The Challenge
Metaphacts approached us in 2021 with the task of redesigning and rebuilding their website. Their previous site had been built with Joomla, and it was their wish to stick with Joomla as their CMS.
For their business, the website plays a crucial role, both in acquisition, by providing product information and a process for users to register for a trial version of their software, and in building and maintaining a relationship with existing customers, via their “Resource Hub”.
As regards the design of the new website, the client had a clear vision:
The design should be modern, fresh and exciting, with a tech-centric feel, but at the same time should reflect both their corporate identity and the UX of their product, metaphactory. At the same time however the client was adamant that we should attempt to work with an existing design template however, since they felt a custom design would exceed their overall budget.
About the client
metaphacts, based in Germany, develops and delivers a platform called metaphactory that facilitates their clients in their knowledge graph journey. This platform aids in knowledge democratisation, augments data literacy, and aids in making well-informed business decisions.
The Solution
The biggest challenge we faced in this project was design/budget. From having talked to the client about their expectations it was clear that buying and modifying an existing design wouldn’t work.
The project began with intensive discussions that involved the client, our project manager, and our designer. This dialogue was instrumental in shaping the path forward, and together we worked hard to find a creative approach that would ensure the most efficient usage of designer’s time.
The client agreed, and the project began. We proposed three different creative directions, from which the client chose their favourite, which they added to by providing hand-drawn wireframes. Our designer then developed mockups prior to the development phase, which were quickly accepted.
Lessons learned
Certain visual elements which we proposed during the design phase of this project turned out to be significantly more complicated to develop than expected, and it was a real challenge for our developer to achieve this within the agreed upon budget. Although these issues were successfully tackled and resolved, this experience underscored for us the importance of closer coordination between our designer and developers.
Notable features
Unique Design
The design that was requested and delivered placed emphasis on diagonal elements which were inspired by graph imagery in the client’s application. The site also featured a custom slider which was showcased on their customer page.
Resource Hub Adjustments
We migrated and reimplemented the extensive “Resource Hub”, a crucial tool for the client in building long-term relationships with their customers. It features a large volume of documentation and case studies searchable with various tabs and filters.
Measuring project success
The success of this project was evident in the bond and trust that resulted between our teams and companies. Metaphacts went on to become a regular client, with several more larger projects and regular tasks and communication on a monthly basis.