met all usability and accessibility goals, all while maintaining a strong connection to the organisation's ethos.
Bearface Theatre’s existing website lacked a cohesive structure and failed to reflect the vibrancy of their programmes. Navigation issues and inconsistent page layouts led to user frustration. The brand’s strong identity wasn’t fully represented, and accessibility shortcomings created barriers for some users. Compounding this, multiple fonts were in circulation across touchpoints and printed materials, creating brand inconsistency. The challenge was to design a website that effectively addressed these issues while staying within budget and aligned with Bearface Theatre’s values.
I began with an in-depth analysis of the existing website and conducted stakeholder interviews to understand Bearface Theatre’s goals and user needs. Key pain points included inconsistent navigation, a lack of visual cohesion, and barriers for users with disabilities. Additionally, I audited the typography used across the organisation's materials to identify inconsistencies and opportunities for alignment. I also reviewed websites of similar organisations to identify best practices and opportunities for differentiation.
Simplified navigation was critical for improving usability, ensuring users could easily find programme information.
Unified typography was essential to strengthen the brand identity and create a consistent user experience.
Accessibility improvements such as better colour contrast, readable fonts, and adaptable design would broaden the website’s reach and inclusivity.
The design process centred on crafting a website that was both user-friendly and inclusive, while embodying Bearface Theatre’s creative and community-driven ethos. This involved creating a tailored style guide for cohesive visuals and typography, customising a Squarespace template to enhance functionality and aesthetics, and ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience.
Design choice 01.
I developed three visual options, each accompanied by a curated selection of website components such as buttons, navigation menus, and headers. This helped the client visualise the application of the style guide and make an informed decision.
Design choice 02.
Simplified and surfaced key links that were previously buried, making essential information easier to find.
Design choice 03.
Clearer signposts created with copy & calls to action to support imagery.
Design choice 04.
Improved visibility of testimonials and better positioning across the website.
"Darren was really supportive throughout the project and always happy to catch up online to discuss progress. He really listened to what we wanted but was also great at advising the team and helping us to shape our ideas."
Laura Jones
General Manager
This project reaffirmed the importance of aligning design with organisational values and demonstrated the value of comprehensive style guides for decision-making.
Providing examples of components within each style guide proved invaluable in helping the client visualise the impact of their choices. Consolidating typography not only streamlined the website’s look and feel but also enhanced the overall brand identity.
The Bearface Theatre website now serves as a platform that reflects their mission and values while offering an intuitive and inclusive user experience. It stands as a testament to how thoughtful design can bridge gaps in usability, accessibility, and brand representation, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
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