National Archives of Australia
The Archives of Australia project called for a complete digital uplift, translating the institution’s national significance into a modern, accessible website within a tight 10-week window. We worked closely with the National Archives to ensure every design decision reflected their future direction and public mandate.
Purpose
The National Archives exists to safeguard Australia’s documentary heritage, connecting people to records that shape our national memory and supporting open government for all Australians.
Challenge
The project required uniting diverse internal stakeholders around a shared vision, while rapidly delivering a brand-aligned digital platform. We needed to interpret evolving brand guidelines and ensure the new site would support both immediate needs and future integration with government digital infrastructure.
We delivered a contemporary website design for the National Archives, translating their vision into a dynamic digital showcase.
Project highlights
- Brought together diverse stakeholders through inclusive workshops, aligning vision and priorities across the organisation.
- Created accessible, brand-aligned templates, making internal development and future GovCMS integration straightforward.
- Supported future work by delivering evidence-based design, adhering to government digital standards.
Contemporary brand alignment
We delivered a digital design that reflects the National Archives’ evolving identity. By interpreting new brand guidelines into a flexible template, we created a visual language that supports both current needs and future ambitions, offering a strong foundation for ongoing digital engagement.
Evidence-led pathways
Our approach drew directly from prior discovery work. We added our own usability testing and user research, ensuring every decision was grounded in evidence. This method provided clarity for stakeholders and created a design that speaks directly to the needs of its audiences.
Clear communication and alignment
Through ongoing workshops and consultation, we helped the Archives’ senior executive translate their vision and key messages to the digital brand. This collaborative approach aligned stakeholders and built momentum, supporting the Archives’ position as a relevant, forward-looking institution.
Practical development support
We provided accessible templates and guidelines, purpose-built for the Archives’ internal development team. This enabled a smoother handover process and made it easier for the team to implement the design within their Drupal environment - saving time and reducing risk.
Recognition and next steps
The project’s success was recognised across the organisation, leading to further engagement for the beta launch phase. Our work not only met immediate goals but also built trust and confidence in our partnership, supporting the Archives’ long-term digital direction.
