Communities of Hope is a website created to share stories that center community, equity, and belonging. The site features a growing collection of podcasts and a weekly newsletter designed to amplify voices, experiences, and reflections within and beyond the Roger Williams University (RWU) community. Tasked with designing and building the site, I developed a digital space that brings this mission to life while adhering closely to RWU’s official branding guidelines.

Research and Immersion

Before beginning the design, I familiarized myself with the RWU brand identity system, including typography, color usage, logo treatments, and accessibility requirements. I also studied existing university websites to understand how RWU visually communicates trust, professionalism, and inclusivity. Simultaneously, I reviewed the themes and tones of the Communities of Hope podcast episodes and newsletters. This content was often deeply personal and community-rooted, which shaped my understanding of the goals of the site.

Design Strategy

My approach was to create a digital space that feels open, thoughtful, and trustworthy, qualities that reflect the project’s purpose. I used RWU’s brand guidelines to maintain brand consistency and added a clean, modern layout that emphasizes clarity and warmth throughout. Visual hierarchy was carefully considered, guiding users naturally from podcast previews to full episodes and the newsletter.