Devvista was commissioned by Gary Parr to develop ParrShakespeare.org , a digital platform created to honor exceptional high school educators teaching Shakespeare. The site supports the prestigious $10,000 Parr Shakespeare Prize, awarded annually to three outstanding teachers. Launched on April 23, 2025, the website was built with a focus on accessibility, prestige, and ease of use, providing a seamless experience for educators, nominators, and students alike.
The client required a platform that could strike a balance between the historical significance of Shakespeare and the expectations of modern digital usability. The site needed to reflect the academic prestige of the prize while remaining accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise. A key challenge was crafting an intuitive, user-friendly interface for submitting detailed nominations — all while ensuring optimal performance and a professional visual tone.
Devvista approached this project with a user-first mindset. We employed a clean, responsive design and developed an intuitive multi-step nomination form that minimized friction during the application process. Branding elements were thoughtfully integrated to preserve the intellectual tone and cultural depth associated with Shakespeare, while also maintaining modern usability standards. Every interaction on the site was streamlined to enhance clarity, reduce cognitive load, and encourage engagement.
Fully responsive design optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile.
Custom multi-step nomination form for a guided, user-friendly application process.
Custom WordPress backend for flexible content management by non-technical admins.
Accessibility-first layout, ensuring ease of use for all audiences.
Elegant, academic visual design aligning with the cultural significance of the award.
The platform was built using WordPress for its scalability and admin-friendly interface. We integrated a selection of performance-optimized plugins to handle form submissions, dynamic content, and SEO. Custom code was added to refine responsiveness and streamline user interactions across all device types. The result is a fast, clean, and flexible system for both frontend users and backend administrators.
The launch of ParrShakespeare.org marks a significant achievement in celebrating literature and education. The site not only supports Gary Parr’s mission to honor Shakespearean educators but also establishes a scalable digital foundation for future prize editions. Educators now have a central, user-friendly portal to share their impact — and receive the recognition they deserve. The platform has helped spotlight the role of teachers in shaping the next generation of literary thinkers.
