SciOPS
Bilal Arshad Rana
Art Director
Brand Strategist
Web Designer
Adobe Photoshop
Figma
Science Opinion Panel Survey is a science communication platform developed by the to present the results of surveys conducted on today's most relevant science issues.
Changing the way scientific information is generated and shared
The client came to us looking to create a new kind of scientific database. One that wasn't locked behind a university email and took a PhD to understand. They wanted a site that made it easy to find out what the general scientific consensus is on current topics in science news.
Challenge
Design a database-style website that is as visually interesting as it is intellectually informative.
Our Role/Responsibilities
Art Direction
Identity, web, & infograph design
Animation
Client communication
Developer handoff
Gaining insight & empathy
Initial research was conducted on similar database websites to gain empathy for users and understand what type of structure, layout, and functionality is typical of that type of site. We wanted to identify what worked and what didn’t in order to design a better experience.
Database Analysis
We identified key elements where we could improve upon the design and functionality of a database style website.
Information Design Analysis
We also studied how other websites approached data heavy topics to determine how/if design treatment impacted our ability to understand the data being presented.
Site Map
We simplified the site's initial structure by combining similar information onto single pages and renamed menu items to make the navigation more intuitive.
Wireframes
We knew from our research that the survey overview and individual survey pages were where drop off could occur. We explored a variety of layouts for those two pages in wireframes to determine which type of layout would create an easy and engaging user experience.
Simplifying complexity
SciOPS design system aims to make complex information approachable and beautiful. This is achieved through the use of more humanistic elements, such as a serifed typeface and organic animated graphics that infuse the site with life and personality.
Logo
The SciOPS logo blends visuals from data and science to represent the vast amount of information collected to bring forth a unified consensus.
Typography
Two contrasting typefaces were chosen for both their aesthetic appeal and readability at small scales.
Color Palette
The color palette was derived from ASU’s secondary palette with the hues adjusted to reflect a more sophisticated approach.
Information Design
Design
For the infograph design, we decided to opt for a style that was minimal yet colorful. Oversized numbers were added to make the graphic quickly scannable.
Animated Icons
Three icons were designed and animated to visually represent the process that the SciOPS follows to collect, analyze and share their data.
Photography
A photo specific treatment was developed and used on key images throughout the site to create a distinct visual style for the site and darken images so that text could be added on top.
Data that's relevant and relatable
By focusing on the quality of information instead of the quantity and approaching the design and UX with careful consideration of the end user, we were able to design a website that makes discovering and understanding the scientific community's opinion on relevant issues a straightforward and engaging experience.
Home Page
Key Features
a “web of information” hints to the sites content and draws the user in through connected visuals
a navy background instills a feeling trust and intentionally deviates from the white backgrounds typically found on database websites
Imagery is treated to both pop and fade into the background to draw attention and create a distinct visual language throughout the site
Animated graphics add an additional layer of interest and visually communicate the copy they’re paired with
