Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) needed a new website that could reflect the creative expertise of the institution, while addressing the practical challenges of an outdated, difficult-to-maintain platform. The goal was ambitious: to create a market-leading digital presence that stands apart from competitors, showcases the individuality of courses, and makes the creativity of AUB visible at every turn – all without compromising accessibility.

We designed and delivered a website that shows, not tells. From flexible course landing pages that allow teams to express the unique story of their subject, to dynamic spaces for previously hidden parts of the University, the new site provides a more complete picture of AUB. By combining accessibility benchmarks with a bold creative vision, the platform balances practical needs with artistic expression, as an authentic reflection of AUB’s ethos.

‍This was a project built on collaboration. We engaged stakeholders across the University, from course teams and professional services to current students, to ensure every perspective was represented. First-year students shared how the old site shaped their decision-making, while professional services identified opportunities to better highlight their support. This dialogue became the foundation of a design that is inclusive, representative, and true to AUB’s values.

Our research highlighted a clear need: to create a site that avoids rigid templates and instead gives space for individuality. Each course now has a landing page that can be curated by its team, allowing for distinct storytelling and greater visibility of USPs. Meanwhile, prospective students can explore the University through multiple discovery routes, making the journey more natural, intuitive, and reflective of creative exploration.

At an arts institution, creativity should speak for itself. That principle shaped every design decision. Student work features prominently throughout, turning the site into a living gallery. Layouts are modern, dynamic, and expressive, yet always underpinned by accessibility. Using Skilltide benchmarking, we ensured the site meets rigorous accessibility standards, proving that inclusivity and creativity can coexist seamlessly.

The result is a website that stands confidently among competitors, reflecting AUB’s distinct place in the higher education landscape. It is a digital experience that is as creative, flexible, and dynamic as the institution itself, showing the world what makes Arts University Bournemouth truly unique.