Website redesign for Sno Falls Credit Union
The problem
Sno Falls Credit Union has a membership base of over 6,000 customers throughout the Snoqualmie Valley area. They needed a website which could support their expanding member base while showcasing all the benefits of their products and technology. Their previous site had several key issues which got in the way of meeting that goal.
Not responsive
In a mobile-first world, the site simply did not meet customer needs.
No distinctive visual design
Components of the site felt tacked together rather than thoughtfully presented. Different products (loans/accounts) were presented in list form, stacked on top of each other with unclear CTAs.
Complicated information architecture
Loan and deposit products were grouped together on one page. Different types of rates were stored in different pdfs. Information was difficult to find and when product details changed, it was difficult to update.
Original website
My goals
Consistency
Establish consistent visual patterns to help guide the user through the site
Simplicity
Re-organize information flow to improve the experience
Manageable
Create a flexible framework that non-technical staff members could easily edit
Information architecture
The client did the work of developing a site map which we used as a foundation for the information architecture of the site. This was a nice platform from which to build, but we needed a document to classify page levels and show how the different pieces of the site were interconnected.
Information architecture modifications
We added page-level classification and a color indicator to show which links clicked out to external sites
We added a “Member Center” nav item to house useful information for members like pdfs, applications, and information about security
We created more space to introduce the brand to users by creating a dedicated “Join” page
Instead of a pdf, we consolidated all rates information on the site and housed it on one page, where users could filter by categories (Loan/Deposit)
We added a “Search” function for users to quickly find information
Lofi wireframes
The project timeline did not allow for a lengthy lofi phase so I only sketched out a few pages before transitioning to full color. The process helped me start developing visual queues which could be later used as part of design system.
Modular approach
The site needed to be editable by non-technical staff so I designed flexible modules that could be used flexibly in WordPress. This allowed website admins to create pages easily by assembling appropriate modules depending on page needs.
Visual concepts
I worked with Creative Director Michael Ryan Wilson to develop two different visual directions for Sno Falls to choose from.
Concept 1
This concept used lively illustrated overlays to highlight moments and milestones in our daily lives. Pictures captured how people might interact with Sno Falls and benefit from its services – online banking, car/home loans, etc.
Concept 2
This concept showed simple illustrated backdrops of environments composed with real photos of products like buildings, homes, and cars that look natural together yet unexpected that a piece of that world is illustrated.
Design System
Color
Sno Falls had an established logo and color palette at the time we started our redesign. They were open to evolving their brand, but wanted to stick with the general foundational elements.
The process of expanding the color system unfolded organically. We used the same green color values throughout most of the illustrations or drew from the primary brand colors to add variety where appropriate. The idea was to convey a sense of cheerfulness to the user experience through color, while maintaining enough consistency to establish a footprint for the brand.
Type
To keep the type consistent with the bolder illustrations, we selected Gotham Screensmart paired with Montserrat. The heavier weight of Gotham Ultra felt appropriate for headlines while the highly legible, comparatively lighter feeling of Montserrat worked well for body copy and sub-headlines.
Illustration
We created illustrated backdrops that depicted features of the Snoqualmie area - trees, mountains, and a mix of both rural and neighborhood scenes.
Outcome
"Sno Falls is delighted with the new site and the personality it brings to their online presence as a local credit union. They're excited for the new site to not only be a benefit for their current members, but also use it and their new style as tools in their marketing efforts..."
-Project Manager, Scott Gregor
Upon completion, the site received an award from the American Graphic Design Association.
URL: snofalls.com
