BACKGROUND
When OMSI approached us in need of a website overhaul to match the famous (and nationally-ranked) innovation of their exhibits and attractions, we couldn’t wait to get started. The former website had grown outdated, clumsy, and slow for both users and administrators alike.
Riddled with inconsistencies and confusing loops, we first had to assess the layers of page structure and overload of content. With all elements battling for attention in the hierarchy, the user experience was muddled and flat. So the primary goal became to address exactly that.
STRATEGY
The story needing to be told was that of the iconic Portland institution’s true nature: forward-facing, action-minded, and most especially, curious—a story perfect for telling through crafted experience. In collaboration with the team at OMSI, we focused the user experience to a direct, simple, flow, that begins with two simple questions: What do you want to see? and When are you visiting? From there, the site simply asks one to explore possibilities, and the content unfolds from there.
DESIGN
Supplied with OMSI’s well-established brand, we set out to reshape, streamline, and hone the visual qualities to intrigue future scientists and learning lovers of all ages. Simplicity reigns, and a basic, clear hierarchy drives the communication. The result is a website led entirely by its explorer—a make-your-own-adventure with a clean grid, emotive imagery, and easily navigated paths to every kind of museum destiny.
