BSB WEBSITE REDESIGN, PART ONE: WHAT DID ‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’ HAVE TO DO WITH IT?

Setting out to build a new website for a legacy firm that presents a clear representation of what BSB Design does and who they are TODAY, the BSB Design website team reflected heavily on the firm's unique approach to architecture and the design process – and were inspired by ‘The Wizard of Oz.’

The goal was to create a web portal that is at once beautiful, striking and telling – plus easy to navigate. One challenge for the firm, as architects, was to conceptualize a clean and contemporary space that isn’t bogged down with too many distractions – in terms of menus and content provided. 

The team scrutinized every word and widget (for many extra unplanned weeks) with all eyes on crafting the new bsbdesign.com to be an accessible portal with smooth transitions to carry users through seamlessly.

THE IDEA WAS ALSO TO STAND OUT.

The use of black-in-white was one element in the design concept our web developers, Flying Hippo, presented. BSB Design wondered if this was too great of a departure from the typical, full-color industry standard. The team had to be able to satisfy both the needs and expectations of our clients and future customers as well as our desire to surprise them.

Senior Partner in charge of marketing, Steve Moore, envisioned the ability to have the black-and-white images “transform” to full-color, like in the classic scene from the ‘Wizard of Oz” when Dorothy opens the door revealing the Technicolor world outside:

BSB Design accomplished this by using an interactive, visual feature that transforms images from black-and-white to a full-color view when users hover over them.

Using a combination of both form (imagery) AND function (interactive elements) allowed us to deliver a dynamic experience that goes beyond your typical online brochure.

THE RESULTS?

• The overall result is a BSB Design web presence that is out-of-the-ordinary, yet not too far-out. That’s part of their brand story and – behind it – the “pragmatic innovation” they pour into the design of thoughtful spaces and communities.

• Like Dorothy’s reaction and that of the viewers their first time watching the Wizard of Oz, BSB intended to elicit a “surprise” – not unlike the reaction the firm gets from builders once they’ve taken a fresh look at everything BSB has to offer today.

• Providing a ‘full-color’ view of BSB Design’s outstanding expertise and project portfolio was essential, but that only told ONE PART of the BSB Design story. By “muting” the home page banner images, the critical messages about the firm's process, builder-friendly attitude and unique approach can be “heard.”