Challenge
Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop, envisioned a transformative tool to bridge the gap between families and summer programs in the St. Louis area. Many families, particularly those from marginalized communities, lacked awareness of the available opportunities to engage their children in enriching activities.
The solution needed to be simple and accessible, designed to address these gaps by delivering timely information on summer camps and programs. Clark’s idea was to create a mobile-friendly web application that could serve as a central hub for summer planning. Beyond serving local families, the concept needed scalability, allowing the format to be replicated in other cities.
Blueprint4 turned to Technology Partners to bring this vision to life with a user-friendly, impactful solution.
Solution
Technology Partners worked closely with Blueprint4 to develop a functional and intuitive web application, leveraging their proprietary concept design process to bring the vision to life.
The plan involved:
- Concept Design Sessions: Collaborating with Blueprint4 to wireframe the application, focusing on simplicity, scalability, and user experience.
- Community-Centric Development: Ensuring the design met the needs of diverse families, including those with limited technological access.
- Mobile-Optimized Platform: Creating a responsive design to ensure accessibility across devices, making it easy for parents to plan activities on the go.
Maxine Clark praised the partnership, noting Technology Partners’ commitment to the "partner" ethos in their name and their dedication to achieving the project’s mission.
Results
The launch of the Blueprint4 app transformed summer planning for families in St. Louis, making it a trusted resource for parents and a vital tool for the community.
The application now hosts information for over 4,500 camps and programs, providing parents with a centralized platform to explore and schedule activities. Even major media outlets like the St. Louis Post-Dispatch have turned to the system as a reliable resource for summer program listings.
Blueprint4 is a shining example of how technology can strengthen communities. This project demonstrates the power of accessible design to make a real difference in people’s lives, empowering families and giving children opportunities to thrive.
Matt Nicolls
Service Line Manager, Technology Partners
By connecting families to programs that foster learning, creativity, and engagement, the application has had a lasting impact on the community, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to make the most of their summer.
Key Outcomes
- Expanded Access: Over 4,500 programs listed, benefiting thousands of families in the St. Louis area.
- Community Engagement: Strengthened ties between local organizations and families through improved accessibility.
- Scalable Design: A replicable format that can be extended to other cities.
- Enhanced Usability: Mobile-friendly and intuitive features that ensure ease of use for parents and caregivers.
