Entering the mat
Entering the mat
The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic forced Dennis , like many other businesses, to shut its doors for unknown period of time, straining finances and jeopardizing its future.
I was approached while this uncertainty over their heads, The mission: revitalize the brand's website.
This wasn't just a design project for me, since I've been taking part of training for almost 7 years, it was a close subject and a chance to ensure Hanover's legacy thrived beyond physical limitations, so that the legacy would go on, for me it was a higher calling to help those in need, especially with such a unique tapestry of cultural richness.
Without any hesitations I jumped on the opportunity , facing some immense challenges ahead:
The existing website, burdened by outdated design and complex navigation, was far from user-friendly.
Budget constraints demanded resourcefulness and a commitment to passion over profit.
Lacking presence in the social media caused less engagements over time, especially during the pandemic restrictions that literally shut down any possible income.
I was determined to help them overcome these hardships, armed with empathy, determination and openness to visualize the attack, and bring home nothing but a victory.
The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic forced Dennis , like many other businesses, to shut its doors for unknown period of time, straining finances and jeopardizing its future.
I was approached while this uncertainty over their heads, The mission: revitalize the brand's website.
This wasn't just a design project for me, since I've been taking part of training for almost 7 years, it was a close subject and a chance to ensure Hanover's legacy thrived beyond physical limitations, so that the legacy would go on, for me it was a higher calling to help those in need, especially with such a unique tapestry of cultural richness.
Without any hesitations I jumped on the opportunity , facing some immense challenges ahead:
The existing website, burdened by outdated design and complex navigation, was far from user-friendly.
Budget constraints demanded resourcefulness and a commitment to passion over profit.
Lacking presence in the social media caused less engagements over time, especially during the pandemic restrictions that literally shut down any possible income.
I was determined to help them overcome these hardships, armed with empathy, determination and openness to visualize the attack, and bring home nothing but a victory.
Stepping into the dojo Assessing the challenges
Stepping into the dojo Assessing the challenges
Before starting to come up with the solution, I began with an overview into the existing website and Its shortcomings were evident.
Starting with a cluttered layout
Confusing navigation
Lack of visual appeal.
The website hadn't been updated in a very long while, and was presenting old and irrelevant informations.
It wasn't just outdated, it was missing the spirit of Dennis Hanover himself.
My mission? Transform it into a platform that resonated with the brand's legacy, more modern audiences, and to make it so that anyone of the organization can update it properly when needed.
Branching Out: Building a Clear Hierarchy
Started by listening.
Through numerous discussions with the Dennis Survival team, we identified their vision and the pain points users faced – confusion, disorientation, and a lack of readily accessible information.
It was like navigating a maze blindfolded. We meticulously shrunk the site's overgrown structure, eliminating irrelevant menus and outdated content.
Leaving a more delicate, accurate, clear and user-friendly, structure reflecting the organization's needs and anticipating users' every step.
Unearthing the Soul: Visual Storytelling Comes Alive
Once we knew the structure outline, I went over and started taking all the assets at my disposal, Dennis and his family have provided me access to the archives, I explored boxes overflowing with articles, pictures, medals, and even declarations of honor. It was a treasure trove, revealing the heart and soul of Dennis Survival.
I needed to capture this essence in the visuals, seamlessly integrating them into the website while keeping user needs in mind, with Dennis's spirit as narration.
Dennis Survival is more than just martial arts- it's a way of life. His house scoured with endless pictures that tell the unique story of his life, depicting the true protagonist who faces all the obstacles and conqueres them all.
The training strengthens the body, while Dennis's wisdom, from his own experiences, nourishes the soul.
His stories are the pulsating heart and soul of the brand, simply put - one cannot exist without the other.
As we worked, Dennis, despite his age, actively participated, expressing his likes and dislikes. His involvement solidified the project's heart – it wasn't just about functionality, it was about capturing his essence and reconnecting with the community.
And so I understood at the process, that Dennis has to be incorporated actively within each fragment.
Before starting to come up with the solution, I began with an overview into the existing website and Its shortcomings were evident.
Starting with a cluttered layout
Confusing navigation
Lack of visual appeal.
The website hadn't been updated in a very long while, and was presenting old and irrelevant informations.
It wasn't just outdated, it was missing the spirit of Dennis Hanover himself.
My mission? Transform it into a platform that resonated with the brand's legacy, more modern audiences, and to make it so that anyone of the organization can update it properly when needed.
Branching Out: Building a Clear Hierarchy
Started by listening.
Through numerous discussions with the Dennis Survival team, we identified their vision and the pain points users faced – confusion, disorientation, and a lack of readily accessible information.
It was like navigating a maze blindfolded. We meticulously shrunk the site's overgrown structure, eliminating irrelevant menus and outdated content.
Leaving a more delicate, accurate, clear and user-friendly, structure reflecting the organization's needs and anticipating users' every step.
Unearthing the Soul: Visual Storytelling Comes Alive
Once we knew the structure outline, I went over and started taking all the assets at my disposal, Dennis and his family have provided me access to the archives, I explored boxes overflowing with articles, pictures, medals, and even declarations of honor. It was a treasure trove, revealing the heart and soul of Dennis Survival.
I needed to capture this essence in the visuals, seamlessly integrating them into the website while keeping user needs in mind, with Dennis's spirit as narration.
Dennis Survival is more than just martial arts- it's a way of life. His house scoured with endless pictures that tell the unique story of his life, depicting the true protagonist who faces all the obstacles and conqueres them all.
The training strengthens the body, while Dennis's wisdom, from his own experiences, nourishes the soul.
His stories are the pulsating heart and soul of the brand, simply put - one cannot exist without the other.
As we worked, Dennis, despite his age, actively participated, expressing his likes and dislikes. His involvement solidified the project's heart – it wasn't just about functionality, it was about capturing his essence and reconnecting with the community.
And so I understood at the process, that Dennis has to be incorporated actively within each fragment.
The Warrior's Path: Dr. Dennis Hanover and Hisardut
The Warrior's Path:
Dr. Dennis Hanover and Hisardut
You can write a lot about Dr. Dennis Hanover, a name synonymous with martial arts prowess and unwavering resilience, is the lifeblood of Dennis Survival (דניס הישרדות).
His journey, marked by hardship and triumph, shaped his philosophy of "Dennis survival," not just in the physical realm, but as a way of life. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, suffered from persecution for being a Jew, grew up learning the tough realities of life, honed his skills in various martial arts disciplines, that eventually shaped in the creation of Dennis Survival, a combat system adopted by Israeli special forces.
His legacy transcends the battlefield, encompassing decades of teaching, community building, and advocating for underprivileged individuals.
You can write a lot about Dr. Dennis Hanover, a name synonymous with martial arts prowess and unwavering resilience, is the lifeblood of Dennis Survival (דניס הישרדות).
His journey, marked by hardship and triumph, shaped his philosophy of "Dennis survival," not just in the physical realm, but as a way of life. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, suffered from persecution for being a Jew, grew up learning the tough realities of life, honed his skills in various martial arts disciplines, that eventually shaped in the creation of Dennis Survival, a combat system adopted by Israeli special forces.
His legacy transcends the battlefield, encompassing decades of teaching, community building, and advocating for underprivileged individuals.
Working the palette
Working the palette
Diving into the realm of the martial arts, I replaced by a carefully chosen blend that embodied the very essence of Dennis Survival. It wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about symbolism, connection, and evolution
Black and White: Embracing the Journey
As the foundation, black and white held deep meaning. The black, inspired by the traditional Gi (judo outfit), symbolized not just strength, but also the endless pursuit of learning. It wasn't just black, though; a hint of gray whispered the wisdom that even masters like Dennis continue to evolve. The white, representing fresh beginnings, held a touch of yellow, the first color after white belt, signifying the continuous cycle of growth.
Red: A Touch of Distinction
Like a brushstroke of fire, red entered the palette, paying homage to Dennis's 13th Dan grade, a testament to his dedication and mastery. a reminder of the passion that fuels the Dennis Survival spirit.
Blue: A Banner of Identity
Proudly woven into the palette was blue, the color of the Israeli flag, a symbol Dennis always incorporated into his logo. It spoke of his connection to the homeland and the experiences that shaped his philosophy of his self-defense, spirit and the love and honor he always pays for the country and its symbols.
Harmony Through Integration
These carefully chosen colors weren't just individual notes; they were a symphony, each element enriching the others. By seamlessly integrating them into the design, we didn't just enhance branding; we created a cohesive experience that felt natural, respectful, and far removed from the sterile rigidity of the old website.
Diving into the realm of the martial arts, I replaced by a carefully chosen blend that embodied the very essence of Dennis Survival. It wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about symbolism, connection, and evolution
Black and White: Embracing the Journey
As the foundation, black and white held deep meaning. The black, inspired by the traditional Gi (judo outfit), symbolized not just strength, but also the endless pursuit of learning. It wasn't just black, though; a hint of gray whispered the wisdom that even masters like Dennis continue to evolve. The white, representing fresh beginnings, held a touch of yellow, the first color after white belt, signifying the continuous cycle of growth.
Red: A Touch of Distinction
Like a brushstroke of fire, red entered the palette, paying homage to Dennis's 13th Dan grade, a testament to his dedication and mastery. a reminder of the passion that fuels the Dennis Survival spirit.
Blue: A Banner of Identity
Proudly woven into the palette was blue, the color of the Israeli flag, a symbol Dennis always incorporated into his logo. It spoke of his connection to the homeland and the experiences that shaped his philosophy of his self-defense, spirit and the love and honor he always pays for the country and its symbols.
Harmony Through Integration
These carefully chosen colors weren't just individual notes; they were a symphony, each element enriching the others. By seamlessly integrating them into the design, we didn't just enhance branding; we created a cohesive experience that felt natural, respectful, and far removed from the sterile rigidity of the old website.
Along came the Sun
Along came the Sun
Just as we were breathing new life into the Dennis Survival website, fate intervened in the form of a "Ninja Israel," television competition. Much to our delight, Dennis's grandson, Sunny, took the stage, captivating audiences with his skills and embodying the spirit of Dennis Survival.
Sunny's journey wasn't just a family affair, it became a pivotal moment for the website redesign.
We realized there was another voice, a younger one, that could resonate with a new generation.
This wasn't just about martial arts- it was about defying age barriers, proving that the fighting spirit knows no bounds. Sunny's journey, with Dennis cheering him on, became a three-generational saga, showcasing the legacy's enduring power.
As Sunny battled his way to the semifinals, so did we, fueled by Dennis's mantra: "Never break!" We pushed through the pressure, working double time to ensure the website was ready for the surge of interest.
The result? A humble yet responsive platform, infused with the story of Dennis, his family, and the wider Dennis Survival community. These weren't just names; they were testaments to each other's journeys, a tapestry of struggle and resilience that never throws in the towel.
The "Ninja effect" wasn't just about website traffic, it was about human connection. Sunny's story resonated, proving that legacies live on, inspiring future generations to embrace the Dennis Survival philosophy. And we, as designers, were privileged to be part of this digital transformation, weaving a narrative that transcended generations and martial arts techniques.
Just as we were breathing new life into the Dennis Survival website, fate intervened in the form of a "Ninja Israel," television competition. Much to our delight, Dennis's grandson, Sunny, took the stage, captivating audiences with his skills and embodying the spirit of Dennis Survival.
Sunny's journey wasn't just a family affair, it became a pivotal moment for the website redesign.
We realized there was another voice, a younger one, that could resonate with a new generation.
This wasn't just about martial arts- it was about defying age barriers, proving that the fighting spirit knows no bounds. Sunny's journey, with Dennis cheering him on, became a three-generational saga, showcasing the legacy's enduring power.
As Sunny battled his way to the semifinals, so did we, fueled by Dennis's mantra: "Never break!" We pushed through the pressure, working double time to ensure the website was ready for the surge of interest.
The result? A humble yet responsive platform, infused with the story of Dennis, his family, and the wider Dennis Survival community. These weren't just names; they were testaments to each other's journeys, a tapestry of struggle and resilience that never throws in the towel.
The "Ninja effect" wasn't just about website traffic, it was about human connection. Sunny's story resonated, proving that legacies live on, inspiring future generations to embrace the Dennis Survival philosophy. And we, as designers, were privileged to be part of this digital transformation, weaving a narrative that transcended generations and martial arts techniques.
Final results
Final results
The project wasn't just about pixels and code, it was about breathing life back into a legend. It was about forging connections, preserving a cultural treasure, and harnessing the power of design to tell stories that resonate.
And guess what? It worked!
Once the pandemic restrictions were over, and Sunny's "Ninja Israel" triumph, Dennis Survival soared.
The organization embraced the new website and its structure, membership numbers rose above epected, and I became their go-to consultant, always ready to lend a hand.
As a token of his gratitude, Dennis even surprised me with a promotion during a training session.
It was an incredible honor to be a part of his legacy, to share even a glimpse of this remarkable man and his lifelong contributions. He's a true inspiration, a testament to resilience and unwavering passion.
(And definitely worth learning more about than just this case study can offer!)
This experience taught me invaluable lessons:
Remember your roots: Stay grounded and true to your values.
Humility is key: Success comes with a side of gratitude.
Empathy is power: Use it to connect, understand, and inspire.
Every project is a story: Find the unique narrative within and weave it into your design.
Dennis Survival isn't just a website it's a living testament to the power of human connection, cultural preservation, and the magic that happens when design finds its voice. It's a story that continues to unfold, and I'm grateful to have played a part in its exciting new chapter.
OS
The project wasn't just about pixels and code, it was about breathing life back into a legend. It was about forging connections, preserving a cultural treasure, and harnessing the power of design to tell stories that resonate.
And guess what? It worked!
Once the pandemic restrictions were over, and Sunny's "Ninja Israel" triumph, Dennis Survival soared.
The organization embraced the new website and its structure, membership numbers rose above epected, and I became their go-to consultant, always ready to lend a hand.
As a token of his gratitude, Dennis even surprised me with a promotion during a training session.
It was an incredible honor to be a part of his legacy, to share even a glimpse of this remarkable man and his lifelong contributions. He's a true inspiration, a testament to resilience and unwavering passion.
(And definitely worth learning more about than just this case study can offer!)
This experience taught me invaluable lessons:
Remember your roots: Stay grounded and true to your values.
Humility is key: Success comes with a side of gratitude.
Empathy is power: Use it to connect, understand, and inspire.
Every project is a story: Find the unique narrative within and weave it into your design.
Dennis Survival isn't just a website it's a living testament to the power of human connection, cultural preservation, and the magic that happens when design finds its voice. It's a story that continues to unfold, and I'm grateful to have played a part in its exciting new chapter.
OS
Above: the new design of the site. Bottom: Promotional content for the site and Sun Hanover (Dennis Hanovers grandchild, a contender in the Israeli Ninja Warrior) , page 404 (I always love doing that)
Breathing New Life into a Legend
Dennis survival
The martial arts legacy
Breathing New Life into a Legend
Dennis survival
The martial arts legacy
What I did
UX information architect
Visual brand design
UI web design
Marketing design
Brand strategy
Project type
Digital
Independant
Martial arts
UX/UI
Social
Marketing
Branding
What I did
UX information architect
Visual brand design
UI web design
Marketing design
Brand strategy
Project type
Digital
Independant
Martial arts
UX/UI
Social
Marketing
Branding
What I did
UX information architect
Visual brand design
UI web design
Marketing design
Brand strategy
Project type
Digital
Independant
Martial arts
UX/UI
Social
Marketing
Branding