Our collaboration with travel retailer ARI has won a global digital award for excellence.

Formerly known as Aer Rianta, ARI operates in 14 countries across 5 continents, boasting a team of over 3,500 dedicated professionals. Following a global rebrand, ARI teamed up with WONDR to design a new website which would enhance their digital branding experience thus marking a fresh chapter for the company.

The Vega Awards honour digital creators, who pioneer new horizons in an ever-changing landscape, celebrating digital excellence worldwide. Out of 1,200 entries, from 22 countries ARI captured the Gold award for ‘Best Travel/Tourism Website’.

ARI‘s upgraded digital home showcases a modern and user-friendly design, featuring enhanced navigation and functionality. The digital expression of the brand perfectly embodies the company’s new identity and their commitment to providing joy in all they do.

ARI’s guiding principle, “Joy On Your Way,” serves as their north star, and drives them to create a journey filled with joy and discovery for every passenger, whether it’s shopping in their stores or engaging with partners in the boardroom.

About the Vega Digital Awards

Organised by the International Awards Associate (IAA), the Vega Digital Awards recognise excellence in various categories, including Websites, Video, Mobile, Social, Animation, Marketing, and Podcasts, while honouring outstanding digital achievements worldwide.

The judging panel was comprised of over 25 industry experts from around the globe who choose WONDR for a total of 5 awards as part of this years programme. As a result WONDR were also selected in the Top 10 Agency list for the second year in a row.

For the third consecutive year, WONDR’s work has been recognised by the Global Vega Digital Awards.

The 2023 Vega Digital Awards has concluded its first competitive season of the year and has announced its official winners, honouring digital media excellence throughout the world.

This year the awards programmes had over 1,200 submissions from 22 countries worldwide. We collected 5 top awards in the categories for Best Website in Biotechnology, Healthcare, Travel & Tourism, Broadcasting, Radio & Television and Professional Services Website.

The winners were…

But that’s not all…

Thanks to our exceptional performance and remarkable achievements, WONDR has proudly secured the prestigious #6 spot on the highly acclaimed Global Top 20 Agencies List.

Our consistent success in winning numerous awards year after year demonstrates our unparalleled expertise and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries in our industry. This remarkable achievement is a resounding testament to our unwavering growth and steadfast dedication, solidifying our position as a global leader in delivering top-notch quality work.

Continued Success

This is WONDR’s 13th Vega Global Digital Award since 2021, showcasing the skill and vastness of our talented team. Winning awards in various industries from MedTech, Energy, Insurance, Services & Utilities, FinTech, Banking & Finance, eCommerce, Social Networking and Travel & Tourism.

In total WONDR has collected 55 Design Awards from some of the world’s most prestigious design programmes, including the Webbys (USA), UX Design Awards (Germany) & the Lau Awards (Spain). Hopefully, these awards are the start of another successful year for us as we move towards our 10th year of business.

Thomas added….

“It is our privilege to honour these individuals who are expanding digital horizons every single day. As they continue to push the limits on what’s possible, we acknowledge and honour these leaders of the digital age.”

In a thrilling announcement, we would like to introduce Olawale Akigbogun as WONDR’s newest Digital Product Designer.

Wale is no stranger to WONDR, having previously interned with us in 2021. Now, armed with years of experience working with both in-house teams and agencies across Ireland, the UK, Spain, and Switzerland, Wale brings a fresh perspective to the dynamic world of design.

Wale’s journey in design has been nothing short of remarkable. Successfully transitioning from graphic design to product design. Working with a plethora of agencies, both locally and internationally, has enriched his expertise and shaped his unique design approach.

Wale’s portfolio boasts an array of impressive design experiences and projects. With a focus on design systems, he has collaborated with renowned businesses spanning multiple countries. From neo-banks and e-commerce ventures to software companies, Wale’s expertise traverses diverse sectors, showcasing his versatility as a designer.

Wale’s areas of expertise lie in visual design, where his talents truly shine. However, his design approach is grounded in thorough research, forming a solid foundation for his creative endeavours. With this well-rounded skill set, he is poised to make a substantial contribution to WONDR’s overall goals and objectives.

Always staying ahead of the curve, Wale keeps a keen eye on design trends and technologies. He finds inspiration from platforms like Awwwards, constantly exploring innovations and trends that push the boundaries of design.

Wale’s unique background, diverse experience, and unwavering passion make him a valuable asset to the team. As WONDR continues to shape the future with cutting-edge design solutions, Wale’s creativity and expertise will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in WONDR’s success.

WONDR were a sponsor at DE{CODE}, WP Engine’s Virtual Developer Conference, which took place on 23/24 March 2023.

Over 4,000 attendees from across the globe comprised of developers, designers, marketers, and other tech enthusiasts attended the event to learn about the latest trends and technologies in the WordPress ecosystem.

Here’s our takeouts from the event:

Technology is shaping the power dynamics

One of the most discussed topics at the conference was ‘how technology has shaped the power dynamics between designers, developers, and marketers’. Speakers shared insights into how these roles have evolved over time, and how they are now collaborating more closely than ever before to create successful websites and digital experiences.

WordPress’s latest advancements in low-code/no-code solutions through the WordPress Block Editor and Full Site Editing provide endless possibilities for our clients. We use this for many of our client deliveries as it allows for a faster development cycle and enables many different resources to contribute to the project at the same time, especially as you move into content editorialisation & UAT.

We have built up a vast library of re-usable, open-source components that significantly speed up development and allow our team and clients to have greater insight into rapid branding and content editorialisation. We’re thrilled to leverage these capabilities to deliver even more innovative and effective digital products for our clients.

Maximizing Conversions to drive revenue

A key topic we passionately agree with it is how to increase revenue by simplifying payment processes, using smart reporting, and optimising websites for better performance.

• On average, a consumer makes 19 online transactions per year.
• Although standard credit cards may be the most user-friendly way to shop online, it could be beneficial to offer multiple payment methods in order to address the high percentage (70%) of online cart abandonment and to simplify the overall checkout process.
• Offering multiple payment methods can address high cart abandonment rates and make the checkout process easier.

Simplifying the cart system and minimising distractions can also help increase conversions by minimising distractions. Streamlining the checkout process, including payment options, can lead to a better user experience and reduce cart abandonment.

Going Headless

We were particularly interested in the headless WordPress discussions at the conference. Separating the back-end and front-end of a website with this approach offers numerous benefits, including superior flexibility, scalability, and performance. 

For developers focused on headless builds, an Atlas Sandbox account, Atlas Blueprints, and Faust.js all provide excellent opportunities for exploring the possibilities of headless WordPress. Using Frost and Genesis, builders that encapsulate Block Editor or Full Site Editing tools to support any project workflow, including patterns, themes, and custom blocks is small all the way up to enterprise solutions

We’re always looking for new ways to improve our workflows, and headless WordPress offers us a wealth of opportunities. We’ve delivered headless WordPress experience with tools like Atlas Sandbox account, Atlas Blueprints, and Faust.js, which provide an excellent starting point for developers focused on headless builds.

We discussed this topic in more detail as part of an expert panel at WP Engine’s Ignite event.

Robust Privacy & Security

The changing privacy landscape and its impact on websites was also a key topic at DE{CODE}. With updated regulations and user expectations, it is more important than ever for websites to prioritise privacy and security. 

Speakers discussed best practices for protecting user data and shared insights on how to comply with privacy regulations.

We find WP Engine to be a very robust and secure platform that we’ve successfully used for large fintech & insurance clients where security is paramount. Coupled with partners like Cloudflare we find WP Engine to provide excellent support and reassurance to any clients looking at it as alternative to other providers.

For more on the latest trends and technologies discussed at DE{CODE}, view here.

WONDR has recently expanded its offering into the UAE market having successfully delivered cutting-edge digital products for clients across the US, Ireland, Spain & UK.

Our approach to digital products is global, incorporating the best of international design and technology trends to provide our clients with cutting-edge solutions.

WONDR is already delivering for clients in the UAE by defining the vision & roadmap for their business as well as developing engaging digital experiences for their customers.

The emirate’s vibrant economy and commitment to innovation make it an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand their operations in the Middle East. WONDR have recognised this potential and we are actively building our client base in the Middle East to help businesses in the region succeed in an increasingly digital world.

About Us

Our work is globally benchmarked by the world’s most trusted technology brands, most recently we have been featured in global cases studies by Microsoft, Liferay & WP Engine.

We have a proven portfolio of work that has delivered significant revenue uplifts for our clients as well as being recognised by the world’s most prestigious design programmes such as the Webby’s & the UX Design Awards.

Learn more about our 3 step process and how we work.

Marilese is a great addition to the WONDR team fitting right into our culture of driven professionals who are passionate about the power of design.

She has worked in South Africa, the Netherlands and our lucky isle of Ireland. With expertise in client relationships, partnership roll-outs, and process elevation, Marilese is always looking at the bigger picture & we believe she will help WONDR continue on an upward trajectory in our recent successes.

Marilese continued … “Design has the power to convey a brand’s values, tone, and personality. Good design can make a brand stand out in a crowded market, and it can help build trust and credibility with potential customers. “

Creating a Customer-Centric Culture

At WONDR we believe a positive and inclusive work environment not only makes employees feel valued and appreciated but also translates into better client relationships and higher-quality work.

When everyone is working towards the same goals and values, it creates a sense of unity and purpose that can drive success for the whole team.

The Art of Customer Excellence

We are committed to providing top-quality digital solutions for all of WONDR’s clients. Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients is crucial to our success. We build strong relationships through collaboration.

Our clients are experts in their industry, and we value their input and insights throughout the design process. By working together, we are able to create a product that not only meets their needs, but also exceeds their expectations.

We also understand that our clients’ needs and goals may change over time, and we strive to be flexible and adaptable to these changes. This means being proactive in our communication and being willing to make adjustments as needed.

Marilese added…”Communication is also key – I make sure to keep clients informed throughout the project and encourage them to provide feedback so that we can make any necessary adjustments.”

At WONDR,  we believe that our success is directly tied to the success of our clients. By focusing on building strong client relationships and delivering high-quality design solutions, we are able to help our clients achieve their goals and stand out in a crowded digital marketplace.

With Marilese’s wealth of experience and commitment to creating top-quality solutions for our clients, we know that she will be a valuable asset to our team.

Microsoft, one of the world’s most trusted technology companies, have globally benchmarked ESB’s Real Time Visualisation (RTV) Application in a new case study.

The case focuses on the story behind How Microsoft is empowering ESB to achieve its Net Zero 2040 ambition.

The team in ESB Generation and Trading manage, monitor and trade energy across the island. With an ambitious target of Net Zero by 2040, ESB sought to streamline its processes and make data-informed decisions faster.

Microsoft’s global case study documents the impact of the RTV app over the past 12 months as it is enabling ESB to process essential trading information, plan days in advance how they deploy their power stations, and make informed faster decisions.

Working with WONDR, ESB leveraged Microsoft Power BI and Azure to develop a centralised hub, a user-friendly, simple visualisation of all the energy assets across the island of Ireland such as market price, market dynamics, and what renewables are in the system.

The RTV app drives focus in the right area to help ESB understand where they are generating the most carbon within ESB’s portfolio and where their focus should be in future planning, forecasting, and preparing KPIs and strategies to achieve Net Zero 2040.

Along with being Globally Benchmarked by Microsoft, ESB RTV app is also a global award winner at the UX Design Awards, one of the most prestigious international awarding bodies, who honour the impact accomplished UX design has on shaping a positive living environment for all.

Given the positive impact that the technology is already having within ESB, there are now plans to extend it to broader areas of the business in order to ensure access to business-critical information in real-time and better enable the company to make positive strategic decisions with regards to energy.

The highly anticipated 26th edition of the Spider Awards is approaching, and this year, WONDR has stepped forward as the sponsor of the Best Digital Brand award.

The Best Digital Brand award celebrates organisations that have executed a clear digital strategy for their brand and achieved their goals.

WONDR’s sponsorship of the Best Digital Brand award highlights the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the digital space.

WONDR has been making waves in the industry since its launch, with its innovative approach to creating immersive and interactive experiences. WONDR aims to help brands create meaningful connections with their customers, and sponsoring the Best Digital Brand award demonstrates this support for brands that are doing just that.

The Spider Awards

This year marks the 26th anniversary of the prestigious Spider Awards. The Spider Awards recognise excellence in website design and development, and winning an award is an honour in the industry. The judging committee will be made up of Ireland’s leading web experts, business leaders, luminaries and visionaries.

This year’s Spider Awards promises to be a celebration of the best Irish web designs and innovations. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 20th March 2023, and we can’t wait to see who takes home the Best Digital Brand award.

It’s official, we’re finalists for two awards at 26th annual Spider Awards.

We’re finalists in the category for Best Website for our work on Innovate Health TUH as well as finalists in the Best Large Agency category.

The Spider Awards recognise excellence in website design and development, so it’s an honour to be recognised among the top contenders in our field.

Innovate Health TUH

We’re finalists in the category of ‘Best Website’ for our recent collaboration with Innovate Health Tallaght University Hospital (TUH).

The new website was one of the key outputs from a more comprehensive strategic brand review exercise done in collaboration with Ringers, resulting in a new naming, position and brand identity.

We delivered a new website to support their plans to attract investors and partners in a competitive market which includes household names like the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Medical School and Stanford Medical School.

WONDR – A Digital Product Practice

We’re finalists in the ‘Best Large Agency‘ category. This award recognises the top agencies that have consistently delivered outstanding work across a variety of projects and clients.

At WONDR, we pride ourselves on our ability to work with a diverse range of clients and deliver results that matter for digital business owners.

It’s been a very successful year as we’ve collected 22 awards from some of the world’s most prestigious design award programmes for clients in fintech, banking, energy, blockchain, healthcare and ecommerce.

This year’s finalist announcement follows on our success in 2022, where WONDR collected a ‘Best in eCommerce’ Spiders Award for Likha Aesthetic Clinic.

We look forward to the awards ceremony, which takes place on March 3rd in the Mansion House, Dublin.

WONDR were guest speakers on the latest video series by Velocitize Magazine.

In the latest episode of Velocitize Talks, our very own Peter Delaney (Director of Product & Technology – WONDR) shares his thoughts on emerging trends in fintech, blockchain and e-commerce.

Velocitize Talks is an award-winning video series featuring agency innovators, digital disruptors and marketing leaders from around the world. The publication is delivered by WP Engine to provide insights into the shifting trends and innovative technologies defining digital marketing today.

Peter also joined an expert industry panel at WP Engine’s Ignite event in London to share his experience building cutting edge digital products on the world’s most trusted enterprise WordPress platform.