IroncladCC
Project Overview:
IroncladCC (Ironclad Computing & Consulting) is an IT consulting firm based in Texas, specializing in robust technology solutions such as ATS data migrations, HR information systems integration, and cybersecurity audits. The project was to design and develop a professional corporate website for IroncladCC to establish their online presence and communicate their services to potential clients (primarily businesses needing secure IT and data solutions). Prior to this project, IroncladCC had minimal web presence, so the new site needed to function as both a marketing tool and an informational resource about the company’s expertise.
Design Challenge & Goals:
The main challenge was conveying IroncladCC’s technical expertise and trustworthiness in a way that would be understandable and compelling to decision-makers who may not be deeply technical. The site had to balance technical credibility (showcasing certifications, methodologies, etc.) with clarity (avoiding jargon overload). Key goals were: clearly outlining the range of services (from data migration to IT security consulting) and the value they provide, incorporating client testimonials or case studies to build trust, and making it easy for visitors to contact the company for inquiries. Visually, the goal was to align with the company’s “Ironclad” name – implying strength and security – through a clean, modern design. Additionally, since IroncladCC operates in a competitive B2B space, the site needed to look polished and up-to-date to stand on par with larger competitors.
Process:
Stakeholder Interviews & Content Gathering:
Kicked off by interviewing IroncladCC’s founder to extract the core messages they wanted to convey. We gathered raw content: descriptions of their services, details of past projects, certifications, and any client testimonials. It became clear that highlighting successful projects (like large-scale HR system migrations) would be a persuasive element. Also, the company’s personalized approach was a selling point – they wanted to come across as not just tech experts but reliable partners. This influenced the tone and content hierarchy.
Research:
Looked at websites of established consulting and IT services firms, especially those in security and data consulting. Observed that the best ones conveyed trust through statistics (e.g., “X million records migrated”), logos of partner technologies, and professional imagery. Many also had resource sections (like blogs or whitepapers) to demonstrate thought leadership. I aimed to incorporate a light version of that (perhaps a blog or insights section) if time allowed.
Information Architecture:
I created a site outline that included pages: Home, Services (with sub-pages detailing each major service offering), Case Studies or Clients (to give tangible examples of their work), About Us (background, team, and values), and Contact. The Home page would serve as an overview with key bullet points of what IroncladCC does and a strong call-to-action to get a consultation. We paid particular attention to structuring the Services section in a logical way (grouping related offerings). For example, ATS/Data Migration and HRIS Integration might be grouped under “Data Solutions for HR”, whereas security audits and IT assurance under “Security & Compliance”.
Visual Design:
Developed the UI design using a palette of light blue and steel gray (colors evoking trust, stability, and the “iron” theme), Chose a sans-serif font family for a modern, clean look, and used bold typography for headings to convey confidence. Incorporated relevant imagery: for example, a banner image on the Home page showing a professional at a computer with secure data visuals overlay, and custom icons to represent each service category (like a cloud and database icon for migrations, a shield for security, etc.). I also created a stylized background graphic (an abstract network/node pattern) to use in sections, reinforcing the tech theme subtly. After presenting the initial design to IroncladCC’s founder, I iterated to incorporate their feedback – one significant change was adding a dedicated section on the Home page for “Our Technology Partners” to show logos of software and platforms they work with (to increase credibility).
Development:
Built the site using WordPress to ensure it works well on all devices, noting that some clients (HR managers, IT directors) might view it on desktops at work, while others might quickly look it up on a mobile device. I integrated basic on-page SEO (meta descriptions, proper heading structures, alt text on images) given the B2B nature of the site.
Testing & Launch:
Before launching, I carried out reviews and testing. IroncladCC reviewed all content for technical accuracy. I tested the site on common browsers and devices; the consulting firm’s clientele might use older browsers (corporate environments), so compatibility was checked on IE11/Edge, Chrome, and Safari, the site was then launched.
Tools & Technologies:
Figma (low-fidelity prototyping and initial design concepts), WordPress for Development, Google Icons library (for service icons), Cloudflare (set up for DNS and security once live), and Google Analytics (to monitor traffic, especially around launch).
Results:
IroncladCC reported that prospective clients were spending time on the site prior to introductory calls – in a few cases, clients specifically mentioned they were impressed by the clear layout and thorough information on the site, which helped them trust a smaller firm like IroncladCC. From a maintenance perspective, the site’s structure made it easy for IroncladCC to post occasional updates (they added two blog posts on industry insights in the first year), further establishing their authority. Overall, the project achieved its goal of giving IroncladCC a strong online foundation – one that communicates expertise, builds trust, and supports the company’s business development efforts.