ALEX WALDU

The Challenge

The primary technical goal was to improve the user experience of the application process by introducing React, while ensuring it integrated cleanly with an enterprise CMS (Crownpeak) and a newly architected AWS infrastructure built on Lambda, CloudFront, and S3.

At the same time, the existing site needed to be re-implemented from C# Razor views into Crownpeak’s templating system. This was not a like-for-like migration; it required rethinking how content, layouts, and components were structured, while preserving existing functionality and data integrity.

A significant challenge was that these workstreams were not planned as a single, coordinated programme. Infrastructure migration, CMS implementation, and front-end development progressed independently, without a shared delivery roadmap or clear dependency management. This increased technical risk and made it difficult to sequence work effectively.

Problem-Solving & Delivery

From a front-end and integration perspective, much of the effort focused on adapting to moving targets. Components built in React often had to wait for CMS templates or infrastructure decisions to be finalised, leading to rework and stalled progress.

Introducing new technologies added further complexity. Teams were required to learn and implement React and AWS services while simultaneously delivering production-ready features. Without sufficient time allocated for discovery, proof-of-concepts, or technical validation, risks that could have been mitigated early instead surfaced during active development.

The project was further impacted by unavoidable changes, including staff transitions, which reduced continuity and institutional knowledge at critical points in the delivery.

The Challenge

Initial discovery and requirements gathering were carried out by the design agency AOK London, who worked closely with the client to define the brand direction and communication goals. When the project moved into development, it was essential to fully understand not only the design output, but also the relationship and expectations already established between the client and the agency.

A key challenge was navigating a relatively limited budget for a rebrand and website build of this scale. This meant design decisions needed to be carefully assessed to ensure they could be delivered efficiently, without compromising the intent of the new brand or the overall user experience.

The Approach & Solution

By building on the groundwork laid by AOK London, I approached the project with a strong understanding of the design rationale and the client’s priorities. This made it possible to confidently interpret the designs, while also knowing when to validate assumptions directly with the client before implementing more complex elements.

Close, ongoing communication played a critical role throughout the project. Design ideas were discussed early in terms of development effort, allowing adjustments to be made before finalisation. This collaborative approach helped align expectations across all parties and ensured the design remained achievable within budget.

Clear milestones were set and followed, with the client actively involved in testing and feedback at each stage. Decision-makers were clearly identified, which streamlined approvals and prevented delays.

The Challenge

From the outset, the project faced significant communication challenges. All client communication was funnelled through a single project manager, who acted as the sole point of contact between the client and the wider design and development team. This created gaps in understanding, with key requirements either being misinterpreted or not fully articulated.

As a result, there was a growing disconnect between what the client expected, what the designers recommended, and what was technically feasible. Designs were signed off without full client alignment, leading to missed requirements that only became apparent once development was already underway.

The absence of direct technical input during the early stages made it difficult to translate the client’s needs into practical, accessible solutions. This highlighted how challenging it can be to deliver complex, inclusive digital products without clear and accurate communication between all stakeholders.

The Approach & Solution

As development progressed, it became clear that significant clarification and rework were required to bring the site closer to the client’s expectations. Additional effort was spent adapting layouts, restructuring content, and addressing issues that could have been identified earlier with stronger technical involvement during the design phase.

The project also revealed the risks of granting full design control without accessibility or performance oversight. Design changes introduced late in the process had knock-on effects, particularly around image usage, colour contrast, and page loading times — all critical factors for an accessibility-focused charity website.

While solutions were implemented to resolve these issues, they came at a considerable cost in time and effort, reinforcing the importance of involving experienced professionals across design, development, and accessibility from the very beginning.