Forward planning

A bold, responsive design that's a huge step forward in usability, UX design and brand positioning for this UK success story.

Willmott Dixon has been a family business since 1852. Their reputation in the UK construction sector, and in the wider business community is the envy of many. Their work reaches far and wide into society – from schools, to homes, to leisure and health facilities – 90% of the population is never more than a mile from one of their projects.

Standing out in the sector and becoming a leader in digital communications

In common with a surprisingly high number of large businesses, Willmott Dixon's old website had been outpaced by the digital habits and expectations of site users. They had some great content but visitors would struggle to find it, particularly if using a mobile device. In short, their reputation was not being upheld online.

Discover, define, develop, deliver

We were appointed to discover what the business needed to become online, develop a digital strategy that would catapult them ahead of their peers, and reposition the brand in the digital realm.

As with most of our work, we applied the 'double diamond' service design process. After several months of close collaboration we launched a bold new website that is unlike anything else in the UK construction sector.

User centred design thinking

There is a paradox that exists in the construction sector. From architects, to engineers, product manufacturers to contractors, the construction sector revolves around usability – but seems to ignore human factors when it comes to digital communication.

For instance, during our research in the discovery phase, we found that only 7 of the Top 100 UK Construction Companies have a mobile optimised website. This, at a time when nearly 80% of adults in the UK have a smartphone (Ofcom) and 45% of active candidates have applied for a job via mobile device (LinkedIn).

Thanks to the bravery of our client Andrew Geldard, and the support of the Willmott Dixon leadership, the business recognised the opportunity that this presented and embraced the chance to aim high.