Web Services CMS Redesign
the impact
The redesigned CMS had a significant impact within the first year of launch:
- 400% increase in ARR
- 23 client migrations completed
- 94 additional migrations in the pipeline
- 3 new clients acquired
- Streamlined website management, reducing dependency on developers
Project Breakdown
I spearheaded a new design initiative for a company's Web Services department, which provided web hosting for banks' marketing websites. The company was transitioning from a homegrown content management system (CMS) to an industry-standard, WordPress-based platform. The goal was to create reusable components and templates, allowing banks to manage their websites more efficiently and with greater flexibility.
The Challenge
The legacy CMS was outdated, difficult to use, and lacked the scalability needed to support multiple banking clients. Banks struggled with managing content, and the system required extensive developer involvement for even minor updates. The transition to WordPress needed to maintain security and compliance standards while vastly improving usability and efficiency.
the solution
To accommodate a diverse range of banking clients, I designed the CMS to be adaptable to different customer needs. Some banks preferred a modern, sleek interface, while others—especially those with a strong agricultural focus or located in rural areas—wanted a more traditional, straightforward design. I ensured that the platform offered flexibility in templates and styling while maintaining usability for all users. Additionally, recognizing that many bank managers had little to no training in website management, I prioritized simplicity in the UI, making it easy for non-technical users to update and maintain their sites without extensive support. To modernize the platform and improve usability, I:
- Conducted research into CMS best practices and competitor solutions.
- Designed intuitive interfaces that simplified content management for non-technical users.
- Ensured accessibility compliance to meet industry standards.
- Worked iteratively with engineers to validate feasibility and refine interactions.
my role
As the sole UX/UI designer on this project, I:
- Developed reusable components and templates, reducing the need for custom development and enabling faster deployments
- Designed a flexible, user-friendly system that empowered banks to manage their sites without technical expertise.
- Collaborated closely with engineers to ensure seamless integration of the new CMS.
- Created a scalable design system that maintained consistency across multiple clients while allowing customization.
AND THAT'S A WRAP!
By leading the design of this CMS transition, I helped transform an outdated, inefficient system into a scalable, user-friendly platform. The new solution empowered banking clients with more control over their websites, improved operational efficiency, and drove measurable business growth.
