REBRAND - The Challenge
The year 2020 provided a time for reflection, and as the founder and creator of TownMag.co, I knew it needed a rebrand after 5 years running. With growth in mind, and more definitive brand and cultural values, I needed to make sure this brand represented everything that TownMag.co had become.
The Solution
I created a new brand that was more inclusive of other communities and school systems if this product were to expand. I also made sure to make the brand more accessible from typefaces to color scheme. The product itself has been improved, with more accessible way for users to submit their alumni stories via video, voice, or text. Read more about it here.
TownMag.co First 5 Years
The original Challenge
High school is an incredibly important and challenging time in life and big decisions are made right when students graduate. American public schools are like bubbles, and though safe, they can shield a lot of important information. Alumni of public schools usually leave and never return to tell their stories, especially young adults on the cusp of their careers. How can I create a space for alumni to share their stories with high school students?
The original Solution
I set out to create a product in the form of a website that allowed alumni to share their own stories for current high school students to read. help future generations reach new heights and discover a multitude of divergent paths in life beyond the doors of Watertown High School.
Community engagement, activism, product design
Website offers way for alumni to share stories of their lives
WATERTOWN — Watertown High School alumni Colleen Murphy wants to share the stories of her fellow graduates. To that end, she has created the website Town, found at www.townmag.co. Read more from the Town Times.
Brand, Product Design
Community Engagement, Activism, User Experience, Press
Townies Talk
We took TOWN and pushed it into reality. In April of 2018 and 2019, I partnered with WHS to host a Townies Talk Panel at Watertown High School and an Alumni Networking Dinner at Fino Wood Fired Pizza. Alumni Story Tellers were invited to return to the high school to share their stories, answer questions, and inspire current WHS students. We were excited to be off-line and in real-life, to share ideas, and inspire the community! We really appreciate the teachers who encouraged students to attend the event and we think the 90 minutes was valuable time that not only helped students understand specific careers paths, but also life in general.
Alumni Wisdom
WATERTOWN APRIL 2019 - In April, Watertown High School students discussed life after high school with recent WHS alumni. The event was organized by alumna Colleen Murphy… Read more ->
Town Magazine shows life after high school
WATERTOWN APRIL 2018 - "The materials that we produce and the stories that we share, can be easily applied to guidance councilors helping students figure out college decisions or teachers helping a student cope through a tough time. Many alumni are open to connecting with students and answering questions about career choices and student loans." Read more at the Town Times.
