The Royal College of Art (RCA) is globally recognized as one of the most prestigious art schools in the world. When its Black Alumni Association, RCA BLK, sought to create a digital platform that would serve as a hub for connection, celebration, and storytelling within their vibrant community, I was eager to help bring their vision to life.

Through thoughtful design and development, I helped craft an interactive, responsive website that highlights the history, contributions, and future aspirations of RCA BLK—inspiring and fostering connections among alumni, students, and art enthusiasts. Here’s how I approached this transformative project.

Understanding the Vision

RCA BLK had a clear vision: to establish a digital space that celebrates the contributions of Black artists and designers while fostering connections between alumni, current students, and prospective members.

• Objective: Build a fully functional, visually stunning website that showcases RCA BLK’s history, events, and ongoing projects.

• Target Audience: Black alumni, current RCA students, prospective students, and art enthusiasts.

• Tone and Style: Bold, creative, and professional, with a focus on cultural pride and inclusivity.

Understanding these elements was crucial to creating a platform that felt authentic, engaging, and aligned with RCA BLK’s mission.

Crafting the Website

To deliver a website that met RCA BLK’s goals, I focused on user experience, responsive design, and cultural authenticity. My approach included the following:

• Discovery and Research: I conducted in-depth meetings with RCA BLK to fully understand their mission and vision. I also analyzed similar alumni association platforms to identify best practices and potential design opportunities.

• Concept and Design: Working closely with graphic designers, I developed a cohesive visual identity that encapsulated the spirit of RCA BLK. I designed wireframes and prototypes to map out the site’s structure, including sections for events, artist profiles, and a contact form.

• Development and Testing: I built the site using modern web technologies, ensuring a mobile-first design for maximum accessibility. Rigorous testing across devices guaranteed a seamless and enjoyable user experience.

The resulting design was vibrant and accessible, perfectly tailored to RCA BLK’s community and mission.

Celebrating Black Creativity

The website became a powerful tool for spotlighting the incredible work of Black artists and designers, fostering connections within the RCA BLK community. Key features included:

• Artist Profiles: Showcasing the work and impact of notable alumni, giving users insight into the legacy and creativity within the RCA BLK network.

• Events Section: Highlighting upcoming events and opportunities to engage with the community, furthering RCA BLK’s mission of connection and celebration.

• Newsletter Integration: Encouraging users to stay informed and connected with RCA BLK’s initiatives, fostering long-term engagement.

The Results

The RCA BLK website has been a transformative tool for the organization:

• Enhanced Visibility: The platform provided a digital space to amplify the voices and contributions of Black alumni in the creative world.

• Community Engagement: Participation in events increased, and alumni connections were strengthened.

• Positive Feedback: Users praised the bold design, intuitive navigation, and cultural relevance of the website.

Key Takeaways

RCA BLK’s success demonstrates the power of thoughtful design and strategic development in bringing a community’s vision to life. By creating a digital hub aligned with their mission, I helped RCA BLK strengthen their impact and legacy within RCA and beyond.

Let’s Build Your Digital Hub

Do you have a community or organization that needs a transformative digital presence? Let’s collaborate to bring your vision to life.