International Intrigue is a global affairs newsletter written by former diplomats. As the publication grew, it needed a website and visual identity that matched the quality of its reporting. Refact partnered with the team to redesign the experience, sharpen the brand, and build a stronger foundation for audience growth.
Website Design
The new site was designed to make reading, browsing, and subscribing easier. We focused on a mobile-first experience, faster performance, and simpler navigation so visitors could move from headline to signup with less friction. The result was a cleaner publishing experience built for a growing media brand.
We also created a tailored onboarding flow for new subscribers. After signup, readers answer a short set of questions about their interests and background. That information helps segment the audience early, which supports more relevant newsletter delivery and a better first impression.
The archive experience was also improved. Readers can now browse recent articles by date and category, making the publication easier to explore over time. Search was upgraded with stronger filtering, so users can find the stories they want without digging through unrelated results.
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Visual Identity Design
Alongside the website, we developed a new visual identity for International Intrigue. That included a refreshed logo, a tighter color system, and graphic elements for its publishing channels.
The team wanted a look inspired by vintage newspapers, but without feeling dated. We started with a mood board based on journalism design from the early and mid-twentieth century. From there, we chose type, layout patterns, and brand elements that felt editorial and distinctive while still working well in a modern digital product.
beehiiv Integration
Refact also built a custom beehiiv integration to support newsletter operations. This setup made it easier to manage publishing from drafting through distribution, while keeping content and branding consistent across channels.
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Ongoing Support
After launch, we continued supporting the new website with updates, improvements, and new features. That ongoing work helps the platform stay stable, useful, and aligned with the company’s next stage of growth.
International Intrigue’s growth shows what can happen when strong editorial ideas are backed by the right product decisions. If you need a better publishing website, clearer brand direction, or a technical partner who can stay involved after launch, contact us.
