Emeryville, CA 06.06 - 09.06 - ARC Solutions was launched in 2001 as the second web-based association management application. Avectra, the original market leader in this space launched six months earlier. ARC hired Busse Design to create "Polaris", the fifth generation of ARC's Membership Application Platform (MAP). Polaris was a complete rewrite of the back-end and client functionality, taking advantage of the lessons-learned from existing customers, and to help ARC move out of just the Association world, to the wider world of event planning.

The high-level goals of Polaris were to: increase efficiency in deploying clients by an improved data conversion process and online training, deploy two separate interfaces (on for Internal/Staff, Association management and one for External/Member, Association members) each with their own look, create a modular UI that is able to grow flexibly with the addition of new features in future releases, restructure for a more command driven architecture, go to an ASP model with monthly charges, with supplemental Professional Services (e.g. data cleansing), Want to have different "editions" for different types of associations, for example professional societies (individuals), trade (companies), bar (lawyers), labor unions.

When Busse Design took on the project the emphasis was on UI design and structuring. ARC already had an established brand for the company with the logo and current collaterals. ARC was not necessarily bound to reusing the company branding in the Polaris design, so BDU explored a wide range of visual designs, with one including the original branding. The original icon ultimately was kept, evolved, and incorporated into a more professional look and feel.

About ARC Solutions
ARC Solutions, Inc. was founded by two MIT graduates in response to the ever growing need of membership associations to manage their membership economically and efficiently. Based in Washington, DC, ARC started as a common-sense approach to a real problem - the void of cost-effective, customized association management software solutions. At ARC Solutions, we understand that technology is only as good as those who use it, and change is only as effective as those who adopt it. Though we strive to stay on the cutting edge, using state of the art tools such as Microsoft .NET and XML/Web Services as our solutions' technological underpinnings, we recognize that the most important part of any innovation is the culture and resources of those who would adopt it. We are driven by the demands of our customers and propelled by the elusive goals of operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and an unparalleled membership experience. With well over a dozen modules, we have an electronic solution for just about any business process you can throw at us. For more information, please visit http://www.arcsolutionsinc.com.

About Busse Design USA
Busse Design USA Inc., founded in 1997, and Busse Design Ulm GmbH, founded in 1959, together form a full-service design agency. Busse Design USA provides a wide range of services for their clients —including user interface design, product design and development, branding and packaging design, and a wide range of usability testing services. Working from a human factors perspective, Busse Design USA combines compelling design with strong process methodologies that result in superior user experiences for both its clients and their customers and partners. Headquartered in a restored 1913 building in Emeryville, CA — home to one of the largest populations of artists studios in the San Francisco Bay Area — Busse Design USA employs accomplished designers, Human Computer Interaction specialists, information architects, as well as brand and marketing experts. More information about Busse Design USA can be found at http://www.bussedesign.com.