UChicago News
Website
As a premier higher education institution, the University of Chicago is often creating news through its notable research and discoveries, eminent scholars—including over 100 Nobel Laureates—and through its strong ties to the city of Chicago.
The Challenge
In 2018 IfThen redesigned the UChicago News website, and in just a few years the site doubled its audience based on the creation of new content including in-depth explainers, special series, and the award-winning Big Brains podcast. Seven years later, the University asked IfThen to redesign the site again, this time to elevate these new content types, provide an interface that could support a larger volume of content output, and to help showcase the varied intellectual pursuits happening within its walls.
Our Approach
IfThen’s design approach was a clean, minimalist, flexible, and modern look and feel ready to showcase and elevate the prominent research being produced at the University.
IfThen relished the challenge, and explored some of the most masterful digital news and storytelling experiences across the web in order to find inspiration.
Key drivers of the project’s success include IfThen’s expertise in media and publishing, a systematic design approach for content packaging, and the technical acumen of an experienced front and back-end development team.
About the Engagement
Since 2018, IfThen has worked with the University of Chicago on over fifty web sites, including the University’s College Web Site, Biological Sciences Division collection of sites, the Pritzer School of Molecular Engineering, and the Pritzker School of Medicine.
Outcomes
The new website has been well-received across the campus with the editorial staff within the Office of Communications appreciating the flexibility that the new design provides. Features that have been especially advantageous include:
01
The immersive experience that encourages exploration of UChicago research and intellectual community
02
Elevated digital storytelling formats for content such as podcasts, articles, series, and explainers
03
Dynamic design that highlights best-in-class content and allows for multi-layered packaging
04
A modernized editorial experience
Team
Client: University of Chicago News
Agency: IfThen
Executive Creative Director: Jack Whitman
Strategists: Lori Murphy
Senior Designer: Julie Sharpe
Project Manager: Cameron Smith
Development: Russ Winters
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