AgWest Farm Credit
AgWest Farm Credit
Client
AgWest; Formerly Northwest Farm Credit; Formerly Farm Credit West
Duration
3 months
Role
Web Designer
Contributions
Design Research & Strategy, Information Architecture & User Flows, Visual Design, Interface Design, Interaction Design, Prototyping & Testing, Documentation & Handoff, Quality Assurance
Overview
As Web Designer for the AgWest merger project, I transformed two distinct banking entities into one cohesive digital experience. Working within a critical 3-month timeline, I led the design research, strategy development, and execution of a unified website that preserved customer experience while establishing a fresh brand identity for the newly merged organization.
Website Archives. Initial state of the two websites before redesign.
Discovery
I conducted comprehensive research by analyzing both banks' existing sitemaps, navigation patterns, and content structures. Through competitor analysis, stakeholder interviews, and user journey mapping, I identified opportunities to streamline the combined information architecture. This research revealed critical touchpoints where customers from both institutions needed familiar pathways while adapting to the new brand experience.
Strategy
I developed a phased implementation strategy to meet the tight 3-month deadline while minimizing disruption. By prioritizing essential components and creating a modular design system, we established a framework that could evolve over time. Each design decision was mapped directly to business goals, with special attention to maintaining service continuity for customers from both original banks during the transition.
Design
The design process began with creating a unified information architecture that preserved critical pathways while introducing a cohesive navigation system. I developed responsive wireframes for key user journeys, then designed a component library that applied the new visual identity consistently across all touchpoints. Each element was tested for usability and technical feasibility before final documentation and handoff to development teams.
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"Brittany gets "it." She is reliable and contributes strongly to any digital project. She is curious and has a love for learning new things. Her can-do attitude has propelled her to become a skilled, self-reliant web designer, continually improving and honing her craft. She can take a visual identity and create a design system that is beautiful, on-brand, and functional. Brittany gives me confidence that the work will be done well and on time. She is a pleasure to work with and would be a fantastic asset to any team."
– Sarina Montenegro, Art Director at Strategies 360