Key Web & Design Elements |
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Caitlin M. Vander Weele, PhD
Founder & CEO
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The holiday season is here, and like many, I’m looking forward to spending quality time with friends and family (and tackling a couple boxes from our move a few months ago). As I reflect on this past year, I am so proud of our little company! Particularly the growth we’ve had within Web & Design. Our W&D team secured and executed an impressive 126 unique projects in 2024! In the spirit of holiday cheer, Stellate’s first newsletter shares a few design practices that we employ to bring our clients’ websites to the next level.
Before we dive into the details, I want to emphasize that having an online presence—ideally with a distinctive brand—is no longer a “nice to have”; it’s an absolute necessity. I recently shared a Nature editorial that underscores the importance of maintaining an informative and up-to-date lab website.
A well-crafted lab website:
👀 Provides a clear avenue for students, collaborators, and even journal editors to find you and your research
💗 Reflects your values and team dynamics—a crucial step in attracting and recruiting top talent!
🔬 Highlights new or in-progress research projects that may be missing from a publications list
📈 Enhances the visibility of your lab members, aiding in their professional development and connectivity
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Great websites do more than list details like projects, products, or funding opportunities—they tell a story. And thoughtful, yet simple, choices can make a big impact. Stellate’s web and design expert, Lily Campbell, is here to share a few “Dos and Don’ts” to help your website shine!
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Lily Campbell
Managing Director, Creative
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Hi! One of the things I love most about my job is helping bring our clients’ visions to life. There’s nothing better than sharing our work and hearing, “That’s exactly what I wanted”—cue the beaming smiles!
Here is my advice on how to create a compelling website:
🎨 DO embrace your personality and aesthetic preferences 🎨
Visiting your website should feel like visiting your lab or organization, and should be a reflection of who you are and the atmosphere you wish to create.
If your top priorities are inclusivity, mentorship, or community, try working with softer colors and shapes (see below for examples from our design studio).
If you want to create an environment that inspires or conveys high tech, try leaning into more intense colors and shapes (see recent examples below).
No matter which elements you choose, use them consistently across your pages to create a cohesive experience that will make a lasting impression!
📜 DON’T use long-form writing 📜
In an era where attention spans are short, concise copy is key to keeping your audience engaged. Clear and succinct messaging boosts engagement, enhances readability, and improves mobile user experience, ensuring visitors can quickly find the information they need.
🌐 DO consider accessibility 🌐
Designing a website that is accessible not only promotes inclusivity, but broadens your reach and ensures compliance with evolving legal standards. We recommend following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), testing color combinations for adequate contrast, and adding descriptive alt text to images.
From a cohesive brand to ensuring accessibility, intentional choices will elevate your organization's online presence. If you are interested in working with us, learn more or check out our new offering: ✨ Bench to Browser ✨, a comprehensive "DIY" website toolkit.
Wishing you a restful and happy holiday season,
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Caitlin M. Vander Weele, PhD
Founder & CEO
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Lily Campbell
Managing Director, Creative
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Stellate is a full-service communications firm for scientists, by scientists. We are strategic scientific partners to individual investigators, academic institutions, and science-driven organizations and nonprofits.
We offer tailored support including strategy, technical and grant writing, media relations, brand building, social media, website design, and more to help clients reach their professional and personal goals.