Background:
Media Village is NBC Universal’s public-facing press website and their main channel for distributing approved media assets (photos, videos, audio, press releases, biographies, images and press kits) to external television, print and web media outlets. The original website was created several years ago and the existing information architecture and usability were deemed unusable as the organization evolved and content grew. Seeking a complete overhaul of their system from the CMS up, NBC Universal approached Square One to visualize and redesign a new and scalable solution, which would not only streamline usability across all networks and assets, but also allow for unity and a seamless user experience under a single overarching brand.  

The Challenge:

• Devise a strategy to navigate several media asset types across 12 networks and 30+ shows while connected in a non-linear format
• Website had an outdated Web 1.0 look and feel, needed a new Enterprise CMS to replace a retiring CMS based on Web 2.0 principles
• Needed to illustrate the entire site prior to development for multiple stakeholder approvals
• Required full graphic redesign to mesh with a complex array of all existing NBCU, Network and Show branding

• Without clearly defined requirements, initiated working sessions with all stakeholders to identify key users and scenarios
• Developed a “horizontal matrix” approach to navigating the site and accessing the wide breadth and depth of content quickly. Focused intensely on search, navigation and location identification.
• After proven successes with two other Universal projects, leveraged our partnership with iRise to create a simulation of the entire site before it was built.
• Created a unified overarching design / brand strategy that was neutral enough to span all corporate, network and show branding without muting the overall look and feel.
• Leveraged CSS technology to allow each cable network to customize the look and feel of its own network pages.

The Results

• Achieved on time and under budget sign-off for new IA, user interface and design from stakeholders company-wide
• Successfully transitioned work to the development team by providing completed simulation, functionality documentation, UI specification, front-end HTMLS and Photoshop production templates
• Currently working closely with project managers, stakeholders, development team and a 3rd party CMS vendor toward full site implementation and launch