A Platform Struggling with Scalability and Content Dynamics
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP tasked us with redesigning and re-platforming their website to enhance content management efficiency, scalability, and user experience. The goal was to modernize the site and shift to Kontent.ai, enhancing the internal team's independence and minimizing reliance on developers.
Uncovering the Core Issues
2
Rigid Content Display: The system's inflexibility limited the display of diverse legal expertise.
3
Poor Internal Access: Lawyers and staff faced difficulties in quickly accessing essential information.
1
Cluttered Layouts: Overuse of tile-based designs caused visual clutter and stagnant content.
Designing for Clarity, Flexibility, and Scalability
Streamlining Structure and Accessibility
Wireframing and Refinement
I was handed existing wireframes, which I refined with the goal of implementing a modular design system. This approach was aimed at reutilizing components across the site to ensure scalability and adaptability for various content types.
High-Fidelity Design and Accessibility
To improve site usability and accessibility, I introduced streamlined layouts and implemented a fixed left-column navigation. These changes ensured essential information was easily accessible, enhancing user navigation while maintaining the brand's visual integrity.
Content Strategy and Integration
Collaborating closely with senior PMs, I structured content in FigJam, preparing for seamless integration into Kontent.ai. We focused on creating reusable content blocks, which empowered the Manatt team to manage updates independently and keep the site current.
Collaborative Design & Strategic Integration
Client and Team Coordination
I held regular strategy sessions with Manatt's PMs to align on project goals and quickly integrate feedback. The final wireframes were presented to top management for strategic approval and buy-in, ensuring all stakeholders were on the same page.
Content Strategy and Modeling
Working closely with the Senior PM, I helped architect and refine the content structure using FigJam, which facilitated a smooth transition into Kontent.ai. Our focus on developing reusable content blocks greatly simplified ongoing site management and updates.
Developer Collaboration and Handoff
I provided developers with detailed design specifications and guidelines to ensure precise implementation and minimize errors. By utilizing Figma's DevMode, I was able to offer a clear and accurate guide for translating designs into functional outputs, streamlining the development process.
Client Satisfaction Achieved: 100% Approval
Manatt applauded the project, citing the ease of content management and the notable improvements in site functionality and aesthetics, affirming their complete satisfaction with the outcomes.
Client Empowerment through 100+ Modular Components
Leveraged a modular design to significantly reduce content management time and enable Manatt's team to independently manage the site, enhancing content adaptability and ease of updates.
The Power of Headless CMS
Initially skeptical, my work with Kontent.ai shifted my views on headless CMS.
Assisting with content modeling deepened my appreciation for its flexibility and scalability, showcasing how a headless CMS can streamline content updates and manage digital platforms efficiently.
Choosing Wireframes Wisely
This project highlighted the strategic value of wireframes over high-fidelity mockups, especially with many stakeholders involved.
It taught me the importance of using wireframes as an alignment tool , ensuring that foundational agreements are established before going into detail.
Building on What’s There
On my first day at the new job, I was handed existing wireframes. Instead of discarding them to start anew, I chose to enhance them.
This approach, which respected the groundwork already laid, showed me how building upon previous efforts could lead to both efficient and creative solutions.
