Habitats’ digital journey: the creation of its branding and website
The challenge

Investing in biodiversity to safeguard the well-being of our planet and people

Impact Area: Systems Change

In the last few years, Quest Studio began to navigate how a small agency can create a tangible impact through its climate-neutral journey. As we conducted our research, we concluded that while obtaining a CO2-neutral label might enhance our marketing efforts, when it comes to maximizing our impact, it’s not the best option.

So instead of using our financial resources for a badge of approval, we decided to invest in what truly matters: our biodiversity. We partnered and launched Habitats, a non-profit organization dedicated to long-term structural solutions to climate change and biodiversity degradation. 

There is so much to share about Habitats, starting with the challenging journey of building and modeling a non-profit. It was truly demanding, yet exciting, to witness our vision come to life. In this case study, we will dive deep into Habitats’ digital journey, exploring the creation of its branding and website. Stay tuned to our story behind the strategy! 

Our approach

Iterating for optimal impact

One day our founder came to the office and said, “I have an idea,” and that is more or less where Habitats’ journey started. Since its early stages, Habitats has always been about maximizing the positive impact we can achieve with Quest. After a long ideation stage, in which we defined the impact strategy and priorities, we knew we may as well be the ones working on Habitats’ branding and website.

  • Brand direction workshop

    Once it was clear what we were getting ourselves into, our designers ran a brand direction workshop to define Habitats’ strategic direction and branding. This encompassed defining its positioning, messaging, visual identity, and overall brand experience. Drawing from our expertise in the sustainability space, we had so many climate-driven brands to turn to for inspiration and guidance on how Habitats could stand out.

  • IA workshop

    Leveraging our expertise and dedicated research, we know that there are many climate solutions available. Our IA workshop was aimed at developing a user-friendly UX/web navigation that empowers users by helping them understand the impact they are making and easily explore the most effective ways to get involved.

  • Wireframes

    As experts in the field, our minds are wired for wireframing. We meticulously analyzed every page of the Habitats website, consciously adopting the user’s perspective rather than solely focusing on our role as a service provider. This deliberate focus on user-centricity enabled us to amplify the overall user experience, resulting in a more impactful outcome.

  • UI design

    Finally, we wrapped up the website design by designing and improving the visual elements and interactive features. The UI design was pivotal in our mission to authentically showcase the different habitats while also acknowledging the areas and communities directly affected by biodiversity loss. Merging these elements seamlessly, we successfully built a user-centric global ecosystem feel that echoes our planet’s complex diversity.

  • Development

    Being a creative studio, our ambition got the better of us, and this drive resonated throughout Habitats’ website. We channeled this ambition into developing a custom WordPress site built upon our reusable and accessible signature code that not only embodies simplicity but also encourages users to take action.

  • Copywriting

    With such an ambitious website, we knew the copy had to level up. Thanks to the comprehensive research on current biodiversity issues and trends conducted during the ideation stage, we already had the recipe for success; we just needed to refine it. However, we were mindful that our involvement in the project from the beginning could potentially cloud our judgment when it came to creating an engaging and informative copy. That’s when we called in some backup. Enter Lien De Ruyck, an expert storyteller and one of the founders of Habitats, who added the final touches, ensuring its compelling nature. And last but not least, we meticulously SEO-proofed the entire Habitats website to maximize its visibility and impact. Copywriter’s honor!

Our solution

Driving tangible impact through user-friendly branding and UX/UI design

Flexible branding

We have to tip our hats to our design team because this brand is one to brag about. Habitats’ branding is not only strong, but also incredibly adaptable. Thanks to its versatility, Habitats’ color-neutral logo is a powerful visual representation of the organization’s commitment to preserving five diverse habitats: forests, oceans, grasslands, wetlands, and coastlines. But that’s not all. The logo cleverly integrates an animal print motif and/or imagery of grass, which further emphasizes the connection to wildlife and nature. Adding a touch of creativity, the design subtly integrates the letter “h” from Habitats, reinforcing the brand identity. The organic brush strokes used in the logo design are also cleverly employed throughout the overall brand identity, enhancing the aesthetics of Habitats. We can say that the branding and the logo perfectly capture the essence of Habitats—being playful, yet professional, and naturally aligned with its mission of safeguarding the world’s habitats.

For individuals

Habitats’ website goes beyond the typical nonprofit website by offering in-depth information, including a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s mission, projects, and initiatives. However, what sets it apart is its user-friendly design, which caters to various audiences, including consumers and specific business sectors. Habitats caters to consumers who wish to donate promptly without diving into extensive steps, while offering much more for those who are curious and eager to delve deeper into biodiversity and its diverse facets. What other organization is helping you discover keystone species?

For Businesses

For businesses, Habitats understands their unique needs and aspirations. The website features a dedicated section that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing businesses with valuable insights and resources to contribute effectively to the global sustainability agenda. Moreover, Habitats also offers a specialized section tailored to help businesses score on important frameworks that matter to them, empowering them to measure their positive impact accurately. Want to get involved? Check out the Habitats business page here.

The result

Building trust and transparency through a not-so-typical non-profit website

The result of our pro bono hours is a website that strikes the perfect balance between giving off a non-profit vibe and inspiring trust and professionalism. A major focus of the website is clearly on conversion, particularly when it comes to donations. Developing a digital donation system for a non-profit can be challenging, and we definitely know something about it. By prioritizing user-friendly interfaces and visually appealing elements, we have created an environment that encourages and simplifies the act of giving. Habitats’ user experience is designed to make the donation process as seamless and enjoyable as possible for both consumers and companies. For consumers, the website provides a straightforward donation process: with just a few clicks, users can make a difference and support conservation and restoration projects carefully selected by Habitats’ team of experts.

For businesses, Habitats offers a range of engaging features that make the donation experience more meaningful and interactive. Our platform enables companies to make quick and hassle-free contributions, ensuring a seamless process. But we go beyond simple donations. Habitats helps companies demonstrate the impact they are making through their products or services. How? Take a book or a t-shirt for example, by incorporating a QR code, consumers who purchase these items can scan the code to uncover the specific impact their purchase has had. Thanks to Habitats’ innovative approach, companies can enhance consumer engagement and foster trust, while consumers feel encouraged to actively participate and support their chosen causes.  Moreover, businesses also have the opportunity to create a dedicated company profile page, where they can tangibly showcase their commitment to sustainability and biodiversity and the positive change they are enabling. This not only promotes transparency but also fosters a sense of pride and involvement, as companies can actively demonstrate their support for a worthy cause.

The framework of the website was thoughtfully constructed to maximize transparency and traceability, particularly in showcasing the projects, their impact, and their scope. We crafted the project pages to inspire trust and showcase the tangible impact of each project, ensuring donors feel confident in their support, and fostering a deeper connection between the audience and the organization. Users can easily delve into the specifics, understanding where their contributions are going and how they are making a difference. By prioritizing transparency, the website builds a strong sense of trust and credibility among its users. Are you curious to experience it for yourself? Check out Habitats’ website here.

Just checked the website. What a marvelous job. Truly best practice. I love especially the need for speed section
Oliver Dauert, Wildlife advocate

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