Across the South West and beyond, local stories are at risk of being forgotten. At Cosmic, we believe digital tools can help change that. This blog explores how we design accessible heritage websites and searchable archives that don’t just preserve the past, they bring it vividly to life. From community maps to visual storytelling platforms, each project is rooted in local pride and built to last.
At Cosmic, we design websites and digital archives that do more than display information, they connect people to their place, their past, and their community.
Our work often centres around accessible, image-searchable directories and interactive heritage maps. These tools don’t just look good, they’re built with sustainability, inclusion, and long-term community value at heart.
Here’s a look at some of our favourite projects, and how we helped bring them to life.
Project Type: Digital war memorial | Searchable image archive
For the village of Beer, we built a searchable digital archive honouring those who served in WWII. Each person is represented through a dedicated profile, often including photographs, documents, and historical notes. Designed to be both accessible and engaging, the site transforms local military history into a living, visual experience, supporting families, researchers, and future generations in remembering and reconnecting with their heritage.
Project Type: Heritage archive redesign & hosting
We redesigned and rebuilt the extensive archive of town records and maps for the Colyton Feoffees, a historic charitable trust with centuries of local significance. Alongside a fresh, user-friendly design, we continue to provide secure hosting and technical support. The result is a more accessible and searchable resource that allows one of Devon’s oldest charities to share its story in a modern digital format.
Project Type: National heritage map | Visual storytelling
We developed a nationwide interactive map to showcase stories and images from National Coastwatch Institution stations across the UK, using a clean, location-based interface for easy exploration. This scalable project connects Coastwatch volunteers, local communities, and the wider public with a rich visual history, supported by a powerful searchable image archive that continues to grow.
Project Type: Community map | Website redevelopment
We created a custom interactive allotment map for the South West Counties Allotment Association (SWCAA), making it easier for people to find community growing spaces near them. Alongside this, we’re redesigning their main website to improve usability. The map plays a key role in supporting local food resilience and community wellbeing by helping more people access and manage allotments.
Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots
Project Type: BAME heritage platform | Timeline & archive
We supported the creation and growth of this BAME heritage website, beginning in Exeter and expanding to towns across Devon. The platform features timelines, interviews, and story collections that highlight diverse contributions to local life from Roman times to the present day. It’s a powerful example of inclusive digital storytelling that brings hidden histories into view and makes them engaging for all.
Devon and Cornwall Policing Museum
Project Type: Museum website | Interactive archive
We supported the build and launch of an accessible website for the Devon and Cornwall Policing Museum, featuring digital exhibits, collections, and an intuitive design that works seamlessly across all devices. By combining thoughtful design with practical functionality, we made it easier for the public to explore and engage with the region’s policing history.
National Landscapes East Devon National Landscape & North Devon Coast National Landscapes
Projects Include:
- East Devon Way: Places to Eat, Drink and Sleep
- East Devon Ambassadors Map
- North Devon Explore Map
We developed interactive maps and visitor-focused website features to showcase the natural and cultural heritage of Devon’s National Landscapes (formerly AONBs). These tools are designed to support tourism, conservation, and education—offering a smart use of digital technology to promote sustainable travel, strengthen local economies, and help people connect with the countryside in meaningful ways
Why These Projects Work
What ties all of these websites together?
They’re image-driven, accessible, and community-first. We focus on:
Usability – Clear navigation and mobile-friendly layouts
If people can’t find what they need quickly, they won’t stay long. That’s why we focus on simple navigation and responsive design, making sure each site works seamlessly across devices. Whether someone’s browsing on a phone or searching records on a laptop, good usability keeps them engaged and gets better results for the project overall.
Longevity – Sustainable hosting, updates, and support
Websites aren’t one-off tasks, they need care to stay secure, fast, and functional. We provide sustainable hosting and ongoing support to keep things running smoothly well beyond launch day. It’s about more than going live, it’s about staying live, reliably and safely, for years to come.
Accessibility – WCAG-compliant designs for everyone
Accessibility isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s essential. We follow WCAG guidelines to make sure every user can access and enjoy the site, including those with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive challenges. Designing with inclusion in mind opens the door to wider audiences and fairer digital access for all.
Impact – Every project is rooted in local value and engagement
Our heritage projects are more than just websites, they’re platforms for connection. Built in partnership with communities, they help people share their stories, learn from the past, and build local pride. Whether it’s a digital archive or a tourism map, the real power lies in the voices behind the content and the value it brings to local life.
Are you Ready to Build Something Meaningful?
If you’re thinking about launching a heritage project, a visual archive, or a map-based website for your community or organisation, we’d love to help.
Let’s turn your local story into a powerful digital experience.