Why:
The „Kulturstiftung der Länder“ (Cultural Foundation of the German States – KSl) is a leading institution committed to advancing cultural education across Germany. With the launch of the new online portal Makura, the Foundation expands its efforts by providing a central platform for cultural professionals and policymakers. In Spring 2021, we were commissioned, alongside the digital agency Valid, to design and develop this national web portal.
Overview:
Makura aims to promote cultural education in Germany and enhance its political and societal significance. The portal facilitates the networking of institutions and professionals, encourages collaborations, and offers a wealth of resources and best practices from all federal states.
What:
The primary challenge was to collect, organize, and make accessible existing concepts, methods, and materials in cultural education. Makura goes beyond mere knowledge dissemination, establishing itself as a digital hub that reinforces cultural education as a cross-cutting societal issue.
Our Solution:
We supported the strategy development process in the initial phase and created a comprehensive user and content concept. Additionally, we led the naming process, culminating in the creation of the name Makura.
Makura is a neologism derived from the words “curation” and “culture.” This coined term sets a new standard in cultural education, giving the platform a unique identity.
Our Approach:
Information. Orientation. Inspiration.
The concept of culture guides Makura’s design system and provides a clear structure for users. It integrates the Cultural Foundation’s corporate design and combines two typefaces: the modern serif Gazpacho, inspired by magazines from the 1970s and 80s, and the timeless sans-serif Helvetica. Organic shapes in the design symbolize the dynamism of the cultural concept, offering a contrast to institutional guidelines.
An interactive map of Germany allows users to access cultural education offerings across all 16 federal states. The platform is further enriched with filtering options, a bookmarking feature, a materials library, as well as podcasts and videos. Built on TYPO3, the portal is designed to be barrier-free, modular, and dynamic, ensuring optimal usability across all devices.
We designed various advertising materials and advertisements to communicate the website.
