Sigma builds a new website for Diversity Role Models to help them tackle homophobia through education

11/23/2011 6:47 AM EST

Diversity Role Models are a new charity aiming to lower the impact of homophobic bullying by taking positive gay and straight role models into schools. DRM were looking for a web partner with a focus on the charity sector, to help them establish a clear online message, target specific audiences with their services and integrate their already growing social media channels. Sigma has a good track record of working with charities ranging in size and audience focus, building their online channels from scratch, breathing life into existing websites and helping with mobile and social media integration.

Mindful of their hectic schedule and budget as they worked to set up the charity, we came up with a short, sharp project to get the website up and running and allow DRM to build on the great work they had been doing on Facebook, Twitter and in their offline promotions.

We provided the design, development, content and project management services free of charge to DRM as part of our Corporate Responsibility programme. Specifically, we helped with:

• Design and information architecture meetings, to define the look and feel, communication tone and content structure for the new site
• Recommendations on technical approaches, knowing that DRM would manage the site in-house and add new pages, functionality and features over time
• A review of the content already available on their blog, to build upon their existing communications and further engage their growing audience
• Full design and development of the site, using the Open Source Umbraco content management solution, allowing DRM to manage the site effectively post-launch
• Hosting set-up and Umbraco training, to get DRM off to the right start but give them the confidence to expand and add new services as the charity grows
• Integration with their social media and direct promotional channels, including MailChimp, SpreadShirt, Facebook and Twitter

The site launched in July, allowing DRM to promote their progress, their campaigning and partner discussions. 

DRM commented on the project:

 “We are incredibly lucky to have Sigma as our web partner. They have approached our project with a great state of mind, enthusiasm, creativity and professionalism. They really understood our requirements and what we were trying to do with our different communication channels, and were able to translate that into a design that’s both clear and attractive. We are sure that now it’s live, the website will help us to convey our message in the best way possible. It will enable us to strategically target the type of individuals and corporate organisations we would like to attract. 

They delivered on all levels: from branding to hosting, from page layout to look-and-feel, from project management to creativity. They were able to use their experience from past charity website projects, and make suggestions that were helpful and relevant. Not to mention the fact that they are simply a nice group of people who are very pleasant to work with. At every stage, we felt well taken care of by Sigma. We know we are in good hands” - Suran Dickson, CEO of DRM

“We could see from the outset that DRM would be great to work with. They were open to our ideas but clear in their direction, willing to accept technical guidance but strong at steering the tone of content and imagery and above all, they were hugely passionate about getting their charity off the ground. Throughout we have seen their audience grow and the enthusiasm for their message reach a global audience. It has been great to join them on this journey and help bring a new website to life for a cause we hold dear” - Hilary Stephenson, MD of Sigma

For more information on this article, please contact:

Diversity Role Models

Diversity Role Models actively seeks to prevent homophobic bullying in United Kingdom schools. We aim to stop bullying before it happens by educating all young people about differences in sexuality, putting role models in front of young people to talk about tolerance and respect for diversity.

www.diversityrolemodels.org

Sigma Consulting Solutions Limited

Sigma is a leading digital design and development company. We solve customer challenges on the web, on mobile and on corporate applications with a focus on usability, accessibility and an improved user experience for all.

www.wearesigma.com