Building an Online Platform for High Intensity Laser Research by eDesign Interactive
eDesign Interactive built an online platform LaserNetUS which is a consortium of high-power laser facilities around North America.
About the Client
LaserNetUS is a consortium of high-power laser facilities around North America that are advancing the frontiers of laser-science research. With funding from the U.S Department of Energy, these 10 institutions foster collaboration among researchers and networks in order to deliver the next scientific breakthroughs.
The Opportunity
LaserNetUS is at the frontier of scientific discovery. Their role was to help establish the consortium as an international leader in high-intensity laser research through a new brand/logo redesign and website. eDesign Interactive focused on creating brand visuals and a web experience that resonates with LaserNetUS’s various audiences.
What eDesign Interactive Did
eDesign Interactive started the project by sketching ideas for the logo shape and brand identity that represented what they do. The consortium needed a modern and clean symbol that stands out. A beam ending in a burst of light integrated into a hexagon.
The hexagon represents a naturally forming shape in nature, and with the burst, this mark embodies the key identifying elements of the brand’s core values: scientific breakthrough, powerful state-of-the-art technology, access, and collaboration between research and industry.
The website redesign required a deep discovery phase, beginning with interviews of key representatives from each laser facility across North America.
The challenge here was organizing the available content into a clear and usable site architecture. For example, eDesign Interactive created an interactive map to help users locate a facility, while at the same time being able to click on each lab to review the technical capabilities and instruments of their laser.
LaserNetUS encourages students, researchers, and established scientists from diverse backgrounds to receive free access to the consortium’s wide range of capabilities. The submission guidelines and proposal process are a key component of the website and are something the site can dial-up or dial-down depending on the deadline and schedule each year.
The website also provides LaserNetUS with the ability to publish news, articles, publications, and awarded experiments via the robust resources section. Scientists can easily browse a large library of content curated from each facility.
How It Went
The homepage is dynamic and eye-catching. The design aims to highlight the innovative nature of high-intensity laser technology. The site is built to become a platform that connects the laser facilities with researchers looking for access to laser experiments, and industry representatives that can benefit from using the network.
It was a team effort to organize the vision and mission of the consortium into a design layout that is functional, but also visually stimulating.
One of the most mind-blowing applications of high-intensity lasers is to further the research infusion reaction. Harnessing quantum-enhanced fusion can lead to generating limitless clean energy for their planet. eDesign Interactive is so proud the consortium chose to work with eDesign on branding this fantastic mission and they look forward to a continued partnership.
Coming up soon, eDesign Interactive is looking to create 3D illustrations of each laser machine in the network and video tours accessible via the website.
About eDesign Interactive
eDesign Interactive‘s team strives to create emotional and meaningful stories, which in turn become fantastic digital experiences. eDesign Interactive merges innovative ideas with beautiful designs to reach the hearts and minds of your core audiences.
