BMT Product Manager, David Lortal, reflects on the process to redesign BMT’s end-to-end events management product, BAFTA Events.
In the dynamic landscape of digital solutions, the redesign of the BAFTA Events platform stands as a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and technical know-how. This article shares insights from this journey, reflecting on the challenges overcome and the innovative outcomes achieved, while also illustrating BMT’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
Collaboration as the cornerstone
A pivotal aspect of the redesign was the collaboration between designers, developers, and stakeholders. This dynamic interaction was crucial in ensuring that the redesign not only addressed aesthetic concerns but also enhanced functionality, accessibility, and responsiveness. By integrating feedback from all parties, we were able to identify and implement features that significantly improved user experience, such as advanced ticketing workflows and a more intuitive admin interface.
The genesis of transformation
The inception of the BAFTA Events redesign project was marked by a need for evolution. Originally launched in 2020, the platform aimed to support BAFTA’s extensive events calendar, including ticket sales, member events and fundraising initiatives. However, as the digital environment and user expectations evolved, so too did the necessity for a platform that was more user-friendly and adaptable to the changing landscape. The project demanded not just a facelift but a rethinking of how the platform served its users – admin and audience alike. It required balancing the legacy of BAFTA’s brand with the forward-thinking approach that defines BMT. This balance was achieved through extensive stakeholder engagement, user feedback analysis, and a deep dive into the intricacies of the existing system to identify opportunities for improvement.
Navigating the path to white labelling
One of the redesign’s significant milestones was preparing the platform for white labelling, thereby extending its utility beyond BAFTA to other organisations facing similar challenges. This expansion not only demonstrates BMT’s capabilities in delivering versatile digital solutions but also underscores our commitment to supporting the broader industry.
Training, testing, and launching with precision
A critical phase in the project was preparing the stakeholders and admins for the transition. Through comprehensive training sessions and feedback mechanisms, we ensured that the transition was as smooth as possible. The launch plan was meticulously crafted to minimize downtime and ensure a seamless user experience from the moment the new design went live.
The outcome is a modern, fully accessible platform that not only meets the current needs of BAFTA and its users but also sets the stage for future growth. The redesign has significantly enhanced the user experience and streamlined workflows, introducing a deep level of flexibility for easy adaptation to emerging requirements. Notably, we’ve integrated standout features such as:
- A curated events leader section
- Clearer event and accessibility information
- Improved filtering capabilities
- Event tagging
- Enhanced ticket selection
- Visual messaging for sold-out events
A clearer payment process
As we look to the future, we are excited about introducing a new accessible booking workflow. This innovation will allow bookers to flag their accessibility requirements and select relevant seats directly through the booking process, eliminating the need to contact the venue separately. Additionally, the implementation of a newsletter registration option is set to significantly improve engagement with bookers, further enriching the BAFTA Events experience.
As we forge ahead, the potential is to further refine and expand the platform’s capabilities. These upcoming features underscore our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessible user experience, ensuring the BAFTA Events platform continues to serve and exceed the evolving needs of BAFTA and its diverse community.
A testament to BMT’s vision
This project stands as a testament to BMT’s dedication to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions that effectively address the complexities and challenges of the real world. As we celebrate this success, we extend an invitation to organisations embarking on similar digital transformation journeys. BMT is pleased to continue to offer its expertise and insights externally for those who might benefit from it.
BMT (BAFTA Media Technology) is the software research and development arm of BAFTA (The British Academy of Film and Television Arts).