Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Modernizing
The Challenge
In 2018, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) approached us to help them modernize their annual reports. After 20+ years of printed reports, they knew it was time to go digital. Now an ongoing partnership, we initially provided guidance and support managing the transition and found creative ways to use their rich content, from long-form articles to amazing underwater photos, videos, charts, and graphs.
The Outcome
With the solid technology backbone we created, the MBARI team now creates their digital annual report without incurring large production costs. An interactive experience results in more engaged audiences and a larger spread of awareness of the good work being done in the Monterey Bay and other locations across the globe. We've now helped MBARI launch three reports, each featuring a unique interactive opener.
MBARI 2018 Annual Report Homepage
Designing a Flexible Framework
The website not only needed to be updated with new content and imagery, but MBARI also needed a brand new section that they were very excited about, showcasing new species. We upgraded the Content Management System (CMS) to make it easy to update content and upload new photos and videos to this new species section as well as individual articles.
An Immersive Experience
In its 32+ year history, MBARI has discovered hundreds of new species in the Monterey Bay. We designed a new section on the annual report page showcasing many of the species it's discovered since the last annual report was published. The user can hover over each species to learn a little more about them, or click into a pop up to view a video or additional imagery.
Improved Foundations
We also updated the infrastructure of the site to serve content faster and more reliably. This allows MBARI to efficiently compose articles and featured stories in a flexible way. Each of the articles require formatting and assets; pictures, graphics, videos, slideshows, pull quotes, and more. The result is a robust annual report with a vast collection of diverse and engaging stories.
MBARI Annual Report 2018 Interior Pages
The Print Companion
Not all of MBARI’s stakeholders that need access to the annual report prefer digital. We continue to make a print version of the annual report each year that is a shorter summary of what is available online. The two versions are complementary to each other and provide MBARI new and creative ways of showcasing their accomplishments digitally while maintaining the traditional printed form.
The book is printed on recycled paper and it’s smaller near square format gives it that tactile coffee table book feel. Content within the book directs readers to the site, for a more full experience.
Scope of Work
- Design Systems
- Brand Extension
- Integrated Digital Experience
- Full Service Web Development
- Vision & Roadmapping
- Information Architecture
- Content Strategy
Let's
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