Rio Grande Website Template
WEBSITE DESIGN (2018-2019)

Role: Director of Web Development & Design 

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As the Director of Web Development & Design at School Loop, I led a team of designers and developers to create and implement all website templates for our next-generation Content Management System (SLS2). Our goal was to provide schools and districts with flexible, visually engaging, and easy-to-use website solutions that met the diverse needs of educational institutions.

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NOTE: School Loop, Inc closed operations in 2021, so the live sites are no longer available for viewing. 

 

Project Scope & Evolution

We initially launched the Fast’N’Easy Templates, a set of simple, free website designs meant to help schools and districts quickly set up and manage their own websites. While these templates provided a strong starting point, we discovered that many paying clients desired more modern, customized, and feature-rich designs, leading to the development of the Mighty Brand templates.

Through extensive beta projects, client feedback, and design iterations, we refined the feature set and aesthetic of our premium offerings, ultimately delivering high-quality, modern website experiences.

 

Key Features & Functionalities

Through research, testing, and collaboration, we developed and implemented the following advanced web design features:

• Custom Color Palettes – Allowed districts to fully align their websites with their branding.

• Full-Width Headers with Mega Menus – Improved navigation and usability for content-heavy websites.

• Parallax Image with Text Overlay – Created a dynamic and engaging user experience.

• Video with Text Overlay – Enabled schools to showcase their campuses and programs with embedded video headers.

• Full-Spread Page Layouts – Provided a modern, seamless look across all site pages.

• Cheekyboard Images – A unique grid of images with dynamic text overlays on hover, enhancing visual storytelling.

• Page & Section Background Images – Allowed schools to create distinct visual identities throughout their sites.

• Accordion Lists & Modules – Improved content organization and readability for frequently asked questions and large content blocks.

• Custom Footer Layouts – Offered tailored layouts for better navigation and branding in the footer area.

• Mobile Navigation Bar – Ensured a responsive and user-friendly experience across all devices.

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Final Designs & Adoption

After extensive testing and iteration, three distinct website design styles emerged based on customer preferences and usability testing.  The Rio Grande template, a vibrant, feature-rich design popular among magnet schools and innovative educational programs, was also the final selection for the company website. 

 

This design became the foundation for dozens of custom websites, helping districts and schools establish a strong online presence while ensuring ease of use for administrators and end-users

 

Impact & Takeaways

• Scalable Design Solutions – Developed a modular approach that balanced customization with efficiency.

• User-Centered Design – Ensured every template was built with accessibility, responsiveness, and usability in mind.

• Bridging Client Needs with Modern Web Trends – Transformed client feedback into cutting-edge design solutions that set new standards for school websites.
   

This project highlights my expertise in leading design teams, developing scalable design systems, and balancing creativity with functionality.  This ensured that educational institutions could have beautiful, functional, and future-proof web experiences.​

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