American Association of Candy Technologists
AACT (American Association of Candy Technologists) is an organization dedicated to advancing the confectionery industry through education, collaboration, and innovation. The organization needed a new website that would serve as a comprehensive resource hub for members, providing access to industry news, event updates, technical resources, and a robust e-Commerce integration. We were tasked with designing and developing a WordPress site that not only captured the fun and creativity of the candy industry, but also delivered a professional, user-friendly experience for a diverse audience.
Design Approach
Our design strategy blended vibrant colors and playful elements to reflect the joy and creativity of the confectionery industry. At the same time, we maintained a clean and professional layout to ensure credibility and ease of use. The homepage features bold imagery of confectionery products, engaging headlines, and clear calls to action that guide users to key sections of the site.
We used a mix of shapes, bright accents, and subtle animations to evoke a sense of whimsy without overwhelming the user experience. The color palette draws inspiration from classic candy tones, balanced with neutral backgrounds to maintain readability and accessibility.
Development Process
We built the site using a custom WordPress theme tailored to AACT’s branding and functionality needs. The backend is highly flexible, and we successfully trained the AACT team in how to update content, add new resources, and manage events easily. Performance optimization was a key focus, with features like caching, image compression, and code minification ensuring fast load times.
The site is fully responsive, providing an optimal experience across all devices. We also implemented SEO best practices to improve search visibility and drive organic traffic.
Results
Since the launch of aactcandy.org, the site has become a central hub for AACT members and the broader confectionery community. Engagement metrics have improved significantly, with increased time on site and higher event registrations. The AACT website is a perfect blend of fun and function, capturing the spirit of the confectionery industry while delivering a seamless, professional experience.
Through thoughtful design and strategic development, we created a platform that empowers users, fosters collaboration, and supports AACT’s vision for the future of candy innovation.