Straightforward insight. No nonsense UX design.
ABOUT US
We’re the least stuffy digital, data loving, designers you ever met. Bring us a challenge! We accept. Have a messy website? We’ll clean it up. Can’t tell a story? We got you. Confused by all that data? We’ll put it to work.
We have our clients’ best interest at heart. Our focus is always on delivering the most possible value for your budget.
We tell it like it is. We make sure you understand what’s realistic for your project, and have the opportunity to evaluate options and make informed decisions. An informed, educated client is a happy client.
WHAT WE DO
We organize. We categorize. We simplify. We beautify. We bring meaning to data. We bring order to chaos. We make things work and work well.
We’re full service. We’ll take care of all the details. Help you make decisions. Wrangle your stakeholders. Teach you how things work. Heck, we might even walk your dog.
Services:
Custom Wordpress and Drupal websites
Digital annual reports
Interactive storytelling experiences
APPROACH
We don’t speculate, we evaluate. We only make a plan after doing research and discovery to ensure the plan is well informed and based in reality.
It’s best to start small, learn, and then grow. Learning from real user behavior is the best way to make the right decisions about growth of your website or product over time.
Design must be meaningful and inclusive. If it’s not, it’s not doing it’s real job, which is to communicate effectively to as many people as possible.

headquarters
Focus
Portfolio
NONPROFITS: Box Inc, Climate Access, CREDO, Environmental Defense Fund, Heartland Alliance, National Immigrant Justice Center, Peter G. Peterson Foundation, River LA, The Solutions Project, Tides, United Ways of California, Women's World Banking EDUCATION: City University of New York, Stanford University, Rutgers University, STRIVE Preparatory Schools, University of California - Santa Barbara GOVERNMENT: LA County Department of Public Health, New York City Housing Authority, LA Metro

U of California Santa Barbara Website Design
We created a new website for NCEAS, and along the way updated the brand look and feel as well. The website connects to an external database so that we could create the ability for people for the search and filter website and database content simultaneously. It also features a series of content components that allow the client to create an unlimited number of customa page layouts.

Here to Here Website
Here to Here wanted to update their existing website. It had several cases of redundant text, confusing navigation, and was difficult to manage and update.
We provided a content strategy and UX design to streamline their communications on the site, and make it easy to navigate and find relevant content. We updated the overall look and feel as well, creating a more lively approach that also helps clearly establish their geographic location.
A custom map feature lets site visitors view the various locations they work in, and filter by relevant criteria.
On the backend of this Wordpress website, site editors can easily edit and update all of the site content. And they're able to create customized page layouts at will, using our component-based system.

The Solutions Project - Web, UX, & interactive design
Wire Media has been working with The Solutions Project since 2016, providing full website design and development services; UX design, testing, and optimization; and interim brand strategy and support.
Our work has freed up countless hours of staff time previously needed to maintain much of the website content, helped the organization better explain what they do, has contributed to their growth, fundraising efforts, and evolution.

National Debt Billboard Ticker
Wire Media wrote, designed, and built a microsite to track the national debt, and to inform citizens about why it's so high, and why it matters. The website features a 'debt ticker" that counts up the growing debt in real time as well as interactive data visualizations.
The Peter G. Peterson Foundation, our client, also planned a national billboard ad campaign that also features debt tickers counting the debt up in real time. We brought in Drupal development shop and programming team Capellic to build the microsite to our specifications, and to create the "feed" that powers the on-site and billboard tickers.

Stanford School of Humanities & Sciences Website Design
We planned and designed a new website, heavily focused on the user experience. The site design is cross-branded between Stanford's main brand and the HumSci Department's own take on it. Build in a modular way, with components, the site editors can create new, custom pages with ease.
Wire Media did all the planning, design, and project management, and brought in a Drupal development shop, Advomatic, to build it to our specifications. Together, we provide ongoing maintenance of the site.

Environmental Defense Fund - Digital Fishery Management Tool
Wire Media reviewed and organized a wealth of content EDF had to help fishery managers around the world better assess the character and health of their ecosystems and stock. We then designed and delivered an online fishery assessment tool. The tool helps fishery managers understand what steps to take next, and then to evaluate what sorts of testing or research they should do to learn what it is they need to know. Built in 2013, it's still in use today and has stood the test of time.

Making Wise Decisions - CRM Decision-Making Tool
We designed an online quiz (and microsite) that uses a person’s answers to a set of questions to determine which type of data management system is best for their organization. Once results are obtained, users download an 80+page toolkit that walks them through all of the steps needed to make sure their organization is ready for a data system, and to make an informed decision about which one to get. The toolkit is accompanied by about 12 branded Google docs that allow people to fill in answers to the forms in the PDF. This fills a huge need in the nonprofit sector where resources are usually tight.

Climate Access Climate Change Website
Wire Media designed a website template that allowed this organization to roll out new websites for multiple cities with minimal effort. The sites allowed for city-by-city customization within a branded, templated solution.
People visiting the site could easily see the before and after options for sea level rise in their city, with the website focused on solution options for sea level rise. An interactive map feature allows site visitors to see specific issues within their city.

Women's World Banking Digital Impact Report
We worked with Women’s World Banking for over a year on brand positioning, messaging, copywriting, and design to produce a digital annual report microsite and a portable, reusable exhibit booth that included an animated video, printed handouts, and the booth display signage.
Reviews
the project
Impact Reports & Web Dev, UI/UX Revamp for Climate Nonprofit
"Wire Media is able to hold the details and big picture at the same time very well."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the VP of Brand and Partnerships at The Solutions Project, a nonprofit organization working on climate solutions grounded in local communities. I oversee all of our communications efforts, including our digital communication.
What challenge were you trying to address with Wire Media?
We’ve worked with Wire Media on a pretty continual basis for at least five years.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We first started working with them to solve the problem of updating our website to be mobile native and to refresh the user experience.
When we initially launched, most people were still on desktops, which went more towards smartphones.
Since then, most recently, we have refreshed our brand and worked with Wire Media. We also did with them on the biggest project that we just completed, which was a total redo of our website with our new brand look and feel, and the problem there that we were solving was clear communication about who we are and what we do.
We wanted a much refined and strategic user experience between our website and our social channels, and just general upgrading of the architecture and paths of the user experience. I believe it is still a WordPress site.
They provided a lot of the design work for the website and everything from incorporating the new brand identity into the new look and feel of the website and adding to the evolving from having extensions of our new brand through the design of our new site.
What is the team composition?
Because of the long partnership we have had, we’ve worked with Marcy (CEO & Founder) consistently. She’s part of our weekly calls. Hazel (Account Manager) is our point person. We also work with Leslie (Creative Lead) as the designer and James (UX Design Strategist) as part of the web redesign.
How did you come to work with Wire Media?
Word of mouth is everything. We called up one of our long-time leaders and advisors in the intersection of digital strategy, web design, and organization management, and she recommended Wire Media.
We looked at the quality of the work that they did with other both nonprofit and philanthropic clients, and it was a no brainer. Our very first project with them was basically for our annual impact report, which is a digital piece of content. We were looking at how they presented data and stories to mostly a donor audience about an organization’s impact over a year, and it was great.
How much have you invested with them?
For the entire collaboration, it is significant. Doing two primary website builds, each of those is between $50,000 and $75,000, and then every annual impact report is between $10,000 and $15,000.
Since 2015, we have done four of those. As part of our website work with them, they have a care package of support. They are our web development team consistently and that is about a $2,500 a month investment that we make.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with them at the end of 2015.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
When we did the first website redo with them, we have infographics that are used by tens of thousands of advocates across the country, and probably the world. There was a significant increase.
We weren’t really able to track the level of user engagement with that content before the first upgrade from Wire Media. We jumped by tens of thousands of engagements with that content when we upgraded the website the first time. We had only just begun to understand user experience and success metrics with the new site and how it is much more integrated with our social channels and our email program and things like that.
There is already just a significant improvement in terms of email signups and donations and web traffic. The final thing is just anecdotally because everyone is now asking us who did our website and giving us great feedback about the quality of the website and this experience from a design perspective, architecture, and user experience.
How did Wire Media perform from a project management standpoint?
Part of the care package offering that they provide allows us to have very open access to their team. When there is a crisis moment, they are incredibly responsive and help us solve it.
We meet on a weekly basis to run priorities and make those continual upgrades to our website based on the performance data, our growth, and programming, and things like that. The project management is also a plus in our relationship with Wire Media.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Wire Media is able to hold the details and big picture at the same time very well. They can solve short term problems, build a landing page as needed, but within the context of what the foundation of the site is and what the experience we want to maintain and evolve for site visitors.
Additionally, what the functions are that we may not be ready for now but want to make sure that the basic architecture and the basic design allows that space when we are ready to add different functionality to the site. I really appreciate their ability and their capacity to be strategic partners with us in that regard.
They also come to us with insights, ideas, recommendations, and they are not heavy hitting on it. It isn’t a sales approach on their end to add more things to our plate. It is more to keep our site current and leading edge in terms of all the things that they are learning on the technology side and the user experience side, and again integration with social channels and Google Ads, SEO, and email programs; the full scope of digital tactics and channels that even if they are just focused on the website, there is an understanding of how the website fits into the broader strategy.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I think the only thing I would say, and it is probably true for us as well, is that we are in a year and a time of constant change and chaos. I think we are always weighing and reassessing priorities. The concrete improvement is just helping us in our relationship with them, to have that clear set of priorities that we are managing on a week by week basis.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
My recommendation would be to state really clearly what the problems are that you are wanting to solve and think that your web design and website can help solve. Really listen and have that exchange back and forth with Wire Media to figure out what the solutions are.
You don’t have to come up with the solutions yourself and then come to Wire Media with a more transactional prescriptive request. Let them do their job to help you. That would be the best advice that I would give.
the project
Web Design for Medical Nonprofit Annual Report
“They’re able to respond to our feedback and make quick changes if needed.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m a senior associate on the communications team for a nonprofit that focuses on promoting vaccines and vaccinations across the globe. I manage and oversee the graphics, and other multimedia-type assets, for the organization.
What challenge were you trying to address Wire Media?
We hired them to create our annual report.
What was the scope of their involvement?
They create a microsite design for our annual report. We provided the copy and content, and they formatted that and created the designs for them. While their partner company built out the site, Wire Media created the designs, and they worked hand-in-hand in implementing them. They used HTML to create a custom page.
What is the team composition?
We worked with two teammates, Marcy (Founder & Owner) and one designer.
How did you come to work with Wire Media?
They frequently partner with another company that we use to make updates to our website. They were a recommendation through that company, which led them to be brought into our web projects.
How much have you invested with them?
The total project was $30,000, which was broken up between the two agencies.
What is the status of this engagement?
The project began in November 2019, and the report went out in July 2020.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We’re in the process of pulling those numbers. We’ve received much more positive feedback from this year’s report than those of other years. The design is user-friendly and exceptionally navigable. It looks nice, sharp, and professional, so we’ve been happy with their creative output.
How did Wire Media perform from a project management standpoint?
They perform very well on this front, so we haven’t had any issues. They were responsive and delivered items ahead of schedule. We used Basecamp to organize project management.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They’re small, so we felt that we were able to get their full attention. They’re able to respond to our feedback and make quick changes if needed.
Are there any areas they could improve?
There have been times, especially in the annual report that preceded the one in question, where we weren’t completely satisfied with the final designs. Having said that, that responsibility lies with us and not them, since we were late in the game for releasing a report and eager to expedite the process. We didn’t give them as much feedback as we should’ve, in the early stages.
This year’s annual report really boosted my confidence in them, since we gave them the right feedback and received an exceptional product.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Give examples of what you’re looking for. That’ll help them understand the types of design you’re looking for.
the project
Web Design for Educational Tech Investment Company
"They were flexible and came up with creative solutions to challenges that came up."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I'm a Venture Partner at an early-stage impact investment fund.
For what projects/services did your company hire Wire Media?
Wire Media helped us create an impact report for our fund. We needed to craft a story about our investment strategy as a portfolio and how we invest for impact. We also presented impact stories for each company in our portfolio using a mix of quantitative and qualitative data. Our last impact report our first, and we created print and pdf versions of it. This time, we wanted to make it digital and interactive.
What were your goals for this project?
We wanted to report our portfolio-wide impact to our investors, attract new investors, and attract mission-oriented founders seeking funding.
How did you select Wire Media?
I researched other publicly available impact reports on the web. When I found a few that I liked, I asked for referrals and found Wire Media.
Describe the project in detail.
We worked closely with WM to define our various audiences and objectives. They took a look at our last report and new content we were thinking of including. They came back with design ideas that would tell our story. It was a very collaborative, iterative process. They listened well and presented ideas that we loved and never would have come up on our own.
What was the team composition?
We had two main points of contact at WM, one who oversaw the project and creative direction and the another who managed logistics. They pulled in others (UX design, graphic design) as needed at the project progressed. Web developers were involved as well, but WM managed that process, so we never interacted with them directly.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
We did not design the report with measurable outcomes in mind. We have received lots of positive feedback from our investors and current companies in our portfolio. We frequently use the report in conversations with prospective investors and with companies in our portfolio when planning on how to increase/improve their impact.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Very smooth. We had weekly checkins to keep on top of the overall progress. In between, online communication, immediate requests, sharing resources, general blocking and tackling kept things moving.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
Extremely collaborative, iterative process. We felt like a team, which is hard to do with a third-party vendor. I'm used to throwing something over a wall and having a vendor throw something back over for review.
The WM team was very accommodating of our team's needs, erratic schedules, changing context (with COVID, BLM) that affected the content, etc. They were flexible and came up with creative solutions to challenges that came up.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Can't think of any.
the project
Web Dev & Redesign for Career Advancement Nonprofit
"Wire Media quickly understood our identity which translated into a fantastic visual identity they built for us."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m a communications project analyst for an educational nonprofit. I handle our social media strategy and all things communication.
What challenge were you trying to address with Wire Media?
We had a website prior to our work with Wire Media, but it wasn’t exactly what we needed. It was built years ago and was too simple. We needed something dynamic to carry more content and speak to our different audiences as we have educators, students, and employers all coming to our site.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Wire Media redesigned our site and did the backend development work. Our goals weren’t just to make our site beautiful, although that was important, but we needed it to be accessible to our various stakeholders as well. They used WordPress to build the site.
They took us through a holistic process to get us to the final product. We sat down and worked with Wire Media to uncover who our audience members are and how they access our content. This helped us understand our needs and ourselves better, informing us of our goals for the development process.
What is the team composition?
I mainly worked with Marcy (Founder & Owner, Wire Media) and 2–3 other people. Hazel (Technical Account Manager, Wire Media) helped out at the end.
How did you come to work with Wire Media?
I believe they were recommended by another developer or media company that we work with. We were attracted to them because they work with nonprofits.
Because we're based in the Bronx, it was important to us that we had a diverse team. While we experienced some difficulties finding that, we hired Wire Media because they are a woman-led team with both experience and expertise.
How much have you invested with them?
We’re at $45,000 invested as of now.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started in April 2019, and the relationship is ongoing. We just launched the site and they’re supporting us with little changes currently.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Their impact has been huge, both internally and externally. We’re a confusing organization, and people don’t always know what we do and what we’re about. I’ve gotten feedback from our partners that our new website gave them clarity about us.
Our online identity now reflects our internal identity. That has reinforced our sense of self and helped us in the office. Marcy’s process of finding our audience was incredibly helpful, launching us on a journey of self-discovery.
How did Wire Media perform from a project management standpoint?
We primarily spoke over email. I also would check in once a week on a video call, asking lots of questions. They had a central hub of all their materials, which made communication incredibly easy.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They took the time to look through our materials and talk with us to figure out who we are. When we work with consultants or third-party vendors, it takes a while for them to figure us out. Wire Media quickly understood our identity which translated into a fantastic visual identity they built for us.
We also need flexibility, as things need to go through numerous people in our office to be approved and emergencies can derail us. Marcy was able to accommodate us but keep us on track moving forward. We appreciated her discipline.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, they’re lovely to work with.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Utilize the calls and ask them questions. Take advantage of the fact that they’ll happily teach you how to handle your site on your own once they leave.
the project
Web Dev for Immigration Center
“They're communicative and honest. We've had no surprises, and they're very good at setting the parameters.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I'm the director of communications for the National Immigrant Justice Center. We provide legal services for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, and we advocate for fair immigration laws.
What challenge were you trying to address with Wire Media?
We originally worked together on our organization’s website projects.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We worked on website projects in 2011 and 2016. Most recently, we worked with them to develop a resources library for documents and other materials that we make available for our pro bono lawyer network. We wanted to make everything more searchable and improve the overall navigation within that library.
They helped us evaluate our needs and come up with better ways to serve the attorneys that use the resource. They interviewed our staff and devised an online survey for users. Then, they developed a robust search and filter tool and helped us with content strategy. They did all the wireframes and mockups before building the site. They still provide ongoing optimization and security updates as needed.
What is the team composition?
We worked directly with the developers, and their owner acted as our project manager.
How did you come to work with Wire Media?
We have a longstanding relationship with them. We considered several other companies, but Wire Media best understood our needs and were the most responsive agency we considered. They fit our budget, and their flat-fee structure worked well with our restrictions as a nonprofit.
What is the status of this engagement?
This particular project began in January 2019 and just closed in September 2019. Their support is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We're tracking the metrics, but it's too early to cite any particular results.
How did Wire Media perform from a project management standpoint?
They're very good at meeting deadlines and following project compliance. We used Teamwork to communicate.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They're communicative and honest. We've had no surprises, and they're very good at setting the parameters. If something goes outside the scope, they're very helpful at keeping us on track. We can manage expectations well, and we had a good understanding from the beginning.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I can't think of anything they could improve. This was a really successful project.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
As with any web project, ask as many questions as needed to make sure everyone is on the same page. Don't make assumptions without speaking openly with them.
the project
Digital Marketing & Marketing Materials for Global NonProfit
“I appreciated how they provided constructive criticism rather than just enabling us.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
We’re a global nonprofit that works with financial service providers in emerging markets, developing market-driven solutions for low-income women. We also promote inclusivity in financial institutions by piloting programs that strengthen gender diversity and leadership skills.
What challenge were you trying to address with Wire Media?
We initially approached them to develop our digital annual report. Our previous reports were too long and text-heavy, and the content wasn’t optimized for the web. As a result, we needed a thought partner who could make our content more digital-friendly while keeping within our budget. We would later engage them again to develop marketing materials for a global summit.
What was the scope of their involvement?
For the annual report, they worked closely with us to come up with story concepts and different ways to present the information. They also led the content strategy and established a creative direction. Once we approved their ideas, they developed the report.
Based on the success of that engagement, we contacted them again to create a full suite of digital content collaterals for our booth at a global summit. Their team developed multiple assets, including four brochures, an animated video, and an interactive booth, which was the highlight of our station. During the process, they led the brainstorming and development in addition to securing the logistics for the project delivery and set up.
What is the team composition?
We primarily interfaced with Elektra (Account Director, Wire Media), though we also worked with Marcy (Owner, Wire Media) and another designer. Marcy was instrumental in driving the content strategy and creative direction for both projects. I believe they also had a developer on their team, but we didn’t interact with him directly.
How did you come to work with Wire Media?
We put out a public RFP, and they responded to it. At the time, we were looking for a firm that could provide a unique, custom look and feel. Some of the agencies that approached us could only produce a pre-established look, and others were far too expensive. In contrast, Wire Media had strong examples, a nimble team, and an affordable operating model. We called them to see if they would be a good fit, and they interviewed well.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent about $150,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
Their work lasted from March–November 2017.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Their digital impact report received overwhelmingly positive feedback from donors, potential partners, and incoming staff members. Engaging and well-designed, it was a concise way of presenting our otherwise complex business.
To this day, our donors continue to reference the report as a dynamic way of learning about our institution, which also helps attract new members. We’re currently working with a branding agency that has also commended the report as an example of a strong creative asset. They’re actually using it to update our brand identity.
As for the summit materials, it was the first time that we’d done any kind of interactive base. Wire Media’s work added a sense of professionalism and gloss to our presentation. Moreover, their work had a staying power beyond the original intent, and we’ve continued to use their marketing collateral to promote the organization. People can download the brochures from our website, and we use the animation in pitch meetings with potential businesses as well as workshops and seminars.
How did Wire Media perform from a project management standpoint?
Elektra was an exceptional project manager and ensured that everything went smoothly. They actually delivered the project under budget. The team consistently kept us apprised, informing us of any potential delays. They used Teamwork, which allowed us to easily track task progress and transfer files. If we encountered any issues, they responded promptly and were available for calls.
What did you find most impressive about them?
I appreciated how they provided constructive criticism rather than just enabling us. Of course, they accommodated our specific needs, but they weren’t yes-men. Marcy would ask us questions and challenge our notions. She pushed us in a direction that we might not have considered, which ultimately produced a better outcome.
Are there any areas they could improve?
While they produced quality deliverables that fulfilled our needs, there were aspects of the creative side that could have been stronger. Perhaps we didn’t give a clear enough brief or explicitly define our expectations, but, as a result, we weren’t particularly wowed by anything. In the end, their final product looked good, and we had no regrets.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Wire Media has a set process to understand the client’s needs, and they know how to drive a project. Therefore, the client should prepare for the project beforehand and be explicit about expectations. We faced some challenges with aligning ourselves internally, so I think we could have done that better.
the project
UI/UX Design for Clean Energy Organization
“Wire Media delivers high-quality products consistently and repeatedly, which is just part of why I keep hiring them.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I'm the director of communications for The Solutions Project, which focuses on many tactics to transition to 100% clean energy. The majority of our work provides financial and immediate support to organizations across the country who are changing the face of clean energy work. We're primarily focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion as we transition to a world powered by the wind, water, and sun.
What challenge were you trying to address with Wire Media?
The Solutions Project has gone through several iterations in its short life. It was founded by actor Mark Ruffalo, Stanford scientist Mark Jacobson, and Marco Krapels, who has a background in energy finance. As the organization evolved, they hired an executive director, started developing programs. We needed to better align our web presence with the work we’re actually doing.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Wire Media came onboard to overhaul and update both our websites to better represent our mission and clarify the connection between the two. They created a more integrated and mobile-friendly interface. Both sites still run on the original WordPress UI with another effective code base. Assessing our product from a design perspective improved its utility. Engagement tasks like kickoff meetings and interviews cultivated a deep understanding of our brand. They carried these concepts through the design and execution phases to pinpoint the best forward-facing output to produce.
Wire Media reworked the frontend and backend of all our interactive maps. These tools showcase our vision for what 100% clean energy would look like across the globe. Since most users access our site through their phones, adding mobile responsivity was key for a core component of our online content.
Many of our partner organizations lobby local city councilmembers and senators. Wire Media made printouts relevant and easy to access for use in those meetings. PDFs update automatically as we add new data around the wind, water, and solar profiles worldwide. They also supported our two annual impact reports that highlight our strengths and chronicle the past year’s achievements.
What is the team composition?
I worked with a cross-section of Wire Media's team including their founder and director, a product manager, and a graphic designer. I even interfaced briefly with their engineer and backend coder.
How did you come to work with Wire Media?
They were referred to us by a friend and colleague.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent between $100,000 –$250,000 for the total cost of their services.
What is the status of this engagement?
We’ve been working together since January 2017. I enjoyed the UX/UI design process so much that we extended our engagement. I've worked with Wire Media on a whole host of projects and I adore them.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Wire Media made a useful site and helps us keep the content fresh and relevant. Our new platform accurately and responsively reflects how our organization evolves over time. The improved staff interface is easy for our less experienced teammates to maintain. We didn't need to extensively revise it since they understood our concept from the start. When we mutually decide to adjust things, they incorporate changes seamlessly.
Our users and donors have given overwhelmingly positive feedback from both a design and usefulness perspective. Our site traffic is remaining consistent. In a recent meeting, a major museum with a climate engagement program used one of our sites as an example of how they wanted theirs to look. In that regard, we're hitting our targets.
Overall, our partnership has been a strongly positive experience. Wire Media figures out tech solutions to reach our goals within budget. Our new interactive maps they programmed are more usable for partners nationwide. They consistently provide both reality checks and helpful responses More than anything, they keep the digital content we release fresh and relevant. Cohesively reflecting our organization and accomplishments is no small feat.
How did Wire Media perform from a project management standpoint?
The majority of my day-to-day interactions were with the project coordinator, who I now call a friend. Like several of their staff, I’m based in the Bay Area so we could meet in person. The team is incredibly responsive. They had clear, transparent conversations to ensure we always knew what was going on.
Wire Media set realistic expectations about what we could accomplish within our timeline and budget, so they get high marks there. It’s especially challenging to keep tabs on complications for any project with tech components. If anything was going to be delayed or wasn't working as planned, they immediately flagged it.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Wire Media delivered a high-quality product consistently and repeatedly, which is just one reason I keep using them. Their team is delightful to work with. I've gone through several website overhauls in my career, so I know how hard this work is. It's a testament to Wire Media that I actually enjoyed this process. I hope to keep working with them in the future.
Are there any areas they could improve?
In some ways, they're still trying to adapt to my needs as a client. Having a slightly more streamlined project set of tracking tools would be helpful. They use many different platforms to communicate both regarding internal project management and client facing like email. This is a function of working in a 21st-century environment, though, and I’m certainly guilty of it as well
the project
Web Dev & Design for Mobile Phone Company
"I’m eager, when the time comes, to hire them for another project."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
CREDO Mobile is America's progressive phone company. Within that, CREDO Action is the advocacy and activism arm of the company. I am the co-director at CREDO Action, where I oversee our communications, social media, and analytics.
What challenge were you trying to address with Wire Media?
Every year, we distribute an annual report summarizing our work for the year for our members, our customers, and, to a lesser extent, our organization allies and the media. In the past, we’ve done large PDFs or short videos. In 2016, we wanted a creative format that went beyond what we’ve done in the past. We wanted videos again, but we didn’t want only videos. And we wanted something that lived online but went beyond the in-house web design and development capabilities that we had. That’s where Wire Media came in, helping us build our 2016 annual report.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We conduct advocacy campaigns and donate millions of dollars to progressive nonprofits, so we wanted to have one page on the website that captured and adequately covered those. Wire Media found a balance of qualitative and quantitative sections. The videos were developed by a different vendor, and they captured the images and intensity of grassroots activism in an election year. Quantitatively, we wanted to have the numbers of phone calls made to elected officials, petition signatures, and dollars donated to all be reflected in the review. Wire Media made the website easy to navigate in a quick visit, but it also allowed deeper dives into certain issues.
What is the team composition?
I worked with the president, a lead developer, and a designer from Wire Media.
How did you come to work with Wire Media?
Some of our partner organizations worked with them, so we interviewed them along with two other firms, and we decided Wire Media was best suited to our needs.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent $15,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We worked together from November 2016 through January 2017.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We were very happy with the end product. Our senior management, our staff, and our members all provided positive feedback on the site. They were pleased with its design and functionality.
How did Wire Media perform from a project management standpoint?
They were very accessible. They used a project management software I had never used and had no interest in learning, so I emailed or called them to communicate, and that worked well for them. They made smart projections for specific milestones, and any delays in the process were caused by us, but they found a way to make up the lost time. There were disagreements on specific design elements, but they always made edits until we found something that we liked.
What did you find most impressive about them?
When the project had been completed for months, we had technical problems with the site, and even though we had no ongoing maintenance outlined in our agreement, they agreed to fix it. Most firms won’t do that—they’ll try to get a new contract or charge extra. Wire Media was fully accountable for their work. Further, they took the time to have a series of conversations with us to understand the totality of our work and our goals.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, they were fantastic. We certainly recommend them. I’m eager, when the time comes, to hire them for another project.
the project
Sustainability Strategic Plans for Government Administration
"Wire was very good about balancing technical accuracy with visual legibility."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I'm a senior manager for a governmental organization.
For what projects/services did your company hire Wire Media?
Document / infographic design of agency strategic plan for climate mitigation
What were your goals for this project?
Design that enhances the clarity of a document written for general audiences on a highly technical topic
How did you select Wire Media?
Prior similar project
Describe the project in detail.
Wire Media was hired to design a 90-page long-term climate change mitigation strategic plan.
Because the document addresses a highly technical topic, but needs to be accessible to lay audiences, Wire Media was asked to work closely with subject matter experts on infographics and arrive at a design solution that enhances the clarity and readability of the report.
What was the team composition?
Three senior subject matter experts worked with two Wire Media staff, primarily asynchronously.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Document is pending public release, but internal feedback has been positive
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Wire Media is adept at working for East Coast clients. Most communications were via their project management platform and email. Where necessary, Wire was always available to get on a call.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
Wire was very good about balancing technical accuracy with visual legibility, which was very important in this project. The designers made as many revisions as necessary to make sure that even subtle details were correct.
Are there any areas for improvement?
No. We appreciated the attention that Wire brought to a pretty small project.
the project
Market Analysis & Strategy for Boutique Law Firm
"Their honesty, integrity, and knowledge were impressive."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
Boutique law firm which approached for customized digital marketing footprint.
For what projects/services did your company hire Wire Media?
Internet based marketing analysis, review, advice, and implementation.
What were your goals for this project?
Increase exposure, search engine optimization, and online referrals.
How did you select this vendor?
Owner has an excellent reputation.
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
Worked closely with the owner to devise an effective strategy to improve internet presence for small boutique law firm in Western San Bernardino County.
What was the team composition?
Owner and owner.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Excellent work, advice, and the online strategy started showing results within weeks.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Fantastic.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
Their honesty, integrity, and knowledge were impressive.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Really, no complaints.
Engagement increased significantly since Wire Media started their relationship with the client. The team is insightful, hardworking, and strategic. Customers can expect a proactive and engaging partnership with their team.