Website Redesign
In the Fall of 2023, the Banff Canmore Foundation (BCF) embarked on a significant rebranding journey. Inspired by the majestic, life-giving, and ever-evolving Bow River, BCF sought to create a new website that would reflect its refreshed identity and mission. Lyuba was contracted to lead this project, collaborating closely with web designer Alison Harwood and web developer Shawn Wernig.
The Challenge
Rebrand Integration
BCF was in the midst of a rebrand centered around the Bow River’s symbolism—representing continuous flow, vitality, and connection. The challenge lay in translating this new identity into a cohesive digital platform.
BCF was in the midst of a rebrand centered around the Bow River’s symbolism—representing continuous flow, vitality, and connection. The challenge lay in translating this new identity into a cohesive digital platform.
Content Organization & Storytelling
BCF’s extensive content (programs, mission, photography, and more) had to be distilled and organized in a manner that clearly told the organization’s story. The website needed to highlight BCF’s core purpose and impact in the community.
BCF’s extensive content (programs, mission, photography, and more) had to be distilled and organized in a manner that clearly told the organization’s story. The website needed to highlight BCF’s core purpose and impact in the community.
Visual Cohesion
Combining existing BCF photography with new stock images posed a creative challenge. Ensuring consistency and a unified visual narrative required strategic planning and thoughtful graphic design solutions.
The Approach
Project Leadership & Coordination
Lyuba served as the main point of contact, project manager, creative director, and lead designer. Coordinated between BCF, Alison Harwood (web designer), and Shawn Wernig (web developer).
The project services included consulting, content organization, strategic planning, user experience (UX), user interface (UI) design, stock image sourcing, and graphic asset creation.
Strategic Planning & UX
Lyuba began by identifying the core messaging and user journeys essential to BCF’s mission. Through strategic planning, she ensured the website’s structure was user-friendly and aligned with the new brand identity.
Visual Direction & UI Design
Brand-Inspired Aesthetics: Lyuba guided the visual direction to reflect the essence of the Bow River throughout the site—fluid, dynamic, and life-giving.
Collage Templates: Developed a system of collages and image templates to merge BCF’s existing photography with curated stock images. This approach enabled a cohesive visual narrative and helped guide users through BCF’s programs and impact stories.
User Interface Elements: Prioritized clarity and intuitive navigation. Ensured that typography, color palettes, and interactive elements complemented the brand’s new style.
Integration & Development
Seamless Collaboration
Alison Harwood (web designer) and Shawn Wernig (web developer) worked closely with Lyuba, translating the design concepts into a responsive, functional, and easy-to-manage website.
Scalability & Ease of Updates
The website’s backend was structured in a way that BCF’s staff could easily update content and maintain brand consistency long-term.
The Outcome
Brand Alignment
The new website seamlessly captures BCF’s updated brand identity, mirroring the flow and vitality of the Bow River.
Improved User Experience
Visitors to the site can easily find key information, explore programs, and understand BCF’s mission through visually engaging narratives.
Increased Engagement & Donations
Since launching the redesigned site, BCF has reported an increase in user visits, heightened engagement, and a noticeable rise in donations.
Internal Efficiency
The website’s intuitive backend empowers BCF’s team to manage and update content regularly—ensuring the site remains fresh and relevant.
