Our school’s website just got a massive upgrade. Thanks to Coach Kevin Doherty and Ms. Samantha Carroll’s hard work through countless hours, St. X now has a much improved online experience that is rebuilt and reloaded. We spent some time with the brains behind this massive operation, Coach Doherty, to get his thoughts on the brand new website. Here are Doherty’s thoughts on this successful venture.
What was the primary goal behind the redesign of the school website?
The previous website was designed and built in 2017, so an update was long overdue. Our primary goal for the redesign was to showcase the St. X experience while maintaining user-friendly practices. We wanted to create a website that serves all audiences—prospective families, current families, faculty and staff, and alumni.
What improvements in user experience do you think the new website offers over the old one?
We approached every page with intention, consolidating more content to minimize the need for users to navigate through multiple secondary pages. We also expanded the popular pages utility buttons, increasing them from three to eight. Using Google Analytics, we identified the most frequently visited pages to enhance accessibility. Additionally, we aimed to create a more consistent experience with our Community Hub, a dropdown feature that centralizes access for all key groups within our community.
Design played a crucial role in elevating the new site. We leaned on photography, dynamic movement, and unique content storage features to enhance readability and engagement. It’s no secret that most users prefer shorter copy and visually appealing experiences, so we prioritized those elements. Much of our photography comes from Bisig, a media company owned by a St. X alumnus, as well as senior Jack Bates. Their contributions were essential in bringing our vision to life.
Were there any challenges or obstacles during the design phase?
The most challenging part of the project was refining our messaging. We wanted to communicate what makes St. X distinct in a way that resonates with users and sets us apart from competitors. The language needed to be uniquely ours, ensuring it didn’t blend in with other schools inside or outside our market.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about the new website?
This project was truly a team effort. While it’s easy to say that, the reality is it took countless hours of meetings and collaboration. We engaged students, teachers, administrators, coaches, parents, and alumni—each conversation helped shape our vision. We also relied on the expertise of Finalsite, our website provider, to bring it all together. What you see today is a reflection of our community’s massive aptitude for collective input, hard work, and dedication.
