Developed a portfolio website in Squarespace exhibiting research publications, consulting projects, media appearances, board positions, and online courses for Dr. Michael Platt, principal investigator for Platt Labs. I incorporated Platt Labs’ branding into the visual language of the website to emphasize cohesiveness across his different works.
Roles
UX Designer, Web Developer
Tools
Squarespace
Duration
10 months
Research
My research centered on understanding the portfolio websites of neuroscience researchers like Dr. Dan Ariely, Dr. Andrew Huberman, and Prof G and how they present their research and promote their courses and podcasts.
Implementation
Problems
What is the most streamlined way to organize the many decades of work, projects, and research?
How to incorporate the branding of Dr. Platt’s lab, Platt Lab, and neurotech company, Cogwear, into the visual language of the website?
How to optimize SEO so the website shows up on a Google search despite the number of other Michael Platts who have some public fame?
Solutions
After discussing with Dr. Platt, we determined that using the landing page to link to each page was the most effective way to introduce all of Platt’s work to the viewer. We decided to highlight his research, media consulting, teaching courses, speaking engagements, board positions, and business consulting because they are most relevant to Dr. Platt’s career.
The primary method I used was to incorporate a similar deep blue color palette to maintain consistency.
Fleshing out the website such as adding site titles, descriptions, location, custom domain, and connecting the site to Google Search Console to request an index was the most effective of methods of SEO optimization.
Next Steps
Potential Improvements
For my next project, I will better define the work flow. When working with busy clients, getting a meeting could take weeks, so receiving content like descriptions and pictures as well as revisions take a long time. Thus, asking for all the site’s content before the design or implementation stage is imperative to speed up the process as well as reduce necessary revisions.
For my next project, I will better define the work flow. When working with busy clients, getting a meeting could take weeks, so receiving content like descriptions and pictures as well as revisions take a long time. Thus, asking for all the site’s content before the design or implementation stage is imperative to speed up the process as well as reduce necessary revisions.
Lessons Learned
How to work with clients who are unfamiliar with web development and have busy schedules by clearly explaining my decisions and thought process.
How to maximize Squarespace’s tools to improve the design and features of a website.
How to optimize SEO for clients so their website can reach their audience and consumers.
