Irene V. Hylton Planetarium

Case Study

The Irene V. Hylton Planetarium, located within C.D. Hylton High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, provides immersive astronomy experiences for students and the public. Following a major renovation, including a new dome and laser system, the planetarium expanded beyond school programs to offer public shows and private events. They needed a website and branding that matched their modernized facility and growing audience.

The Challenge

The existing website had not been updated in over 15 years. Built on an outdated WordPress blog layout, it lacked engaging visuals, was difficult to navigate, and barely appeared in search engine results. Its plain black background and minimal design failed to reflect the excitement of the planetarium’s new capabilities. Show information was buried or missing, and there was no way to effectively highlight their renovations or upcoming events.

Additionally, the planetarium needed a structured way to catalog over 100 shows, making it easy for educators and the public to search, sort, and filter programs. Their branding had to align with the Prince William County School System, requiring the use of their blue and gold color scheme while maintaining a distinct, engaging look. They also needed materials like flyers, eclipse glasses, and event tickets to reinforce their identity.

The Solution

We built a custom WordPress website with a dynamic, space-themed design, incorporating the required school colors while adding cosmic-inspired elements. To make the experience more engaging, we introduced custom illustrations, animations, and an astronaut mascot, guiding visitors through the site. High-quality photography showcased the immersive nature of their live shows, while SEO optimization improved search rankings.

A custom database system was developed to organize their extensive show catalog, allowing users to easily browse programs by age group, topic, and availability. Navigation was streamlined to ensure quick access to event details, private bookings, and educational resources. The branding was extended across print materials, ensuring a consistent and professional look across all touchpoints.