Helping unlock the value of science.

Creating an architecture that aids discovery.

Despite having an abundance of high-value research and resources, GNS Science content was spread across a vast digital ecosystem of disconnected digital platforms and subsites. This made it difficult for the user’s to find and understand key relationships between projects and the people responsible for them.

Additionally, the original information architecture and shallow navigation system did not support the density of content and had limited search functionality – making highly relevant content unfound and redundant to users.

To address these issues, a new architecture, navigation system and browsing experience was designed to radically improve discoverability, making research and other critical content more accessible and engaging.

Designing a layered content system that makes detail accessible.

A flexible, layered architecture now supports the diversity of users who have distinctive navigation requirements – whether they are explorative in their review, or require more direct routes to specific content, the design universally supports either mindset. The site structure caters for simple navigation in surfacing high-level scientific fields, yet also allows the user to simply move through deeper sources of content that unpacks distinctive scientific research, whilst holding the integrity of data and detail to standard.

Building content momentum throughout the experience.

To enrich the user experience, a global taxonomy was designed to encourage content momentum, where tagging allows effective discovery and surfacing of relevant content fields through a user’s journey.

Aligning science to expertise.

GNS scientists are globally regarded and their expertise is sought after internationally. It was important the site allowed for the clear attribution and connection of research to the scientists who conducted the work, ensuring that their credibility on an international level is profiled. 

Establishing content governance and efficiency.

Whilst a user-centered approach was adopted, a large part of humanising the digital experience was to ensure the solution worked for stakeholders within the organisation. With multiple content contributors within GNS Science, the new site had to accommodate this process and find an effective model to support this paradigm.

Stakeholders from across the organisation were brought into the design process early to understand their content requirements and processes. Taking this on board, the revised site structure has been designed with standardisation in mind, yet with a degree of flexibility to accommodate specifics where needed. Content components have a systemised structure for consistency, yet with enough depth to enable specific scientific detail to be appropriately presented without excessive constraint.

Re-imagining the value of science.

Recently launched, the new site helps users access immensely valuable content through a more immersive and engaging experience, drives efficiency within the organisation with regard to the development of content in a more consistent manner, and rightfully positions GNS Science as a global leader in its scientific fields of expertise.