Building a Digital Hub to Accelerate Climate Research & Collaboration
Harvard University
Senior UX/UI Designer
2022
The Story
Harvard's Salata Institute set out to unite climate researchers, but its digital presence wasn’t telling that story. Research was scattered, navigation was clunky, and the urgency of its mission wasn’t coming through. They needed a platform that made climate science engaging, discoverable, and collaborative.
My Journey
I was the lead designer on a three-person team working under a creative director. While others explored visual direction, I defined the overall design style, font pairing, and UI language. I also became the architect of information, mapping how faculty profiles, research projects, and student resources could finally live together in one clear ecosystem.
I guided the design system and worked closely with developers to ensure the final site was consistent, adaptive, and complied with accessibility standards.
Challenge and Solution
The Institute had to feel like Harvard, but also carve out its own bold identity. The site needed to welcome diverse audiences - from students and faculty to policymakers and the public - without drowning them in academic complexity. We asked: What if finding climate research was as simple as browsing your favorite app? That question guided the process.
I built a modular design system that was elegant yet flexible, layering in Salata’s voice with subtle visual cues. Smart filtering and intuitive pathways made it possible to connect the right people with the right resources instantly.
What We Built
The new site launched as Harvard’s go-to climate hub. Faculty found research partners faster. Students discovered opportunities they never knew existed. Visitors could finally grasp the scope of Harvard’s climate work without getting lost. The site felt serious but also welcoming, an academic home with global reach.
Key Takeaways
The most powerful design decisions often happen behind the scenes. By focusing on information architecture, overall design language, and user flows, I created something simple on the surface but highly sophisticated underneath. This project showed me how confident, thoughtful design can amplify a mission and connect people working toward shared goals.
