COMBINING CODING & CHEMISTRY: FARGO-MOORHEAD SCIENCE MUSEUM WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

CASE STUDY

SCIENCE + CREATIVITY = 
A STEMAZING EXPERIENCE

The Fargo-Moorhead Science Museum is a regionally focused, globally relevant science museum that provides fun, accessible and inclusive STEM experiences for everyone. FMSM reimagines what a science museum can be by fostering community, encouraging curiosity, exploration and innovation, and inspiring a future where anyone can be a scientist.

WHY WE BELIEVE IN THE FARGO MOORHEAD SCIENCE MUSEUM

Working with the Fargo-Moorhead Science Museum on their website was an absolute pleasure, and it’s easy to see why so many wholeheartedly believe in their mission. Through the whole process, they were hands-on collaborators with a genuine passion for making science accessible and fun. It was clear from the beginning of the process that they had a strong vision of what they wanted for their online experience, and their work and commitment in that shows through in the final product. We are honored to be a part of communicating this vision with the community they care so much about.

THE OPPORTUNITY

When the Fargo-Moorhead Science Museum embarked on its digital journey, they entrusted Abovo with the task of translating their dynamic vision into an engaging online presence. The FMSM was in the unique position of not having a physical location yet, but the urgency to share their contagious enthusiasm for science with the community. The biggest challenge would be to create an online experience to match an in-person one that doesn’t exist yet. Because the science museum would continue to grow and change in the coming years, the website also had to be dynamic, easily adaptable, and accessible. Fmsm.org was built from the ground up, keeping in mind that this is only the beginning for the Fargo Moorhead Science Museum.

SERVICES WE PROVIDE FMSM

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

MARKETING STRATEGY AND CONSULTATION

GRAPHIC DESIGN

PHOTOGRAPHY

WEBSITE STYLE GUIDE

CREATIVE COPYWRITING

WEBSITE HOSTING

AI IMAGE CREATION

WORDPRESS PLUGIN RESEARCH

MARKET/INDUSTRY RESEARCH

Our favorite asset we created with AI for the fmsm.org website build

ROBOT DINOSAUR

OUR WORK

DISCOVERY AND DESIGN

Our journey with the Fargo Moorhead Science Museum began not with lines of code or design sketches, but with a voyage of discovery. Understanding the essence of an organization is the cornerstone of our design philosophy. We delved deep into the museum’s mission, its unique place in the community, and the passion that fuels its team. This initial phase was about listening, learning and absorbing. We combed through a curated collection of websites admired by the museum’s team, not to mimic, but to understand the elements that resonated with them. This exploration was more than just a survey of aesthetics; it was about deciphering the language of engaging and effective web design through the eyes of our client. The goal was not just to create a website but to craft an online extension of the museum’s physical space — inviting, informative, and immersive. One of the most exciting aspects of this project was dissecting the Fargo Moorhead Science Museum’s existing brand. We weren’t just looking at colors or fonts; we delved into the geometry and ethos of their identity. This deep dive enabled us to create unique website elements that resonate with their brand. Shapes inspired by their logo and ethos were transformed into dynamic, parallax features, adding a layer of depth and interaction to the website. These elements move as if in a dance, engaging visitors in a playful yet sophisticated narrative of science and discovery. The result of this meticulous process was a website that not only looked stunning but also felt like an extension of the Fargo Moorhead Science Museum’s identity. It’s a digital platform where every pixel and interactive element tells a story, inviting visitors into a world where science is alive and ever-evolving. This project stands as a testament to the power of collaborative creativity and the magic that happens when you truly understand and embody a client’s vision in every aspect of design.

WEBSITE DESIGN BUILD PROCESS

Our approach to building the Fargo Moorhead Science Museum’s website followed the five distinct phases for use for every website development project. Each crucial in shaping the final product. Discovery: First, we delve deep into the organization’s mission, audience and vision, setting a solid foundation for a website that reflects its true essence. Sitemap: Here, we structure the website’s flow, ensuring a logical and engaging navigation experience. This phase is crucial for outlining the website’s framework. Wireframe: Next, we create the website’s blueprint, focusing on functionality and layout, and setting the stage for the subsequent design. Design: In the design phase, creativity takes the lead. We craft visually stunning and user-friendly interfaces, infusing the website with the brand’s identity and aesthetic. Development: The final phase brings our designs and collaborative work to life. Our development team meticulously codes a responsive, interactive website based on the design to provide a seamless user experience.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Before designing and building the FMSM site, special care was taken to make sure the site was accessible and adaptable. We researched the latest updates in website accessibility in order to make sure the site aligns with their vision of bringing science to people of all groups and abilities. This included making sure that the elements on the page were coded in with a clear hierarchy for screen readers as well as making sure visual and text elements were clear and communicative.

The need for the website to grow with the science museum informed its modular layout. The site will be able to be adapted as new content becomes available. The elements work together in a way that as they are updated, the website will still retain its whimsical and consistent feel across all of the pages.
As we undertook the endeavor to rebuild our old and outdated website, we learned quickly that team Abovo was the right choice. Through the entire project—from the discovery phase to design, through development and the launch of fmsm.org, it was never your typical vendor and client relationship; it was a true collaborative partnership. The entire Abovo team brought innovative and fresh ideas, challenged us to think differently, acted as a trusted strategic advisor, provided flexibility, and launched a website experience far beyond what we imagined. We look forward to a continued partnership now and long into the future.



Jodi Phillips

Director of Marketing and Communications, Fargo-Moorhead Science Museum

SCIENCE + CREATIVITY = 
A STEMAZING EXPERIENCE