Founded by art collector and philanthropist Duncan Phillips in 1921, The Phillips Collection has been collecting groundbreaking works of modern and contemporary art for one hundred years and provides a unique setting for the collection’s nearly 6,000 works and with its most recent digital transformation, the new Drupal 9 website highlights the museum’s exceptional art collection, exhibitions, and rich history, while also showcasing the diverse programs and offerings for audiences of all backgrounds. The new interactive design reflects the museum’s dynamic, innovative, and participatory environment.
Challenge
An outdated and clunky user experience powered by Drupal 7
Solution
A complete overhaul of the user experience and technology stack fully integrated with museum ticking system and flexible CMS design system. A design centered experience.
Results
During the pandemic, the website traffic spiked and visitors now have full access to a virtual experience.
User Experience
UX and Vision Workshops to deliver a revitalized digital strategy
The new Phillips Collection website now enables visitors to clearly find what they need on the website—i.e. what art is on view, what programs will be happening during their visit, how to apply for employment, conducting research on an artist, learning about the history of the museum, or becoming a member. The new website is welcoming and easily accessible to people of varying abilities. With our C-level workshops and digital strategy the new Phillips Collection website now visually represent the museum as a modern, relevant, bold space, which is now often distilled as “an intimate museum combined with an experiment station.”
The process
Discovery, Strategy, IA, UX and Drupal implementation
Through our discovery and strategy process, we created a compelling style for the website—with a priority on mobile users/interface. The website now reflects the mission, values, and brand identity of The Phillips Collection. Working with The Phillips Collection C-level and communication team, we recommended and designed a modern, forward-thinking, functional, attractive, accessible, and easy to use digital presence. The design uses strong thematic images and visually compelling user interface elements. With our strategic approach, the intuitive user experience compels users to dive deeper into the content.
The Results
The Details
The final Transformation included:
A complete overhaul of the user experience, with a simplified layout which gives top-line information a priority (hours and location, tickets to events, become a member
A detailed content strategy including strategy for the Centennial project.
Migration to latest version of Drupal
Content migration
WCAG 2.1 AA accessibilityA powerful in-site search with the ability to search collection to see what is on view, as well as library and archives catalogue, blog, and museum microsite(s)
Integrated with collection database in MIMSY to be able to search collection by medium/class, creation date, acquisition date
Connects with the latest social networking platforms/blog to encourage users to share content across the web and construct an online dialogue
