“We asked Ian to design a modern web site with dynamic functionality; what he delivered is a web site that embodies the character of Sigma Phi Rho.”
Nyam Smith, National President, Sigma Phi Rho
Client:
Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity is a national fraternity chartered with the mission of aiding men in reaching their academic, spiritual and professional aspirations. Founded by thirteen brothers in 1979 at Wagner College, the organization how has 15 state regions and over 3,000 members.
Challenge:
Sigma Phi Rho Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity's old web site was dated and no longer accurately represented the organization's vibrant community and mission. Information was poorly organized, making the site hard to navigate for visitors as well as Fraternity brothers. Due to the dated design, simple operations such as member application and donation collection were arduous manual processes. Additionally, the old site made it difficult to update the web site content.
LForm's challenge was to alleviate these pains and to position Sigma Phi Rho on the web with the dignity and recognition inspired by its founders and members.
Solution:
Web site redesign and new content management system integration
Brand:
LForm prominently used photography of fraternity members on the homepage to showcase the unity, passion, and enthusiasm of the community.
Site architecture:
The Sigma Phi Rho redesign incorporates a clean and crisp look and feel with high contrast and little clutter. LForm worked closely with Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity president, Nyam Smith and his council to reorganize the information architecture, streamline the content, and build user-friendly navigation and reliable site-wide search. The homepage layout was designed to facilitate access to information specific to the interests of members and applicants, each with its own distinct entry point. A separate section was dedicated to former members seeking fraternity reinstatement.
Content Management:
LForm implemented a content management system (CMS) that enables staff to make changes to the site at any time, from any browser. They can post timely event information, publish announcements, add pages, swap photos, etc. Through the CMS, communication, record keeping, and payments were automated by integrating several new web forms with the Fraternity's database.
Results:
Since the web site's launch in August of 2009, it has been well received by Sigma Phi Rho Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity's members. Communication tools are consistently highlighted by members as a powerful and welcome upgrade to the site. Now, site visitors can request membership, begin the process for starting a new chapter, report chapter news to the national organization, network with other chapters and individual brothers, communicate with the national council, and apply for special programs. The new web site has also allowed Sigma Phi Rho Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity to increase visibility for the organization.
Users now have a much easier time finding key information for member support, joining the brotherhood, and reclaiming their membership in this elite Fraternity. The cohesive, brand-based look and feel received particular applause from members, many of whom stated that the site now clearly conveys who they are, where they've been, and what they're trying to do in the future.
The end result: A visually appealing and functionally dynamic web site that seamlessly combines Sigma Phi Rho's mission, communication with the active membership, fundraising, and recruitment of new members.
“Ian listens. He spent the time to really understand what we needed to do with the site and then executed flawlessly and on schedule.”
Nyam Smith, National President, Sigma Phi Rho
