Case Study
The Dignity Index
A thoughtful rebuild that transformed a complex, code-heavy site into a streamlined, sustainable platform.
Project Snapshot
Client: The Dignity Index
Services: Website Redesign & Rebuild
Platform: Squarespace
Key Outcome: Reduced 3,000+ lines of custom code to fewer than 50
Project Overview
The Dignity Index partnered with Blue Crow Studio to rebuild and modernize their website—transforming a highly complex, code-heavy site into a streamlined, user-friendly platform their team could confidently manage.
By upgrading from Squarespace 7.0 to 7.1 and rebuilding the site from the ground up, we preserved the integrity of their original design while dramatically improving usability, flexibility, and long-term sustainability.
About the Client
The Dignity Index is a nonprofit organization focused on improving the quality of public discourse by providing tools and frameworks that promote dignity, respect, and understanding.
Their work is thoughtful, impactful, and deeply rooted in communication—so having a clear, accessible, and easy-to-manage website is essential to sharing their mission.
The Transformation
When The Dignity Index reached out, their website looked great—but behind the scenes, it was difficult to manage and maintain.
Before
Built on Squarespace 7.0 with platform limitations
Over 3,000 lines of custom code
Difficult to update without breaking elements
Dependent on a developer for even small changes
After
Fully rebuilt on Squarespace 7.1
Fewer than 50 lines of custom code
Streamlined, user-friendly backend
Flexible and easy for the team to update
A scalable foundation for future growth
The Challenge
The Dignity Index already had a beautifully designed website—but behind the scenes, it had become difficult to manage.
The original site relied heavily on custom code to work around the limitations of Squarespace 7.0. While effective at the time, this approach made ongoing updates increasingly difficult.
When the original designer moved on, the team was left with a site that was:
challenging to edit
fragile when changes were made
difficult to maintain without technical expertise
They needed a solution that would simplify the backend while preserving the design they already loved.
The Approach
We began with a collaborative conversation to fully understand the challenges, goals, and future plans for the site.
Rather than starting over, we identified a more thoughtful solution: rebuild and upgrade.
Strategy & Planning
We mapped out what was working, what wasn’t, and what the team needed moving forward. The goal was to retain the visual identity while creating a much more manageable system behind the scenes.
Rebuilding on Squarespace 7.1
Because Squarespace 7.0 and 7.1 are fundamentally different systems, a direct upgrade wasn’t possible.
Instead, I rebuilt the entire site in 7.1 while the original site remained live—then transitioned it over section by section to ensure zero downtime.
Streamlining the Code
A major part of this project involved reviewing and understanding over 3,000 lines of custom code.
For each piece, I determined whether it could be:
replaced with native 7.1 functionality
or rewritten to work within the new system
By leveraging modern platform features, I reduced the custom code to fewer than 50 lines—dramatically improving the site’s usability and stability.
Enhancements & Updates
During the rebuild, we also:
updated and refined existing pages
added new pages to support evolving needs
removed outdated or unused content
This ensured the new site wasn’t just easier to manage—it was also more aligned with the organization’s current goals.
Behind the Build
This project wasn’t just about improving the website—it was about making it sustainable.
By reducing reliance on custom code and using Squarespace 7.1’s built-in features, the new site is:
easier for the team to update
less likely to break with changes
more adaptable as the organization grows
This approach reduces long-term costs, minimizes frustration, and gives the team more control over their own website.
The Result
The final website maintains the original design vision while functioning in a completely new way behind the scenes.
The Dignity Index now has:
a fully rebuilt, modern Squarespace 7.1 website
a significantly simplified backend
the ability to make updates more easily and confidently
a flexible foundation for future growth
What was once a complex, code-heavy system is now a streamlined, sustainable platform.
What It Was Like to Work Together
This project was highly collaborative from start to finish.
We worked closely through each phase—talking through challenges, reviewing updates, and making thoughtful decisions along the way. Because the project involved technical complexity, I guided the team through what was happening behind the scenes and why certain decisions were made.
The goal wasn’t just to deliver a finished website—it was to create something the team felt confident using and understood how to maintain moving forward.
Following the project, I’ve continued working with The Dignity Index as an on-call website designer—providing ongoing support as needed.
Thinking About a Project Like This?
A thoughtful rebuild can make all the difference
If your website feels difficult to update, overly complex, or dependent on custom code, you’re not alone.
In many cases, you don’t need to start from scratch—you just need a thoughtful rebuild that simplifies the backend while preserving what’s already working.
At Blue Crow Studio, we create websites that are not only beautiful, but also practical, flexible, and built to support your team long-term.