ParentsConnect.com was a parenting community site dedicated to providing members with guidance from real parent experts—other parents. Recognizing that not all communities are “virtual,” ParentsConnect created a home for local community discussions where parents could provide information and ideas about the best family-friendly events, activities and resources near you.

Code and Theory was approached by MTVN to lead the full re-launch and restructuring of the ParentsConnect website. Informed by extensive user research and usability testing, Code and Theory created comprehensive information architecture documentation to better organize ParentsConnect content. We established a consistent visual language across the site and redesigned major section pages. In addition, we integrated the open source blogging platform, Drupal, into the site’s existing infrastructure so that a blogging capability could be extended to all members. Member profile areas were also restructured to facilitate blogging in a user-friendly and seamless way.

Beyond the website, Code and Theory led the information architecture and visual design for a video hub that featured videos submitted by users. The video hub also gave users the ability to create customized playlists, to rate videos and to share videos with friends. Advertising was integrated into playlists and within expandable interstitials.