The challenge

LMS approached Webpraxis as its existing WordPress website was out of date and was becoming difficult to manage.

The institution’s backend framework needed modernising, which required overcoming significant challenges, including maintenance, security, and incompatibility with modern web technologies that were hindering functionality and innovation.

An enhanced and seamless user experience was necessary to reflect the institution’s reputation for innovation.

The solution

Launched in November 2024, Webpraxis collaborated closely with the LMS IT and Grants, Engagement and Communications (GECo) team to design, migrate, rebuild, and overhaul the LMS website’s content, showcasing the world-leading scientific research being carried out within the LMS MRC Imperial College London Hammersmith campus.

A significant portion of the project involved robust project management. This included assisting LMS in understanding the features, scope, timeline, resource allocation, and content requirements to ensure a successful and efficient project execution.

The project included:

• A comprehensive content audit to restructure and streamline information, key resources, facilities, and innovative projects are now prominently featured and visible to prospective students and collaborators alike.
• Bespoke WordPress templates were created to prioritise accessibility and SEO, utilising the WPBakery page builder. Developed based on an established brand identity and concepts crafted by an external graphic designer, these templates were further enhanced with contributions from a UX specialist and content designer to ensure a cohesive, user-friendly experience.
• Staff showcase with the creation of 300+ detailed staff profiles allowing for custom search and organisation.
• The creation of 33 individual research groups pages 
• Migration of 700 news articles to the new site
• Creation of 100 new pages to enhance site content and functionality.
• Careers hub allowing LMS to post latest job vacancies.
• A repository of website design templates, asset, page layouts, and style guidelines enabling the LMS team to independently maintain the site’s design consistency when posting new content.
• Fully optimised for display on social media, a strategy was developed to refine content across all social media channels, by creating a series of bespoke branded templates tailored for the LMS team to use in-house, ensuring consistent branding and enhanced engagement.

Bespoke WordPress templates

Branded social media templates

A strategic social media plan was created to enhance online engagement with target audiences, including prospective students and alumni. This plan outlined specific goals, posting schedules, and content themes for each social media platform to maintain a cohesive message and align with the institution’s values.

A set of branded social media templates and assets was designed to maintain consistency across platforms. These templates incorporate the institution’s colours, fonts, and logo, creating a cohesive look for posts, announcements, and event promotions. This resource also streamlined content creation, enabling the team to produce polished, professional posts efficiently.

The result

The GECo team can now easily publish content across the site with the newly implemented page builder. 

The staff showcase and research group pages have strengthened connections with the academic community and the general public, with staff now fully invested in keeping their profiles updated to provide an accurate overview of the world-leading research being conducted at LMS. Additionally, the new Careers hub has helped streamline the recruitment process.

What the client said

“I arrived at the LMS in Sept 2022 during a period of significant change with a new building, new director and new research strategy. Webpraxis had been tasked with a ‘refresh’ of the website but it became clear that a much more fundamental build and relaunch was necessary. Tom and his team really rose to the challenge taking on significant aspects of the project management and plugging any knowledge and experience gaps, and guiding us through the process. The new website build turned out to be an extensive challenge but Webpraxis went above and beyond to ensure that what was delivered was well designed, had a great user interface and was fit for purpose. We’re grateful to them for helping deliver a great site that reflects our mission ethos and research brilliantly.”

Lindsay Keith – Head of Communications and Engagement LMS

Moving forward

Webpraxis continues to provide WordPress training, development, design, and web hosting consultancy to LMS. A stage two build for the site is currently being formulated ready for launch towards the end of 2025.