Introduction

The Royal College of Art (RCA) is renowned as one of the most prestigious art schools in the world. 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. They needed a website that reflected the unique essence of their organization while fostering engagement and accessibility.

Satellite collaborated with RCA BLK to design and develop an interactive and responsive website that not only showcases their history and contributions but also inspires future generations of artists and designers.

Understanding the Vision

The RCA BLK Black Alumni Association had a clear vision: to create 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 highlights 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.

Crafting the Website

We approached the project by focusing on user experience, responsive design, and cultural authenticity:

• Discovery and Research: Conducted in-depth meetings with RCA BLK to understand their mission and vision. Analysed similar alumni association platforms to identify best practices.

  
  

• Concept and Design: Collaborated with graphic designers to develop a cohesive visual identity that encapsulates the spirit of the Black Alumni Association. Designed wireframes and prototypes to map out the site’s structure, including event sections, artist profiles, and a contact form.

  
  

• Development and Testing: Built the site using modern web technologies, ensuring a mobile-first design for maximum accessibility. Rigorous testing was conducted to guarantee a seamless user experience across devices.

The images below showcase the Events and Artist Profiles sections of the RCA BLK website, highlighting the vibrant, accessible design and functionality tailored to the Black Alumni Association’s community and mission.

Celebrating Black Creativity

The website integrates the works of Black artists and designers, spotlighting their contributions to the art world and fostering connections within the RCA BLK community. Key features include:

• Artist Profiles: Showcasing the work and impact of notable alumni.

  
  

• Events Section: Highlighting upcoming events and opportunities to engage with the community.

  
  

• Newsletter Integration: Encouraging users to stay connected and informed about RCA BLK’s initiatives.

The Results

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

• Enhanced Visibility: Provided a digital space that amplifies the voice of Black alumni and their contributions to the creative world.

  
  

• Community Engagement: Increased participation in events and boosted alumni connections.

  
  

• Positive Feedback: Received accolades from users for its bold design, intuitive navigation, and cultural relevance.

Key Takeaways

RCA BLK’s success demonstrates how thoughtful design and strategic development can bring a community’s vision to life. By creating a digital hub that aligns with the organization’s mission, we enabled RCA BLK to strengthen its impact and legacy within the 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.