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Iconoclast Artists
Let's Do It.
Dr. Matthew H. Russell
Founder and Director, Iconoclast Artists
Matt possesses both the intelligence and insight to recognize opportunities where others may see barriers, and to foster relationships where others might focus on differences. His discipline and integrity allow him to effectively harness the skills and resources around him, transforming how people collaborate in ways that are both innovative and practical. Iconoclast Artists stands as a shining testament to his work, and we are honored to have played a part in it.
Project 1: LMS - Hybrid Learning
Challenge:
In early 1999 we learned of a unique challenge Iconoclast Artists had in their classrooms. Their head teacher, a breakdancer and poet, was having incredible success in the classroom but learned that some students were missing because some of them had been incarcerated, faced deportation or other challenges facing students in resource depleted neighborhoods. Iconoclast Artists saw technology as an opportunity. By moving classes online, students could join virtually from anywhere. This approach would also allowed them to expand their reach beyond Houston.
Solution:
ZOIQ created a platform that moved their coursework online and allowed students to attend class virtually.
Execution:
In the middle of the project, Covid-19 caused the world to go into lock-down. Hybrid learning, which had limited application up until that point, became the norm and everyone quickly shifted to online learning. The platform continued to be built and allowed students to connect to class virtually and stay connected to the community through the pandemic and afterwards.
Outcome:
Covid changed the scope from a sub-set of students to all students being able to attend class in the classroom, hybrid or virtually.
UX
CX, UX & Interaction Design
DX
Design Systems
WD
Web Design
BX
Frontend & Backend Web Dev
2019
The project was launched in early 2019 with the ambition to get curriculum online and provide a better experience than Kahoot which was the leading technology at the time in the classroom. A prototype was built and approved by the Iconoclast Artists board.
2020-2023
In early 2020, the development was in full swing and then Covid-19 hit. Overnight, a fringe idea became mainstream challenge to get students into a virtual classroom. Although it changed the scope and features of the app, the experience gave us a once in a lifetime opportunity to build, test and watch or idea work in real time.
2023-2024
The pandemic receded which changed the focus of the app once again. There were internal changes within Iconoclast Artists which caused the app to be put on hold while the schools systems readjusted to post-Covid reality. In late 2024, Iconoclast Artists re-entered the greater Houston and Galveston school systems.
Project 2: Website Redesign
Challenge:
As a new start-up, platforms like WiX and SquareSpace are go-to sites for getting your name out there as a first step of building your reputation. As you grow, life gets more complex and saying exactly what you want to say becomes more and more important. As they went through this stage, Iconoclast Artists wanted a website that was unique and would stand out from the crowd.
Solution:
Using their budget, we designed a website that was more aligned to their mission and ambitions. Their new website is a reflection of who they are today and reflects their growth as an organization.
Execution:
We spent time with talking with them and others who were impacted by their work and found their voice through interviews, old photos and their platform. We also wanted to use a color scheme that was unique to them and their audience from students to foundations could appreciate.
Outcome:
Their website footprint is now more aligned to their mission and ambitions. It is a reflection of who they are today and reflects their growth as an organization.
UX
CX, UX & Interaction Design
DX
Design Systems
WD
Web Design
BX
Frontend & Backend Web Dev