The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining
IOM3 is a UK-based professional engineering institution supporting the materials, minerals, and mining sectors. With a membership of over 18,000 individuals across industry, academia, and research, IOM3 promotes innovation and sustainability throughout the entire materials cycle, from extraction and processing to application, recycling, and reuse.
We were brought on board by IOM3 to redevelop their website as part of a wider digital transformation strategy. The goal was to improve user experience, streamline internal systems, and integrate the site with their bespoke CRM platform. Their existing website was built on a legacy CMS, with limited flexibility, inconsistent user journeys, and inefficient content workflows. Membership services were disconnected across platforms, making both administration and user engagement unnecessarily complex.
Collaborating closely with IOM3’s digital, communications, and membership teams, we delivered a fully integrated Drupal platform with enhanced UX, CRM connectivity, and simplified content management, setting the foundation for a more agile and efficient digital presence.
The client’s primary objectives included:
- Improving user experience and membership journeys
We developed an intuitive, responsive design with clear navigation and structured pathways tailored to different user types, from prospective members and industry partners to long-standing fellows. The updated site architecture supports a seamless journey for users exploring IOM3’s work, managing their profiles, and engaging with content across devices. - Flexible content management
The new Drupal site included a component-based editing system, giving IOM3’s internal teams the tools to create, update, and publish content independently. This flexibility enables quicker updates to sector insights, events, and member services, reducing reliance on external support whilst also enhancing responsiveness. - Enhancing membership engagement and self-service
We implemented a custom integration between Drupal and IOM3’s Advanced NFP CRM product “Concept”, enabling personalised dashboards, profile management, and secure access to member-only content. This dramatically improved user autonomy and administrative efficiency, while supporting deeper engagement with IOM3’s services and communications. - Strengthening institutional identity and clarity
A refreshed design and content structure provide greater visibility into IOM3’s diverse activities, research, and communities. By highlighting key sectors, strategic priorities, and industry impact, the site reinforces IOM3’s authority and relevance across the materials lifecycle. - Supporting internal efficiency and systems alignment
To ensure a sustainable in-house setup, we delivered detailed documentation, training, and a streamlined back-end interface. The deep CRM integration unites multiple data and communication processes, making the site a central hub for membership services, analytics, and digital strategy.
Integrated UX and membership focused user journeys
Throughout the project, we maintained a close partnership with IOM3’s digital, membership, and communications teams. This ensured the build delivered not just a new website, but a robust, future-ready platform able to support long-term strategy and operational goals.
The membership‑centric focus drove the UX and architecture. New users are guided through intuitive profile flows; members access personalised dashboards and relevant content; and internal tools support efficient moderation, administration, and campaign updates with minimal technical overhead.
The result is a streamlined, high‑performance digital platform that supports IOM3’s evolving mission, enhances organisational agility, helps deliver better user engagement, and prepares the institution for future digital transformation and growth. It empowers internal teams to operate more effectively, strengthens connections with members and stakeholders, and provides a flexible foundation for continuous digital innovation and development over time.
Project achievements
Since launch, IOM3’s digital performance has shown meaningful improvements:
- Profile registrations soared; member log‑ins grew nearly 100×, boosting engagement.
- Organic traffic doubled, thanks to stronger SEO and site architecture.
- Homepage visits rose by 17%, while session duration increased by 35%.
- Bounce rate dropped by 13%, indicating improved user experience
“The new website gives a visual identity to our activity groups and makes use of the great images that represent our industry – which makes for a much more attractive site. It’s also very valuable that we now have flexibility in how we manage and present content, and we can easily manage users and view user data.”
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Let’s create something brilliant together
For over 20 years we’ve specialised in designing and developing bespoke public and internal facing systems for our clients. Our expertise includes custom LMS platforms, CRM development, grant application tooling, integrations with third-party tools, user experience design, accessibility compliance and long-term support. We deliver robust, secure systems that handle complex requirements while remaining flexible for growth and innovation. Call us now on 020 8747 3274 or send us a message to get going.
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