Morgan Stanley’s Emphasizes User-Friendly Design And Relatable Elements To Better Approach Consumers And Businesses
Morgan Stanley responded to the financial crisis with a smart and successful strategy that maximized the institution’s financial savviness and financial excellence. It went from a financial service that promoted bond and stocks trading to one that emphasized a more wholesome and conservative message of money management.
And with a legacy like Morgan Stanley, it’s understandable that the business understood the importance of giving itself a necessary facelift. It’s an institution that understands not only consumers and businesses and their financial needs, but also understands what it takes to stay relevant and at the top of its game.
The brand did this by redesigning its marketing materials, operational structure, and even its website.
The corporate website shied away from the stuffy, sleek and modern feel that many modern corporate institutions take on these days. Instead of promoting a modern, minimal and cold design, Morgan Stanley created one that put its customers — both businesses and individuals — first.
The site opens up with a blog-heavy layout. A number of articles and resources litter the page and offer visitors insights into financial decision-making skills, trends, and predictions. And these blogs are carefully laid out, with blocks of text and images sitting in a cool and quirky setup that emphasizes cleanliness and creativity.
These messages and articles are straightforward and clear, but just creative enough that they add a playful and approachable edge to the design and the brand as a whole.
This playfulness and the user-friendly vibe is emphasized by the impact of imagery and its prominence in this web design. Images and bright colors make up header designs. Moving video pulls users in and creative illustrations simplify complex concepts. Similarly, icons live on the site to add a more seamless quality, leading users on their journey and making it easier for them to interact with the brand.
Navigation is aided by these icons, as well as by the simple, straightforward menu bar at the top of the screen with its clearly designated areas — for businesses, for consumers and for everything in between. These are paired with comprehensive drop-down menus that add sophistication and usability.
Overall, Morgan Stanley is an institution that’s been in the business of finance and wealth management for years. And it knows how to transcend its traditional, archaic and stuffy legacy through design to continue promoting a brand that exudes excellence, authority, and leadership in the industry.
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