Glisten
Nonprofit website redesign for a national LGBTQ+ education advocacy organization
A user-centered approach for the nation's largest education advocacy organization committed to LGBTQ+ students in K-12 schools.
Glisten (formerly GLSEN) is a national advocacy organization founded in 1990 by educators to advance justice for LGBTQ+ youth. Today, with a network of chapters across the nation, Glisten supports educators, powers youth-led movements, conducts extensive original research, and produces resources and evidence-based policies to support students in K-12 public and private schools.
As part of a comprehensive rebrand project, Glisten partnered with Madeo to redesign their nonprofit website for LGTBQ+ youth and advocates — rebuilding not just the visual experience, but the entire structure of how the organization connects with its community online. The previous site had grown reactively over time to reach new audiences, from students to researchers to policymakers, but struggled to help each group find what they needed.
Our partnership began with extensive user research, including interviews to understand what their diverse network actually needs. We discovered a number of opportunities to organize content around these needs, to better support their audiences.
- Web Research & Discovery
- Information Architecture
- Content Strategy
- UX/UI Design
- Web Development
- Content Migration
- Quality Assurance
- Search Engine Optimization
- Animation
- Photography Art Direction
Based on this research, we developed an approach to information architecture and UX design that reimagines how the national advocacy organization engages with its community online. We built the website around user-centered entry points: “For Students” and “For Educators” hubs, each of which feature the top resources, learnings, and ways to connect for their respective audiences. We also elevated the research section, recognizing its importance for evidence-based policies.
The new website is as dynamic and responsive as the new brand identity. Typography scales based on content length. The colors of introductions shift from prominent to subtle to guide reading. Layouts adapt to what they contain.
The nonprofit website’s redesign now amplifies Glisten’s work while serving the specific needs of students, educators, researchers, policymakers, and advocates. Resources are easier to discover through improved navigation and filtering. Research findings are prominent and connected to actionable resources. Students have a clear digital home that welcomes them and makes space for their voices.
Now, Glisten’s website serves as an accessible information hub that puts community needs first. Students find a welcoming digital home. Educators can quickly access relevant resources. Researchers and policymakers discover actionable findings. Paired with the new visual identity, the digital experience reinforces the advocacy organization’s commitment to creating safe, affirming learning environments for every student. Glisten’s website was honored with a Webby Award for Best Website for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Visit Glisten to explore their work and consider supporting their mission.