Redesigning CSF’s Website: Migrating 10+ Years of Data

Company Background

The Civil Society Foundation (CSF), formerly the Open Society Georgia Foundation, has been a cornerstone of democratic change in Georgia for nearly three decades. With an investment of over $118 million, the Foundation has championed youth, women, minorities, and vulnerable groups through grants, advocacy campaigns, and educational initiatives.

CSF empowers independent voices to advance Georgia’s aspirations for European integration, human rights, social justice, and freedom of the media.

Years of Partnership

Our partnership with CSF began in 2018, marking a longstanding collaboration focused on delivering impactful digital solutions.

Main Challenges and Goals

Transferring 10 years of content from a complex website structure to a new one was a significant challenge, especially with the added complexity of changing the company’s domain and name.

Another key focus was creating a simplified navigation system to help users easily access information about grants, competitions, and the Foundation’s work.

The primary goals were to design a unique and visually engaging website that reflected the Foundation’s mission and values, enhanced the user experience across devices, and optimized SEO to reach a broader audience.

Project Timeline and Management

The six-month project followed a clear, four-phase timeline. In the first phase, we defined goals and understood CSF’s needs.

The second phase focused on designing a visually unique concept inspired by CSF’s branding and mission.

The third phase involved developing the site with a WordPress Enterprise solution, integrating features, and migrating a large content database.

Finally, thorough testing in the launch phase ensured a seamless user experience.

We used a hybrid project management approach, combining Waterfall for structured phases like concept development and design, and Agile for dynamic stages like testing and feedback.

This flexible approach, coupled with frequent client communication, ensured the project stayed on track and delivered a high-quality website.

Design Concept

The design of the website was inspired by the idea of waves, symbolizing the flow of information and the dissemination of global themes into Georgia.

With only CSF’s logo as a starting point, we developed a unique visual identity that aligned with their mission and user needs.

Through close collaboration and iterative feedback, we delivered a solution that balanced creativity with functionality.

Overcoming Challenges

We overcame challenges through careful planning and execution. The old site structure was systematically mapped to the new one, preserving 10 years of content and maintaining organization.

To manage the domain and name change, we implemented redirects and conducted thorough SEO checks to ensure a smooth transition without affecting search rankings.

Constant communication with CSF’s team ensured alignment and quick issue resolution. Both teams collaborated on testing to identify and fix errors, adapting swiftly with Agile methods.

Key Achievements

The successful completion of the project resulted in a website that not only met but exceeded the client’s expectations. Below are some of our achievements:

  • Unique Design – A modern, visually striking website aligned with CSF’s branding.
  • Enhanced Usability – User-friendly navigation for accessing information quickly and efficiently.
  • SEO Optimization – Improved searchability to reach a broader audience.
  • Responsive Website – Designed for optimal performance across devices.
  • Simplified Admin Panel – Empowering CSF to manage their content effortlessly.

Main benefits of the project for the client

  • Migrated 10 years of data into a well-organized, user-friendly structure, making content easier to manage and access.
  • A modern, mobile-friendly design with clear navigation ensures a seamless user experience across all devices.
  • The user-friendly admin panel simplifies content updates, allowing the team to focus on their core work.
  • Improved SEO boosts visibility, helping the Foundation reach a wider audience and grow its impact.
  • The fresh design reflects the Foundation’s identity, presenting their work as professional and approachable.

Performance and Security

To optimize performance, we implemented advanced caching techniques, database optimizations, and performance monitoring tools to enhance load times and user experience.

For security, we used two-factor authentication, passkeys, IP blocking, and automated security scans twice daily to detect vulnerabilities. Secure SSL/TLS protocols were enforced to encrypt interactions and protect user data.

Post-Launch Support

After the successful launch, our partnership with CSF continued. We provide ongoing paid support to ensure the website remains secure, updated, and aligned with their evolving needs. This seamless post-launch transition highlights our commitment to long-term collaboration and delivering sustained value.

Feedback from CSF

CSF expressed their gratitude for our efforts, emphasizing the professionalism and dedication of our team. As Thea Ghvinadze, Communications Coordinator at CSF, noted:

“I want to sincerely thank you and your team for our website. You worked very hard, put in a lot of effort, and everything turned out great in the end. We really like it, and I hope we take a leading spot in your portfolio as well. We understand that it was a very information-heavy database, and it’s thanks to your efforts that we managed to handle the transformation so effectively. As for recommendations, we’ll gladly give them everywhere and always – as professional, great team members, and wonderful people. We appreciate you, we love you, and once again, a big thank you for everything!”

Conclusion

Through a combination of innovative design, meticulous development, and strategic project management, we delivered a website that supports CSF’s mission and enhances their digital presence. This project is a testament to our ability to overcome challenges, adapt to client needs, and create impactful solutions that drive long-term success.

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