Client
Rethinking the Indiana State Museum’s Digital Experience

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is a treasure trove of stories, artifacts, and educational experiences. Its rich content spans hundreds of years and 92 counties. The opportunities for engagement are abundant. But, they can also be overwhelming.

Working closely with the ISMHS team, we crafted digital experience that is clear and simple for site visitors. It intuitively surfaces the content people want while unifying the entire statewide system under a cohesive website framework.

Today, the state’s treasures are easily unburied with a few queries and clicks.

Services

Web Strategy
Website Architecture
UX/UI
Website Design

Bringing Clarity to Site Navigation  

The State Museum’s old website had an abundance of rich content. However, visitors often couldn’t find it. When they did, the path wasn’t clear, and taking action (be it booking a field trip, renting a venue, or signing up for a kids camp) felt cumbersome and uncertain. 

As a result, many users relied heavily on the site search to navigate. Yet that, too, was ineffective, leading to dead ends or overwhelming results.

Particularly problematic was the way the old website handled events and programs between the flagship museum in Indianapolis and the eleven other historic sites around the state. This information was lumped together. If someone wanted to rent a venue or attend a camp in, say, Evansville, they might have to sift through listings in the opposite corner of the state in Geneva. 

Additionally, users struggled to return to information once found. The site lacked consistent structure and visible navigation cues, leaving visitors lost or forced to start from scratch multiple times.

indiana state museum website displayed on mobile

One System, Many Locations

We knew a successful website redesign needed to solve for clarity, usability, and cohesion first. Then, and only then, could we deliver a website that feels like one unified system while honoring each location’s unique offerings.

Our solution was to build a framework-driven, consistent site architecture that could be repeated across every location’s microsite within the system. Instead of listing all statewide events together, we reorganized content to be location-specific by default. Visitors no longer had to sort or filter manually; the site presents relevant information based on their chosen location.

Key to this was making sure the navigation was visible, clear, and logical:

  • Tour times and essential information are prominently placed at the top of each location page.
  • Submenus for each location’s offerings are always visible, so users know exactly where to go next.
  • Search was redesigned not just as a tool but as a gateway, helping visitors discover rather than get lost.

A Focused Framework

Unified Identity

Each location retains its distinct character but exists within a consistent, recognizable Indiana State Museum system brand. This builds trust and recognition, reinforcing that these experiences are part of a larger, cohesive offering.

Location-First Content Organization

Visitors choose their preferred museum site and instantly access content curated for that location, eliminating unnecessary clutter and confusion. Events, rentals, camps, tours, and more: it’s all right there for each location.

Consistent Framework Across Sites

By creating a repeatable structure, we ensured that users don’t have to learn new navigation patterns as they explore different locations. This consistency reduces cognitive load and improves overall satisfaction.

Improved Search and Discovery

The new search experience guides users to relevant results quickly, with filters and smart defaults that reduce overwhelm and improve conversion.

Action-Oriented Design

Clear calls to action and intuitive paths to booking or registration help visitors take the next step without hesitation.

indiana state museum website displayed on mobile, t.c. steele pages displayed

An Empowered Experience

The redesigned Indiana State Museum website transforms a previously frustrating, fragmented experience into one that invites exploration and easy discovery. Visitors feel confident navigating the system, finding what they need, and engaging with each location’s unique offerings. And, the Indiana State Museum’s offerings and mission to educate, inspire, and connect communities across the state are communicated more clearly and consistently.

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