Case study brief: Website design and development to showcase original artwork
Artist Robert Trent was born with arthrogryposis, a condition affecting the joints and muscular development.
As a Mouth and Foot Painting Artist (MFPA), Rob approached our team in need of a website to display his incredible artwork.
This website required a minimalistic design for customers to be able to easily view and purchase Rob’s original art from one location.
Supporting a fellow disability advocate made this case study unique
Rob is a passionate campaigner, who strives for better accessibility for disabled people. He runs the company AccessAdvisr, who HeX has worked closely with since 2019, providing website maintenance and hosting. Rob also recently took part in our Digital Accessibility Matters campaign, providing influential videos to raise awareness on digital barriers. So, for us to be able to help in showcasing his artwork further, has been a privilege for the team to be involved in.
Accessible design and web development action
Creating a sleek and modern platform, with versatile APIs to power the online shop
Our expert graphic designer created a range of wireframe designs to present to the artist, mocking up interactive prototypes to help Rob in visualising his new online gallery and store. Together, we decided upon a minimalistic, yet sleek and modern aesthetic design.
The Content Management System (CMS) WordPress provides a vast array of versatile functionality and features like no other system. These include elements such as engaging blogs, online shops, secure payment options, and accessible forms. Being a platform needing enticing elements to drive sales and guide the customer on a fluent journey through the store, we knew this would be the perfect choice for the incredible artwork on offer.
Through the use of Gutenberg blocks and the way we manipulate the CMS, using our own accessible codebase, we adapted web page elements to present a simplistic and accessible user journey. This was achieved through displaying large striking imagery and clear call-to-action blocks, guiding intrigued art enthusiasts to want to learn more about the artist and inspiration behind each piece, and driving them towards making that all important purchase.
Plugins are the backbone of a WordPress website, due to their diverse functionality and seamless integration into website builds. To power the online shop facility, we worked with WooCommerce; an open-source plugin solution used by millions of global ecommerce stores. Due to the flexibility of the plugin and our expertise in customising coding to suit our clients’ personalised needs, we crafted an enticing storefront for website visitors to peruse. Our team customised a range of forms, tailored specifically around Rob’s customer needs, to help to drive sales forward. These are presented in a clear and accessible way for users to complete, providing a positive shopping experience and enhanced customer service.
Due to WordPress’ stripped back-end editor and ability to effectively manage all store elements in one location, we’ve made site maintenance a pleasurable experience for its owner. This has allowed Rob to simplistically add artwork and assess sale analytics to help to grow his store further. All of this, whilst having the confidence in knowing that the plugin boasts secure payment facilities, to take away any administrative burdens.
The team stands out because of the sheer professionalism of everyone at HeX, and confidence that they really do grasp accessibility as a service.
Rob Trent: Mouth and Foot Painting Artist (MFPA)
Building an accessible platform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards
Like Rob, HeX are passionate accessibility advocates. That’s why every website that we create is built to conform with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA standards. This ensures that all users can access and interact with the platform, no matter what device or software they may use.
Providing upskilling content editor training
With all of our website builds, we provide our clients with content editor training.
This training ensured that Rob felt confident in maintaining and updating his website upon project completion, and to do so in an accessible way.
Website design and development impact and results
Rob’s new minimalistic, striking website showcases his incredible talent for his audience.
The gallery lures users into wanting to click through and see more.
With current blog posts and gallery piece explanations, customers get the unique opportunity to learn more about the artist and connect with the artwork. In turn, wanting them to make that all important purchase.
Thanks to Woocommerce, the online shopping experience is seamless for both the customer and Rob himself to easily maintain. And, with a combination of WordPress’ stripped backend editor and our training, it has made Rob’s new platform a breeze to manage for him.
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