A bold transformational leap for leading UK University

Delivering on a promise to break the mould with a more daring, more experimental university website that pushes boundaries

Client
University of Essex
Services
Strategy, Experience Design, Sitecore Build
Sector
Education

A digital experience that dares to be different  

Objective

The University of Essex meant it when they said, ‘We want to stand out.’ From day one, our challenge was to deliver on this aspiration by creating a digital presence that conveys the university’s rebellious values and makes people stand back and notice.

Approach

We undertook a complete digital overhaul to re-energise the university’s brand online and build a stronger appeal with students in a highly competitive market. Beginning with an innovation-led digital strategy programme, we guided the university on a bold journey to deliver a new flagship home that breaks traditions.

A platform to attract and inspire

Fundamental to the success of the project was the creation of a fresh, new digital identity and design system that could serve as the foundation for all aspects of the university's digital output. The We are Essex digital toolkit expresses the bold, daring spirit of the brand.

The new site is designed to inspire and engage prospective students. Users can easily find and discover courses, get a flavour of the Essex Lifestyle, delve into the values and ethos of the University and be encouraged to make contact through open days and course enquiries.

“ We wanted to create a site unlike any other university in the UK, and UNRVLD has certainly delivered. This new digital platform puts the University of Essex at the forefront of the sector – exciting prospective students about studying with us and increasing engagement with our existing community. ”

Bryn Morris

Registrar University of Essex

Outputs

Product strategy
Experience design
UI design system
Sitecore build

Technology

Sitecore
Microsoft Dynamics
Solr Search