What was the scope of their involvement?
On the technical side, since we're in the business of information security education and research, it was critical to work with a firm that understands the security implications of setting up a website, custom code, or using a backend content management system that has various third party plugins. Visceral brought a lot of technical depth just on the application web app server side, which was very attractive.
Initially, we sent documents back and forth to help shape the conversation. They wanted to get a sense of our design philosophy, industry, and goals. After those initial iterations, Visceral came up with brand guidelines, a new logo, color schemes, and ensured a consistent look and feel across our online presence. They redesigned a whole new website. We’re focused on information security education research, and so our sites looked like they were designed by an educator. It was important for the materials to look professional. That process required wire-framing, organization, and editing. They've integrated some database functionality so we can easily identify various documents or organize materials in a library.
They also created various hard copy collateral materials, including letterhead, envelopes, and business cards. They came up with templates for the various reports that we publish, including white papers and research reports. We'll do an annual report to our various stakeholders and they created a consistent template for the cover of the white paper.
We continue to use them for ongoing website support on a monthly basis, particularly if we want to add a new structure to the site. For instance, we purchased a digital certificate, which they then implemented. Somebody is also dedicated to our team and interfaces with us to help us with anything we need.
How did you come to work with Visceral?
We had partnered with a marketing and PR communications firm in D.C. and they have used Visceral in various projects, which is how they were brought to us. Originally, the rebranding was meant for a different legal entity that we were forming. However, in that process, we realized that we weren't as ready as we thought for this new legal entity. The work was valuable because it made us look more carefully at the current National CyberWatch Center. We decided to shift gears and rebrand the existing nonprofit, and then use it to drive any other legal entities moving forward. Since then, we have continued to work with Visceral.
How much have you invested with them?
We have invested between $800,000-$1,000,000 per year.
What is the status of the engagement?
We started working together around 2014 and the collaboration is ongoing.
The redesigned site launched and met all stakeholder requirements; Visceral provides ongoing maintenance. The team delivered high-quality designs within budget, despite external delays and time zone differences. Open communication, flexibility, and integrity made for a smooth workflow.