Murdoch University's This Is Free Thinking microsite has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Education category of the Sitefinity 2020 Website of the Year Awards.
Nominated for its contemporary design and innovative use of technology, the microsite was developed using Sitefinity content management software to engage prospective students through interactive storytelling.Murdoch’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Neil Cullingford initiated the project in collaboration with IT Services, Digital team.
Mr Cullingford said the team were pleased to be shortlisted.
“When developing the ‘This Is Free Thinking’ marketing campaign, it became clear we needed a fresh digital presence to house the stories flooding in from our students, alumni and community,” he said.
“Its focus was about being the best showcase for storytelling. The team explored everything from the layout to content, for example the technology to supplement the student success stories through movement and sound.”
Mr Cullingford said the site had proved to be an effective marketing tool, with metrics showing a positive uplift in brand health and increase in market share.
“This project has helped deliver results through providing engaging and relevant content for future students,” he said.
Most importantly we believe that it genuinely captures what it’s like to experience Murdoch.”Murdoch’s Associate Director of Digital Innovations, Julie Whitlock led the technical delivery of the project in collaboration with the University’s marketing team, digital team and agency partners Isobar and Diviv.
Ms Whitlock said the nomination was confirmation we are making the most out of our investment in our technologies and people.
“Our primary goal is to use innovative technology to enable our teams to communicate with our audiences in an engaging way.
“Through utilising the Sitefinity platform capabilities our internal development team benefited from the incredible collaboration between Murdoch teams and partners and as a result we were able to turn our vision into reality in under eight weeks.”
This isn’t the first time Murdoch has been recognised for its award-winning digital experience. In 2017, Murdoch University won the Sitefinity Website of the Year – Education Category award after relaunching its main website as a new digital destination.
Since its inception in 2011, the Website of the Year Awards have recognised websites globally for their creativity and excellence in design, user experience, functionality and overall website presentation.
Murdoch University students, staff and website users are encouraged to vote on the awards by visiting the Progress Sitefinity’s website before May 1, 2020.