In the ever-evolving world of web design, finding the right platform for arts and culture venues can be challenging. When Chaptr, a renowned design agency, partnered with CultureSuite to craft a new website for Rose Theatre using Peppered CMS, their experience brought insights and learnings that could change the way future websites are formed.
A new approach to design
As with any new system, Chaptr faced the initial challenge of adapting to Peppered CMS which builds websites using pre-existing components and modules. Unlike their usual bespoke WordPress projects, Peppered required a shift in approach.
"At first, it was a bit of a learning curve," says Chaptr's Design Director, Connor Ghosh. "But once we got to grips with the parts library and Figma documents, it was quite intuitive to design in.”
Streamlining the design process
What sets Peppered CMS apart is its focus on the needs of arts and culture venues. The platform comes equipped with industry-specific features like the "What's On" page, which Chaptr found particularly valuable.
"Not having to build these technical components from scratch was a huge time-saver," Connor explains. "It allowed us to focus more on the creative aspects of the design."
One of the standout features for Chaptr was Peppered's Parts library. This tool revolutionised their workflow, allowing for design changes with ready-made building blocks available in the system.
"I think the parts library was quite revolutionary in terms of being able to make site-wide design changes really quickly and consistently," says Connor. "It's a real selling point for clients who want to evolve their sites over time without facing loads of challenges."
Balancing creativity and constraints
Peppered’s structure differs from the open-ended nature of a bespoke website build, requiring Chaptr to adapt their approach. The team learned to work effectively within the platform's established framework, focusing on maximising its built-in features for Rose Theatre's website. More information about the Rose Theatre project can be found in Chaptr's case study.
"It's about finding the right balance," Connor reflects. "While we might not have the same level of customisation as with a bespoke WordPress site, the efficiency gains and specialised features bring different benefits."
Throughout the project, Chaptr worked closely with the CultureSuite team. It was a process that proves why we enjoy and value broad collaboration in the sector. Not only is it always a joy to work with sector-specific suppliers, but there’s so much to be learnt from our friends at Chaptr and our entire partnership ecosystem.
Connor says he enjoyed and valued the experience of working with the CultureSuite team and designing a Peppered website. Chaptr strongly recommends Peppered CMS to other agencies working in the arts and culture sector.
"I would definitely recommend working with CultureSuite for other agencies in the arts and culture sector,” Connor emphasises. "I think Peppered is really valuable for evolving sites over time."
Looking to the future
As Peppered CMS continues to evolve, Chaptr looks forward to seeing how the platform will develop and introduce new features. The agency's experience with Rose Theatre has paved the way for future collaborations in the arts and culture sector.
"Overall, our experience with Peppered has been positive," concludes Connor. "It's a dynamic platform that's truly tailored for the unique needs of cultural venues. And it’ll keep evolving and improving.”
It’ll certainly be interesting to see how the Rose Theatre’s website will evolve over the years. For design agencies and arts venues looking to create impactful, efficient websites, Peppered CMS offers a compelling solution. As Chaptr's experience demonstrates, while there may be a learning curve, the benefits of specialised features and streamlined workflows make it a valuable tool in the digital arts landscape.
Let's get this show on the road!
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