Windelspectrum
CLIENT
Michael Windelspecht
YEAR
2023
ROLE
Art Direction
Front-End Web Development
Graphic Design
Asset Production
Branding & Identity
About
Windelspectrum
Michael approached playdeadpixel for a third project: his personal biography website, which highlights his significant contributions to the academic community. Specializing in making science education accessible to younger students, Michael has a distinguished record of co-authoring several editions of popular academic textbooks and other educational materials. With a wealth of talents and interests, he sought a cohesive website to consolidate his various channels and showcase his notable achievements.
Overview
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Problem
Michael's website was rich with information and showcased a diverse range of projects and visual styles. Playdeadpixel refocused his core messaging and developed a cohesive visual language, overseeing the entire design and messaging process. This included migrating the website to a new platform, building a clear information architecture to organize the content, and visually highlighting his accolades—from textbooks to eBooks. We partnered with master content curator B. Arneson and Michael's daughter, Kayla, who served as project coordinator throughout the process.
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Solution
Since this was our third project with Michael, we recommended a familiar and user-friendly web platform that didn’t require coding skills. We restructured his data and prioritized the website to highlight each discipline in a meaningful way. To establish a cohesive visual language, we created templates for book representation assets while applying fundamental design principles to craft a new brand identity for "Windelspectrum." Additionally, the website leveraged many of Squarespace's latest technologies and features. Michael’s previous branding received a much-needed refresh, evoking an approachable yet professional look.
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Results
As a result of this project, Windelspectrum has become the "gold standard" for autobiographical web properties, featuring stunning visuals that highlight Michael's extensive research and authorship. The site serves as a central hub for colleagues and potential business partners to discover his work and connect with him. To this day, Michael remains a valued partner, continuing his collaboration with Playdeadpixel for years to come. His new site pairs nicely with Inspire EdVentures and Ricochet Science, both projects that were collaborated with great success and increase traffic.
Project Highlight
Working with Michael and his team is always a pleasure, and Windelspectrum was no exception. One of the highlights of the project was creatively showcasing his textbook designs, transforming what could have been a simple bullet list into an engaging visual presentation. It was also rewarding to usher his brand into a new era of design, establishing a clear visual language that demonstrates how a brand can be revitalized.