In a pioneering effort to match the ambitious goals of the Wu Tsai Institute at Yale, a newly established research hub dedicated to exploring the intricacies of the human brain, our task was to create an equally ambitious digital presence. This project culminated in a state-of-the-art website that received critical acclaim and earned nominations for two prestigious Webbys: Best School/University Site and Best Mobile Visual Design - Aesthetic. Competing against heavyweights like Spotify’s Wrapped, the recognition highlighted our innovative approach and the stunning visual identity we crafted for the institute.

Client Satisfaction

The client’s satisfaction was paramount throughout the project, and their feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The institute’s leadership praised the website for its compelling design and effective communication of the institute’s cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approach. This high level of client satisfaction is a testament to a commitment to excellence and to understanding the unique needs and aspirations of the Wu Tsai Institute.

Creative Process and Challenges

Visual Design and Animation

Given the institute’s focus on a “big bet” on brain research, they desired a website that was as monumental as their mission. For the project, we engaged a talented animator Shira Inbar, previously noted for her work with the New York Times, to achieve this. This collaboration resulted in captivating animations adorning the homepage, setting a dynamic tone for the site and instantly engaging visitors.

Adapting to Challenges

The design phase presented unique challenges, mainly because the visual identity needed to be established well ahead of the site’s textual content. This was partly due to the institute’s director expecting a child and prioritizing establishing a robust visual identity early in the project. The delay in content readiness pushed our team to adapt and innovate, ensuring that the visual elements could stand alone as powerful representations of the institute’s brand until final content was integrated just weeks before the launch.

🔴🟡🟢Wu Tsai Institute profile exploration

🔴🟡🟢Wu Tsai Institute programs exploration

Conclusion

The Wu Tsai Institute website project was a testament to the ability to create visually stunning digital experiences and an example of how adaptive and client-focused design can lead to acclaimed results. Despite the challenges and high expectations, the project was a resounding success, laying a digital foundation reflecting the institute’s groundbreaking research and ambitious vision for more than a century.