Seven Stories

The National Centre for Children's Books

Website
Branding

Seven Stories are a national charity, visitor centre and museum based in Newcastle upon Tyne, dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating children’s books. HdK were delighted to work with Seven Stories on a new website and brand refresh.

Seven Stories

HdK began by reviewing Seven Stories’ current website which was in need of a reset in line with their organisational goals. Through a detailed review of site maps and navigation, and a deep dive into analytics to understand audience behaviour, we developed a new website structure which served their current audiences, and the ambitions of Seven Stories.

Through a site visit to understand Seven Stories’ context, we dug into the exhibitions and feel of the physical site. Our design team then developed a new look and feel to merge together a childlike curiosity with the charity’s ambition. To do this, we returned to the seven basic story plots: rags to riches, quest, comedy, tragedy, voyage and return, rebirth and overcoming the monster. Following these plots, we elevated the brand and accentuated colours and shapes to feel more vivid and engaging.

Seven Stories

HdK reduced the number of clicks needed on the website, reorganising user journeys to spark intrigue in visitors, encourage donations, and extend the in-person experience to a digital environment. Part of this work was creating a learning and community area within the website’s wider ecosystem, as well as peppering clear calls to actions including banners and donation buttons throughout the website.

Integrating with PatronBase, we developed a clear What’s On section, improved the Seven Stories’ booking system and flow, and brought exhibitions, workshops and tickets seamlessly under one roof. The new Seven Stories website does justice to the fantastic work at the National Centre for Children’s Books.

Seven Stories