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Forest School Branding & Website Design

Project Summary

Portland-based Forest School, rooted in community and nature, sought a distinctive brand and website design that would stand out in the educational landscape. The goal was to separate Trackers Forest School from the overarching Trackers brand, emphasizing a nature-first approach to education.

  • Industry:

    Education

  • Category:

    Design & Branding

  • Client:

    Trackers Earth

  • Date:

    2020

Challenge

The primary challenge involved creating a unique brand and website design for Trackers Forest School, distinct from the main Trackers brand. This included developing wireframes, skinned mockups for various web design options, and exploring print materials that seamlessly aligned with the proposed website branding. The task was to capture the essence of outdoor learning, fostering a sense of nostalgia for the untethered exploration and discovery associated with childhood.

Approach

The approach commenced with enhancing the existing pictures through illustrations, aiming to amplify the outdoor ambiance with children. The design strategy focused on evoking the timeless feeling of learning outdoors, tapping into the collective memory of childhood experiences. From wireframes to skinned mockups, each design element was meticulously crafted to convey the genuine and immersive nature of Forest School education.

A critical aspect of the approach involved a comprehensive exploration of personas within the Forest School’s target market. Understanding the diverse needs and preferences of parents, educators, and potential students was essential in tailoring the design to resonate with the community. Thorough research allowed me to create an immersive online experience that not only showcased the unique nature-first educational approach but also addressed the specific concerns and interests of the Forest School’s audience. This user-centric perspective informed every design decision, ensuring that the brand and website design not only stood out visually but also deeply resonated with the community it aimed to serve.

Results

The results were a standout brand and website design that successfully separated Trackers Forest School from the overarching Trackers brand. The incorporation of illustrations onto existing pictures not only enhanced the visual appeal but also effectively communicated the essence of outdoor learning. The print materials seamlessly complemented the website branding, collectively invoking a nostalgic feeling for the authentic, nature-first approach to education that Forest School embodies.