Our challenge was to align various business areas on a single, cohesive digital branding design that could be applied across the organisation. It had to be simple and impactful to enhance public awareness and usability of content. We collaborated with a range of users and stakeholders and ensured that the design and advice we provided fit with the personality and strategic direction of the NLA.
The National Library of Australia is one Australia’s premier cultural institutions, yet their website did not reflect this. The aim was to deliver a contemporary, user-centred, and sophisticated design that did not look like a ‘government website’, and could be applied across all their digital products.

The challenge

Project highlights
A striking design inspired by the iconic national library’s architecture, that resonated with their audience.

Positioned as a digital innovator
By developing a close, communicative relationship with all stakeholders we truly understood their needs and were able to align and excite them with the possibilities we presented. This allowed us to design a website which reflected the public viewpoint of the NLA as a leading cultural institution and digital innovator.

Resonating with their audiences
The new website design incorporated the end user's voice and views in terms of bringing the brand values that their cohorts valued most to the fore. This deep understanding of user experience and their engagement process helped the Library's digital development practice progress towards user-centredness.
Bringing stories to the surface
Critically, we recognised the importance of the stories within the NLA collection which led to us bringing important yet previously buried interpretive material to the surface. By improving the look, feel and usability of the website, we’ve increased browsing and discoverability of the library’s digital content.

Result
From design to usability, we delivered a refreshed digital brand and website that represents the NLA’s contemporary position. Shifting from government department to premier cultural icon is no simple task and our design encourages and supports this. We achieved a modern, classic, and aesthetically innovative design that improves the user experience, encouraging them to return and uncover what else the NLA has to offer.
See where we have helped our clients


National Archives of Australia
Corporate website redesign
A dynamic redesign of the National Archives website and content.


Australian Digital Health Agency
My Health Record website
Empowering millions to make informed decisions about their digital health records.


National Library of Australia
Corporate website redesign
Fresh digital branding, drawing on contemporary and classic design.


Digital Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook (APF24)
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
Transforming the physical into the digital to create a user-friendly, secure platform for healthcare providers


Australian Consumer and Competition Commission
Supporting Australian consumer rights
A friendly design that reinforces Australia’s consumer watchdog’s helpfulness.


National Cancer Control Indicators
Cancer Australia
Helping healthcare professionals make informed decisions, based on national cancer data.


Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
2017 Foreign Policy White Paper
A contemporary digital publication, presenting Australia’s Foreign Policy strategy.


Department of Parliamentary Services
Visit Parliament
Reimagining how we visit Australia’s Parliament House.


MasterDocs
Collaborative authoring
A web-based collaborative authoring tool designed to simplify co-authoring, editing and reviewing documents in real time.


National Archives of Australia
Destination:Australia
A delightful online exploration of Australia’s migration history, that encourages user-generated content.


National Museum of Australia
Collection Explorer
A delightful online research environment aligned with audience expectations for exploring the museum's burgeoning digital collection.


Royal Australian Mint
Corporate website design
A new online experience that enhances the Royal Australian Mint's visibility as a major tourist destination.


National Library of Australia
Treasure Explorer
Evolving how we learn and engage with Australian history by curating socially contributed content from students and teachers alike.


Grains Research and Development Corporation
Lentils ute guide mobile app
A mobile resource that connects growers with the latest advice from the GRDC for a healthier industry.


Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY)
Nest: What works for kids
Promoting evidence-based practices and collaboration amongst decision makers for child and youth wellbeing.