Nonprofit · Global trade · WordPress
A custom WordPress platform for the E15Initiative.
1 month
Full design & build to launch
No plugins
100% custom-coded features
Multi-layout
Switchable homepage templates
Since 2009
Long-term ICTSD partnership
The backdrop
Strategic analysis for the global trade system.
ICTSD launched the E15Initiative (E15) in 2011 to convene world-class experts and institutions, generating strategic analysis and recommendations for government, business, and civil society.
The goal: strengthen the global trade and investment system for sustainable development — and present that work in a fast, accessible web platform.
World-class trade analysis, presented for a global audience.
Layouts the client can switch by occasion, from the admin panel.
Design
Mobile-first layouts and a switchable template engine.
E15 needed an impressive, mobile-friendly experience, so rather than simply shrinking the desktop layout we studied the requirements and prioritized features for mobile screens.
Because the client needed different layouts per occasion, we created a separate template engine for the homepage with multiple layouts switchable from the admin panel.
Development
A dynamic, plugin-free platform engineered to last.
We developed a dynamic platform where each blog, event, and publication is a separate post, then built custom interlinking so events, publications, and blogs surface together with related speakers — each with its own menu.
Every feature was custom-coded with no third-party plugin dependency, so each area can be upgraded independently in the future.
A featured deliverable
Interlinked content engine
A featured deliverable
Publications, blogs, events, and speakers are interlinked through admin-managed logic and search criteria — the client manages relationships with simple options and drag-and-drop, with no developer involvement.
Why it worked
Custom code, quality, and a tight one-month timeline.
When E15 came to OST, the site had to be built and live in one month. We hit each milestone with minimal rework by mapping interlinked requirements and future scope up front.
- Fully custom code — no third-party plugins
- Admin-managed interlinking of all content types
- Multiple homepage layouts switchable on demand
- Feature-post placement controlled by the client
- Multi-file upload and author linking with sorting
- Ajax lazy-load for fast, interactive listings
Tech stack
What's under the hood.
Need a content platform built to last?
We build plugin-free, fully custom platforms that your team controls — engineered for performance and future growth.