06/16/2007
Although there are a handful of degree programs focused on labor relations, the UMass Labor Relations Center is one of the only graduate degree programs in the country which is decidedly pro-union.
The center was founded in 1964 and offers a unique combination of educational programs ranging from course work to internships with focus on worker's rights. The UMass Labor program is headed up by Tom Juravich, who takes his guitar to work and has an Arlo Guthrie sort of vibe to him; his down-to-Earth, "for the people" kind of mentality and easy personality really inspired our designs for the site.
We began with a working class, union style, color pallet - added to it a grainy, industrial, blue-collar, old-news paper kind of look - then combined the whole thing with some eye catching photos from Paul Shoul and came up with a very human and approachable website to complement the Labor Center's curriculum focus.
If you were to visit the Labor Center you would find, at the heart of the building, a cafeteria and community meeting space; on the wall is a list of the names of every worker that worked on the
building.
Ultimately, while working on this website, we strove to convey the same feeling of pride in work well done that the labor center's building conveys.
Gravity Switch is an experienced web/multimedia design firm with a knowledgeable and friendly staff; approximately a third of our business in the Higher Education Market.
For information about working with Gravity Switch please call [413] 586-9596.