A successful brand and website redesign begins with thoughtful preparation and structured dialogue. This guide outlines a comprehensive approach to conducting workshops that bring stakeholders together to shape your organisation's digital presence and visual identity.
Pre-Workshop Questions
Visual Identity
Begin by examining your current brand elements through these essential questions:
- What elements of your current visual identity resonate with your organisation's values?
- Which aspects might benefit from refreshing or reimagining?
- Do you have access to original design files for reference and continuity?
Consider how these elements work together to create a cohesive brand experience that reflects your organisation's mission and values.
Colour and Typography
Your visual foundation requires careful consideration of both colour and type choices:
- Colour Palette Assessment:Evaluate your current brand colours and discuss potential variations that might better serve your evolving needs whilst maintaining brand recognition. Document specific colour codes and usage guidelines to ensure consistency across all platforms.
- Typography Evaluation:Consider both the aesthetic appeal and practical applications of your font choices across different platforms. This includes:
- Current font effectiveness
- Accessibility considerations
- Digital and print applications
- Licensing requirements
Messaging and Content Strategy
Effective brand communication requires a clear understanding of your core messages. Take time to explore:
- Primary themes and key messages for your landing page
- Content priorities and hierarchy
- Tone of voice and communication style
- Unique value propositions
Your messaging should align with organisational goals while resonating with your target audience.
Visual Style and Imagery
Develop a comprehensive approach to your visual language by considering:
Your organisation's visual style significantly impacts audience perception. Consider whether your current approach effectively communicates your brand values through:
- Photography style and treatment
- Illustration and graphic elements
- Image selection criteria
- Visual hierarchy principles
Examine specific examples that align with your vision, paying particular attention to how these choices might differentiate you from others in your sector.
Workshop Structure
Opening Session (30-45 minutes)
Begin your workshop by creating an environment conducive to open dialogue:
The opening sets the tone for productive discussion through:
- Welcoming participants and establishing workshop objectives
- Team introductions and role clarification
- Ice-breaker activity to encourage participation
- Overview of the day's agenda and expected outcomes
Current Website Analysis (60-90 minutes)
Conduct a thorough analysis of your existing digital presence through structured discussion:
Successful Elements Review:Take time to understand what currently works well, examining:
- Features that effectively serve user needs
- Content that successfully engages your audience
- Technical elements that perform effectively
- Design aspects that align with brand values
Areas for Enhancement:Identify opportunities for improvement by exploring:
- User experience pain points
- Content organisation and clarity
- Technical limitations
- Mobile responsiveness
- Navigation efficiency
Brand Identity Development (90-120 minutes)
Your brand identity workshop session should explore how various elements work together to create a cohesive experience:
- Visual Elements:Examine how your visual identity elements function across different contexts and platforms.
- Brand Voice:Develop guidelines for consistent communication that reflects your organisation's character.
- Implementation Considerations:Discuss practical applications and potential challenges in maintaining brand consistency.
Post-Workshop Actions
Documentation and Follow-Through
Transform workshop insights into actionable plans through:
A comprehensive summary document capturing:
- Key decisions and rationale
- Agreed-upon direction for visual identity
- Content strategy recommendations
- Technical requirements and considerations
- Timeline for implementation
Implementation Planning
Create a structured approach to bringing your new brand vision to life:
- Establish clear ownership for different aspects of the project
- Define milestone dates and deliverables
- Create feedback loops for ongoing refinement
- Plan for regular progress reviews and adjustments
Best Practices
Successful workshops require careful balance between structure and flexibility. Consider these guiding principles:
Preparation:Thorough preparation enables more productive discussions. Send pre-workshop materials that encourage thoughtful consideration of key questions, whilst remaining open to unexpected insights that may emerge during discussions.
During the Workshop:
- Maintain focus while allowing for valuable tangents
- Document decisions as they emerge
- Ensure all voices are heard
- Keep time without rushing important discussions
Follow-up:
- Distribute comprehensive workshop documentation
- Establish clear next steps and ownership
- Create channels for ongoing feedback and adjustment
- Schedule check-in points for progress review
Remember: A successful brand and website redesign workshop should feel like a coherent journey toward a shared vision of your organisation's future digital presence, rather than a series of isolated decisions.