a platform for reflective storytelling
a platform for reflective storytelling
Creative direction: George Irwin
Project management: Jessie Ferris
Content strategist: Jessica McDaniel
Lead designer: Gretchen Bice
Overview
Background
Echoes is the H. E. Butt Foundation’s online magazine, sharing stories that inspire reflection and community connection. The site plays a key role in advancing the Foundation’s mission by deepening engagement with alumni, faith leaders, and new audiences across Texas.
Problem
The previous site struggled to keep up with Echoes’ vision. Stories were hard to find, archives were difficult to browse, and the subscription process created friction. Content felt static, making it harder to draw readers in and keep them coming back.
Solution
GLIDE partnered with the Foundation to create a dynamic, reader-first experience that puts storytelling front and center. We rebuilt Echoes on a flexible, scalable platform with intuitive navigation, robust search and filtering, and immersive page designs that give every story room to shine.
Drawing in readers, boosting engagement
Echoes needed to feel like more than an online magazine — it needed to feel alive. We designed a site that uses big imagery, multimedia storytelling, and thoughtfully placed calls to action to invite readers deeper into the content. Improved navigation and thematic filters make it easier for users to find stories that resonate, whether they’re alumni looking for Canyon updates or new readers discovering Echoes for the first time.
The new Echoes site is faster, more immersive, and built to grow with the publication. Early testing showed significant gains in user success when finding stories, subscribing, and browsing archives. Content editors now have a powerful toolkit to publish multimedia-rich features without relying on developers, enabling them to keep the site fresh and relevant.
