Agile Branding for Startups & Growth Stage Companies

Moore's Law states that computing power doubles every two years, creating exponential growth. It was a revolutionary concept when proposed in 1965 by Gordon Moore and has forever changed how businesses develop long-term planning and set R&D targets. In the last 5 years, there's become another area to which Moore's Law can be applied—the world of new business startups. 

Effective Nonprofit Website Design: 10 Case Studies

Nonprofit websites have come a long way in the last decade. The most successful ones utilize a variety of marketing tools—everything from brand recognition and credibility to engagement, revenue and of course, performance.

Data Visualization Design Process: A Primer

It's no secret that data visualization is hot right now. How hot? Just check out the latest research from MSDS.

Effective Nonprofit Storytelling with Data Visualization

In making a case for themselves, non-profits have many tools at their disposal. While stories are a great way to bypass our analytical brains and shoot straight for the heart, making a rational case is critical for any brand looking to tell a complex story. And our persuasion toolkit just wouldn’t be complete without storytelling with data and concept visualization.

The 3 Keys to Designing More Effective Data Visualizations

Data Visualization, or DataViz is a hot topic! Recently, the Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) shared our recent series reviewing 6 DataViz tools we like, and its popularity made me realize how much of a hunger there is to make good sense what makes for effective data visualization. More than ever, brands are relying on data to tell their stories. Each has to create clarity around their data to better connect with their audiences. And each does so in different ways. 

Designing For Effective Public-Private Partnerships

Some days, it feels like we're completely overwhelmed. Health, energy, poverty, development, the environment: these are monumental challenges, which dedicated organizations have been working on around the clock to achieve the most modest of gains. Unfortunately, it seems we're past the point where one organization can hope to deal with anything alone. Our most stubborn challenges can't be solved by wielding a bigger hammer; the world's "wicked problems" require a smarter toolset and a better organized crew.

8 Tips for Writing Effective Nonprofit Impact Stories

You hear an awful lot about "storytelling" in the nonprofit world these days, and with good reason. Much of the buzz is backed by research: studies show that stories have unique powers of persuasion. Our opinions and beliefs are both rational and emotional; and while facts may appeal to our left brain, narratives hold the real power to sway our emotions. In a competitive nonprofit fundraising environment, creating this emotional connection can make a tremendous impact.

Website Report Card: Six Ways to See if Your Site Makes the Grade

What makes a good website? Of course, the answer depends on what your organization does, who your audience is, and what both of your goals are. But regardless of your strategy, some fundamentals are true across the board when it comes to evaluating whether your site is delivering effective user experiences. Here are six ways your site may pass, fail, or make the honor roll.

Getting High on Your Own Supply

Lessons learned from a design studio's own website redesign, and how they reaffirm everything I've been saying to clients for years about branding.