Elevating Digital Brand and Accessibility with High Point University
About High Point University: Innovation Meets Intention
Located in High Point, North Carolina, High Point University is a private liberal arts institution with approximately 5,000 undergraduate students. The university’s commitment to providing a high-touch, personalized experience extends beyond academics and into its digital presence, making its partnership with Concept3D a natural fit.
“Because we are a small school, we want to make sure that everything can be branded specifically for us. The customization Concept3D offers really supports that.”
Annie Cline, Senior Director of Interactive Media
Limitations of Google Maps
Before partnering with Concept3D, High Point University operated with several disconnected systems for campus navigation and event management. The university directed visitors to Google Maps for wayfinding but their lack of ability to highlight handicapped pathways, cumbersome approval process, limitations on customization and agency to name specific buildings presented unignorable challenges.
The WordPress Events Calendar Pro plugin for event listings along with HPU Connect also presented inherent limitations through operational inefficiencies and confusion for both users and administrators. Families and visitors struggled to find event information or directions, and administrators had limited control over the campus’s online representation.
Key challenges included:
- Inconsistent naming conventions and limited control over campus listings in Google Maps.
- Disconnected systems with no integration between maps, events, and campus platforms.
- Lack of ADA routing and accessibility features.
- Redundant administrative work and slow approval processes.
As Cline explained, “We wanted something that was easily customized and would really speak to our brand. Concept3D has really given that opportunity to us. When I found out that you had Localist I thought great, even more things under one house.”
(Before Concept3D)
(With Concept3D)
The Solution: A Unified, Branded, and Accessible Digital Ecosystem
To solve these challenges, High Point University implemented Concept3D’s Interactive Map and Localist Events platforms, creating a cohesive, elevated and branded digital environment for all campus experiences.
The Interactive Map gave HPU full control over its campus representation: it allows for custom building names, categories, and visuals that align with the university’s identity. Meanwhile, the Localist Events platform introduced a modern, branded events calendar with the ability for users to register and add events directly to their personal calendars.
By connecting the two systems, HPU achieved true integration. Event pages in Localist now include Concept3D maps, ensuring users never leave the branded environment. The integration with 25Live also simplified event management by automatically feeding in approved events for display, giving staff a single hub for curation and publishing.
“It’s just the simple and seamless integration of being on an event, and you scroll down and see the map that you’re used to seeing elsewhere. It’s not jarring. It all looks the same and it just makes sense.”
Annie Cline, Senior Director of Interactive Media
Implementation and Partnership: Collaboration That Drives Results
The implementation process was fast, collaborative, and supported by Concept3D’s partner success team. Since HPU already used Concept3D’s Interactive Map, adding Localist was a smooth expansion rather than a new vendor process.
“There were literally no questions asked about it. It made sense, the pricing justified the spend and was easy to say yes to.” Cline said.
Cline also emphasized the positive relationship with the Concept3D team. “I look forward to the calls,” she said. “They’re productive, I always get something out of them, and the quickness in response is stellar.”
This consistent and proactive support reinforced the university’s confidence in Concept3D as a long-term partner.
The Results: A More Connected, Accessible, and Branded Campus Experience
Consistent, Elevated Look and Feel Across Every Touchpoint
Concept3D’s integration of the Interactive Map and Localist Events created a seamless, visually consistent digital experience that reinforced HPU’s brand identity. Students, families, and visitors can move between event pages and maps without ever feeling like they’ve left the HPU ecosystem.
Big Day Event Clarity That Reduces Questions and Stress
HPU saw immediate improvements in communication during major campus events such as Family Weekend. Visitors easily accessed event schedules, directions, and registration links in one place.
“There was not a single email that came through about where something was, what was happening, or what day. I’d call that a win.” said Cline.
Future events that the team is excited to host include Veteran’s Day, where many elderly visitors who are less comfortable operating technology can seamlessly find where they need to go with Concept3D.
Accessibility and Inclusion at the Forefront
Concept3D’s ADA wayfinding features elevated HPU’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring visitors of all abilities could navigate the campus with ease.
“Because we were able to do the wayfinding for people who are handicapped, it really shows the intention to make it user-friendly for those that need it. We’re all about that.” said Cline.
Streamlined Operations and Simplified Event Management
With system integrations, staff no longer need to manually duplicate event information. Events automatically feed into Localist, where administrators can approve and publish with ease, saving time and improving consistency across departments.
Why It Matters: Aligning Brand, Experience, and Innovation
For an institution like High Point University—small in size but bold in spirit—Concept3D’s integrated platform provides the digital sophistication of a large university while preserving the school’s luxury, elevated brand. The partnership has unified HPU’s brand presentation, streamlined its internal processes, and elevated accessibility across its digital channels.
“Because we’re a small school, we want to make sure everything can be branded specifically for us. Concept3D and Localist Events let us do that.”
Annie Cline, Senior Director of Interactive Media
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Digital Campus with Concept3D
High Point University continues to strengthen its partnership with Concept3D by exploring new tools, including Room Reservations, that will further consolidate campus operations under a single, integrated vendor.
“I want everything in one little bubble, one little house,” Cline said. “Admins can dive into all three aspects, and it just all works together. You guys are my favorite vendors to work with.”
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