EL/Civics Online educational web site

Posted by Jim

elcivics-case1

The challenge: Translate real world educational expertise into an interactive, Web-based experience.

Adult Learning Resource Center (ALRC), based in the Chicago area, was contracted by the U.S. Department of Education to develop a series of online courses to prepare instructors of English as a Second Language (ESL) to integrate U.S. History and Civics content into their classes. ALRC had extensive experience in on site training, but needed guidance to translate their program into a compelling online experience.

We worked with ALRC from the early phases of the project to organize the content, establish the site’s information architecture and create a user-friendly interface. The site launched in 2007 and and has been continuously expanding since then.

  • EL/Civics Online contains more than 500 pages of content and features over 100 special interactive activities
  • Students are guided sequentially through the courses and the system keeps track of their progress. Students can also save notes and create their own lesson plans.
  • Since its launch in 2007, EL/Civics Online has had over 4,000 students register to take the courses

The ALRC had extensive educational professional development experience but was new to online training. Jim helped us organize our content so that it was clear, attractive, and formatted consistently. He suggested features and interactivity, and also listened and responded to our ideas and judgment. The online course has received high praise from both users & funders, and additional courses have been approved for development.”

~ Sue Barauski
Director, Adult Learning Resource Center

MTPV Corporation brand identity

Posted by Jim

mtpv-case

“Since the launch of the web we have had several unsolicited contacts from substantial and qualified prospects every week. It has turned out to be a great marketing tool.”

Situation:
MTPV Corporation has developed semiconductor chips that generate electricity from heat that promises to be more efficient than any thing on the market today. The company was seeking to engage with large scale investors to fund further development of the technology, Beta customers, and large industrial corporations to enter into strategic relationships.

 

Challenge:
Create a brand identity and present MTPV’s story in a manner that is easily comprehended and embraced by their target audience. Brand identity, imagery, and language all needed to work in concert to foster a deeper understanding of the company’s offering.

Solution:
MTPVs existing materials had grid and dots pattern that represented the company’s chip-based technology. We used the pattern and established a square grid that served as the basis for the MTPV brand mark. An environmental image was pixilated in alignment with the grid. The resulting brand identity conveyed MTPV’s environmental concern along with a sense of technical innovation.

Results:
“Our investors noticed the new site and were very pleased. Jim’s guidance provided to framework, a great image and a great balance between allowing the technical nature of the product to exist while speaking to a general business audience. We are able to tell a very complicated story clearly and concisely on the web. Since the launch of the web we have had several unsolicited contacts from substantial and qualified prospects every week. It has turned out to be a great marketing tool.”
~ David Mather
President and Chief Operating Officer, MTPV