Lorandus CMS Online Presence

1. Project Overview

In 2020, Lorandus, a Canadian company specializing in corporate meetings and communications, sought to enhance its online presence with a clean, minimal, and responsive WordPress site. The goal was to showcase Lorandus’s commitment to recognizing and retaining top talent through a website that is both visually compelling and user-friendly.

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2. Problem Statement

Lorandus’s existing website was outdated and failed to effectively communicate the company’s value proposition. The site lacked the visual appeal, interactivity, and responsiveness required to engage modern audiences and reflect the company’s innovative offerings in meetings and communications.

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3. Objectives

1. Modernize the Website: Create a clean, sophisticated, and visually striking design.
2. Responsive Design: Ensure seamless functionality across all devices.
3. User-Friendly CMS: Build a WordPress-based template that both the Lorandus and MCPI Productions teams could easily update and manage.
4. Highlight Brand Identity: Integrate the Lorandus logo and brand colors prominently while maintaining visual balance.

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4. Design Process

1. Wireframe to Design Transition:
   The project began with a high-fidelity wireframe provided by MCPI Productions, designed in Photoshop. While the static wireframe was visually impressive, it required thoughtful translation into a dynamic, responsive website without losing its sophistication.
2. Interaction and Animation Integration:
   To enhance user engagement, subtle animations and interactions were incorporated, such as creative uses of the Lorandus logo’s signature swoosh. These elements were designed to captivate visitors without overwhelming the user experience.
3. Development on WordPress:
   The site was initially crafted using Webflow, then transformed into WordPress's PHP code through the Udesly app. This approach allowed for a seamless integration of design and functionality, ensuring the site could be easily managed and updated by Lorandus’s in-house marketing team.
4. Visual Storytelling:
   Emphasis was placed on powerful imagery and strategic use of the company’s signature red color to evoke inspiration and trust. The design balanced bold visual elements with clean layouts, ensuring an intuitive user experience.

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5. Results

• Enhanced User Engagement: Subtle animations and visual storytelling captivated site visitors, encouraging them to explore further.
• Improved Brand Representation: The website’s design accurately reflected Lorandus’s sophistication and innovative approach.
• Responsive Design: The site performed seamlessly across all devices, improving usability and accessibility.
• Streamlined Management: Both MCPI and Lorandus’s teams could efficiently manage and update the website content thanks to the customized WordPress framework.

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6. Tools & Technologies Used

• Design: Photoshop (Wireframe)
• Development: WordPress, Webflow CMS, Udesly
• Frameworks: Tailored WordPress workflows and PHP

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7. Impact and Future Applications

The redesigned Lorandus website successfully elevated the company’s online presence, positioning it as a leader in meetings and communications. The project provided a scalable foundation for future enhancements and demonstrated the power of collaboration between design and development teams. The responsive and user-friendly framework ensures Lorandus can adapt its site as its business grows and evolves.