Oaklins is a finance company specialising in mergers and acquisitions, with subsidiaries in 40 countries across the world. Each subsidiary had its own individual website, which made them look like separate companies.
Setting up the project for success
Using earlier research conducted with the subsidiaries, we started by identifying the goal of the website with the client: to align the different members’ websites under the Oaklins brand, while still enabling them to feature their uniquenesses.
Visualizing what different users want and need from the website
We gained insight about the different types of users Oaklins targets. From these insights, I created user journeys to visualize and then summarize the needed interactions and features.
Creating a structure that works globally and locally
This structure allowed me to show where we would use global content for all country members, and where regional members could create their own unique content. This also gave an overview of the whole site’s structure.
We created principles from the insights, which guided the placement and type of content needed
1. Balance Global and Local
2. Show and tell who Oaklins is
3. Demonstrate expertise
4. Celebrate the clients' successes
5. Be emotionally compelling
6. Give the right amount of autonomy
I mapped out the content needed for the different pages
Before detailing the layout, I summarized what content would be needed for each page, related back to the insights about important information.
Wireframing and prototyping to specify how the components fit together
I created wireframes of the layouts of each page, specifying the type of content and interactions.
Final Design
Home
Hero contains video that shows off the brand and adds an emotional layer.
What We Do
This section clearly explains their offerings and provides examples, introducing users who aren't familiar to the company.
Deals
This section shows their track record, building trust in their ability to broker successful deals.
Team
The team section puts a face to the team, and helps to build trust and a rapport with the people potential customers will work with.
Industries
Sharing the industries the company has worked with builds trust in their expertise and knowledge.
Insights
Insights further show expertise on a topic and their active involvement in the industry.
Outcome
Successful implementation
The website was implemented and the CMS began to be used by country members. The website continues to be in use by members and has aligned the disparate member websites under a united Oaklins brand, while retaining autonomy to share their deals, specific industry knowledge, and unique teams.
www.oaklins.com
