Established in 1999, “brand eins” is a well-respected monthly business magazine. The somewhat dated internet presence needed to be overhauled. The main requirements were a total overhaul of the page structure as well as the development of structures to facilitate the use of the site on mobile devices. New functions and features should enable the visitor to locate content of interest with a minimum of effort.

The creative department was to focus on transporting the look and feel of the hardcopy to a digital environment.

The digital app as well as the new online presence and online shop were to be completely overhauled. This required the integration of the subscriber management function with the new online shop in order to simplify the workflow and usability for all concerned.

Interfaces to facilitate the integration of external logistics and app partners needed to be developed.

The editorial staff requested more flexibility and leeway when dealing with daily issues associated with the online presence.

Following detailed discussions with the client, the concept and content of the new website were finalised. In order to enhance the visitor experience, a number of „entry“ points to the website were created, allowing visitors to be directed effortlessly to any of more than 5000 articles about business topics. The structure, planned in accordance with the client´s wishes,  was developed using wireframes as an initial step and then design templates. Brand recognition was enhanced by employing typical elements from the hard copy version of the magazine on the new website. Appropriate use of blank spaces ensured that the focal point of the website was obvious – the CONTENT!

The technical implementation was achieved using the TYPO3 Content Management System. Magento, the eCommerce Software was used to implement the online shop and digital subscriber management as well as the integration of various APIs.

Using TYPO3, an innovative concept was developed to ensure that the editorial staff retained maximum flexibility when working on the presentation, layout or content of the magazine without having to forego the benefits of a clear structure.  This involved extending the TYPO3 „page tree“.

An API was employed to extract information from the logistic partner´s SAP system, thereby simplifying the online team´s tasks regarding processes within the online shop and the management of the digital subscriptions. Subscribers to the print version of the magazine will in future have free of charge access to the digital version.
The new online shop now offers all of the „brand eins“  products and publications.
The new version of the website also incorporates new features such as a kind of „read it in your lunchtime“ section, whereby articles are listed based on how long you´ll need to read them.