The Brief
The National Oceanography Centre in Southampton approached us for a complete overhaul of their website, seeking a design and structure that would enable them to better communicate their crucial role in combating climate change. They wanted to balance two key user groups: the public, who are looking for accessible and engaging content to help in the fight against climate change, and politicians, who need expert, professional information to support further legislation. The challenge was to create a website that positioned the centre as a leader in oceanography—cool enough to inspire public action, yet authoritative enough to influence policymakers.
The Process
Key to the success of the National Oceanography Centre project was simplifying the menu structure to promote smoother navigation and easier access to content for both public and policymakers. Through multiple workshops with the NOC team in Southampton, we identified the needs of three key user groups—paddlers, swimmers, and divers—based on the level of detail they required. This insight led us to design a three-level menu structure that balanced easy access for surface-level users, paddlers, while allowing for deeper exploration for more knowledgeable and experienced users, divers.
The new structure was paired with a modern, dynamic aesthetic. Clever design elements, like a background gradient that darkens with depth, helped visually represent the varying levels of information available. Illustrations and pops of colour were incorporated to inject life and energy into what could have been a content-heavy site, ensuring the design was as engaging as it was functional for all user groups.
Throughout the project, I worked closely with the development team to ensure the website was pixel-perfect and reflected the modern, professional aesthetic outlined in the prototypes. Below are screenshots showcasing key elements of the site’s design and functionality, which is currently in Alpha testing phase, and is due to launch April 2025.
The Results
The project has passed user prototype testing with flying colours, receiving positive feedback from both public and professional users. Adhering to strict accessibility guidelines due to public funding, the platform ensures inclusive access for all users. We’ve developed a user-centric experience that promotes informative content, driving tangible results in public engagement and policymaker influence. All of this is encased in an industry-leading design, positioning the National Oceanography Centre as the go-to expert in the field, ready to lead the charge in oceanographic research and climate action.
