/ Sandbox
Delightfully Simple Insurance
/ Overview
Sandbox, formerly known as Saskatchewan Mutual Insurance (SMI), is a 115-year-old insurance company based in Saskatchewan. In 2022, they connected with zu and shared a vision of a transformed organization, one that is physically available, digital-forward, and committed to meeting customers where they are.
/ Services
Strategy & Research
- UX Research & Engagement
- Digital Strategy & Transformation
- User Journey Mapping
- Brand Strategy
- Workshop Facilitation
- Design Thinking Training
Experience Design
- UX & UI Design
- Product Design
- Brand Design
- Information Architecture
- Design Systems
- Animation & Motion Design
Technology & Development
- Website Development
- Drupal CMS Development
- Broker Portal Development
- Claims Portal Development
- Technical Strategy
- Cloud Hosting Management
/ Outcomes
Customer satisfaction rating, up from 3.0
Claims portal adoption across customers
Increase in year over year growth since launch
Insurance Employer in Canada in 2023
Locations selling Sandbox products
/ Solutions
A Bold Brand
SMI started where many mature companies do when they are looking to transform their organization—with a rebrand. From their experience working with brokers and families across Canada, SMI knew their company needed an identity that was scalable and transcended borders boldly enough to signify change to unbothered, tech-savvy users, all while permeating a cultural change inside their own walls.
The reimagined Sandbox Brand is a reminder to rediscover creativity, play, experimentation, and how good it feels to get your hands dirty. The sandcastle logo and brand extension is a nod to SMI’s original logo, experience, and leadership in the insurance industry for the past century.
A ‘Phygital’ Shift
Transformation is more than skin-deep. We first dove into the technical and back-end systems to understand the current state of the website and how Sandbox employees, brokers, and policyholders interact with the organization.
Once a strong brand identity, principles, and creative direction were set, we focused on experience. Sandbox had two goals: create easy-to-use digital platforms and products that foster high-level self-service; and use clear coverage descriptions, simple navigation, and support to facilitate the insurance journey of both current and prospective customers.
From here, we designed and developed a website and claims portal. We also created supporting tools for employees, brokers, and policyholders to manage their insurance and stay informed about their claim status. We focused on meeting the needs of their current customers, while also making it easier for new customers to make confident, educated decisions on insurance purchasing.
And this is just the start; we’re looking forward to continuing to work with Sandbox to design solutions and reduce friction for users wherever possible.
