Q30 Design Inc.
Digital Strategy & Solutions

Mapping Ontario’s Black Archives

A movement aiming to change the narrative of Black archival collections

Scope

  • strategic planning
  • creative design
  • information architecture
  • user experience design
  • AODA evaluation and conformance
  • static and motion design
  • full development in WordPress

Mapping Ontario’s Black Archives (MOBA) has compiled a comprehensive listing of the locations, formats, and subject matters of Black archival records across Ontario. The MOBA website is a dynamic and engaging digital presence that represents MOBA and its work to provide a resource library for people to explore the breadth of this important collected material. The site was developed to enable the MOBA team to add to and grow the archive listings over time.

Challenge

Manitoba Hydro’s digital team manages the website using a markdown-based Hugo framework, which offers flexibility but can lead to inconsistencies in styling and usability. Manitoba Hydro engaged Q30 to enhance the digital experience, decrease support calls, and establish a documented design system to guide future work.

Process

Collaborating closely with Manitoba Hydro’s UX and content team, Q30 focused on design, documentation, and development. We audited the site, identified usability and consistency issues, and improved templates, navigation, and styling. Approved components were integrated into a new design system, accompanied by usage guidance, accessibility notes, and Hugo-ready code.

Outcome

The result is a cohesive, elegant digital experience and a standards site housing over 130 design elements. With this system, MBH now supports its internal teams with clarity and is preparing to share the resource publicly, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and service excellence.

MOBA logoStyle guideTop of the homepageWebsiteWebsite mockupWebsite mockupSocial mediaSocial mediaTote bag and pinsSocial mediaSocial mediaTote bag and t-shirtSocial media

Highlights

  • 11 archives and growing
  • incorporated a 2000 cell spreadsheet

Thank you for your work on MOBA. The website is beautiful and exactly as we envisioned and have discussed all these months. Our event was a smash success! We have many grant applications under review and once the project receives more funding to support expansion of the site we would love to reconnect with your team to discuss Phase II.

Dr. Cheryl ThompsonDirector and Creative Lead
Mapping Ontario’s Black Archives

Next project:
Ontario Science CentreDigital destination as engaging as the in-person experience

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